When people think of deserts, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Sahara. In fact, the word sahara means “desert.”
The Sahara is the largest desert in the world – almost the size of the entire United States! This vast desert is not just covered in sand. It also has mountain ranges that rise to a height of 11,204 feet. Most of the landscape is gravelly plains and rocky plateaus. There are some green spots, like oases, which are places where underground water supports trees and human life. The farmland along the Nile River is another green area in the desert.
Camels came to the Sahara from the Middle East around the first century C.E. Long camel caravans crossed the desert from north to south, carrying cloth, glass, salt, and other products. From south to north, caravans brought gold, leather, pepper, cloth, kola nuts, and enslaved persons. Today, there are several desert highways. But camel caravans still cross the vast wasteland. One is about to leave! Hitch up one of these sturdy animals. Put a load of 350 pounds on its back. Bring along lots of water, and be sure to wear light clothes and cover your entire body. It’s very, very hot, and a person who isn’t prepared won’t last long!