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The Sahara is the world's biggest hot desert (Antarctica is a larger desert, but is cold) and is situated in northern Africa. It extends from the Red Sea to the highlands of Ethiopia. However, the Sahara includes regions considerably different from a biological outlook. The surface of the desert ranges from large areas of sand dunes (which are called erg), to stone plateaus (hamadas), gravel plains (reg), dry valleys (wadis), and salt flats. The northern and southern margins also receive more rainfall and have greater vegetation than central Sahara.

The very sparse rain (less than 25 mm and even less than 5 mm per annum in the east) can fall in any season and in a very unbalanced way: some areas may receive no rain for years then suffer severe storms. Some areas include vast underground aquifers resulting in oases, while other regions severely lack water reserves. Some mountains (Ahaggar, Tassili N’Ajier, Tibesti, Aïr) also rise up in the desert and receive more rainfall and mostly present slightly cooler summer temperatures. For such reasons, the great Sahara may be divided in several ecoregions and each of them is separately described. Other ecoregions are the West Saharan montane xeric woodlands. A relatively convenient way to approach the scenery of the heart of the Sahara is through Morocco. From Marrakesh or Fez one climbs up over the High Atlas Mountains and thereupon enters the desert. Heading into the desert one notices the size of the boulders becomes increasingly smaller; to begin with they are massive.

As some of the miles go by the boulders become smaller and smaller until about fifty miles in they become sand. The roads become increasingly narrower until they are just paths between the gravel. Past traffic tends to wear the paths into a usual series of ruts, akin to a washboard, so travel is rough. This washboard effect coupled with the sand places considerable strain on vehicles. Taking considerable supplies of water is strictly necessary, along with shade, a local guide and a second vehicle for safety. One can also travel with a guide and dromedaries that are called camels in the Sahara. Scorpions traverse the sands at night so one should prevent them from entering open bags, shoes and the sleeping bag. There can also be snakes and jackals. It is not recommended to sleep close to small plants that might harbor snakes and insects. It is a great experience to sleep outside and to look at the sky and (falling) stars at night. Climbing the sand dunes to view the dawn is a breathtaking experience.