When you think of deserts, do you think of the Sahara? Many people do, and, in fact, the word sahara means “desert.”
The Sahara is the largest desert in the world. It is almost as big as the entire United States! There is more than just sand in this desert. It has mountain ranges as high as 11,204 feet. Most of the landscape is rocky plains and plateaus. There are some green spots. Oases are places where trees grow and people live because of underground water. Another green area is the farmlands along the Nile River.
Camels came to the Sahara long ago. They were brought from the Middle East around the first century C.E. Long camel caravans crossed the desert from north to south. They carried cloth, glass, salt, and other things. From south to north, caravans brought gold, leather, pepper, cloth, kola nuts, and enslaved persons. Today, there are several desert highways. But caravans still cross the desert. One is leaving now! Hitch up one of these sturdy animals. Put a load of 350 pounds on its back. Bring lots of water. Wear light clothes that cover your body. It’s very, very hot, and a person who is not prepared will not last long!
