A cactus does not live in the desert because it likes the desert; it lives there because the desert has not killed it yet.” – HOPE JAHREN. The African continent is home to various stunning deserts, including the Sahara. A Desert is usually described as a land with heavy temperatures and receives significantly less rainfall. This causes the land to be arid. Read more about the top 23 deserts in Africa. Africa has a lot of beautiful and intriguing deserts. From the stark and majestic Namib to the sweeping sands of the Sahara, each desert is uniquely stunning, with its distinctive flora, fauna, and landscape features. Here, we are going for a virtual tour of some of the continent’s most fascinating deserts, showcasing their incredible natural beauty and exploring the fantastic wildlife that calls these harsh yet picturesque landscapes home. Given below are the 23 best deserts in Africa you shouldn’t miss in your life.
Let’s dive in!
The Best Deserts in Africa That You Must Visit
Kalahari Desert
Country – Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa
Temperature – 43–46 °C in summer
The Kalahari Desert occupies most of Botswana, parts of Namibia, and South Africa and is situated in the heart of South Africa, located between the Orange and Zambezi rivers. The surface area of the Kalahari desert is 360,000 square miles, and the type of desert is Subtropical. Kalahari desert is a unique desert in Africa also the largest desert in Africa. The population of the site is 930,000 square kilometers. The erosion of soft stone formations led to the development of wind-shaped sand mounds typical of the Kalahari environment. Since some scientists contend that the Kalahari Desert is not truly a desert, it is a subject of significant debate. This is because the Kalahari Desert receives more than 25 cm of rainfall annually in certain regions. As a result of this amount of rain, the Kalahari maintains a wide range of wildlife and vegetation. Acacia trees and various other plants and grasses comprise the local vegetation. The fruit Kiwano is also known as the African horned cucumber, melano, horned melon, and jelly melon. This desert is home to brown hyenas, lions, meerkats, antelopes, birds, and reptiles. The Okavango River, which flows across the Kalahari, also provides excellent access to water, which can be considered one of the reasons for its wildlife. Most of the desert is part of central Kalahari national park in Botswana. The best time to visit the desert is in the early summer months, between December and early January, known as the Green season. The accommodation options near the desert are Jansen Kalahari Guest Farm, Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch, and Kalahari Game Lodge.
Karoo Desert
Country – South Africa
Temperature – 104°F in the summer and sometimes reach 122°F
The Karoo Desert is a semi-desert area of South Africa that receives an average of 200 to 700 mm of rainfall. The enormous temperature range of the Karoo Desert, where it may turn extremely hot or freezing, is another distinctive feature. The area of the Karoo desert is 400,000 square kilometers. The surface area of the Karoo desert is 153,000 square miles, and the desert type is Semi. The desert stands out because of its unique topography, climate, and geology features. The region is divided into two- the Great Karoo in the north, which spans an area of 154440.863 square miles and is dominated by the Nuweweld Mountains, and the Little Karoo in the south are the two distinct sections that make up the Karoo. The desert comprises a huge volume of rocks produced geologically and spans two-thirds of South Africa, sometimes extending to 8,000 m below the surface. The region is also famous for its fossil discoveries; the first Karoo fossils were discovered in 1838 by Andrew Geddes Bain. The Karoo desert is home to various animals, including the mountain zebra, black rhino, caracal, antelopes, quagga, wildebeest, riverine rabbits, locusts, African wild dogs, lions, cheetah hyenas, jackals, ostriches, aardvark, bat-eared foxes, and leopards. The best time to visit the Karoo desert is autumn through winter to early summer; these are in the months of April to September. The accommodation options near Karoo desert are Mont d’Or Swartberg Hotel, Lord Milner Hotel, and Rakdakkie Guest Cottages.
Namib Desert
Country – Namibia
Temperature – 40°C (104°F) in summer
The Namib Desert has extremely high dunes, which are one of the largest in the world, stretching to over 300 meters high. This desert of Namib extends over 81,000 square kilometers to Southern Africa’s Atlantic coast into sections of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa before combining with the Kalahari Desert in the south. The Surface Area of the desert is 31,275 square miles, and the desert type is Cool Coastal. The Nama term “Namib” is a fitting name for this desert in southern Africa because it signifies “vast” in that language. The desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world, which goes back to 80 million years ago. The desert’s climate is arid due to the combination of dry winds from Namib and the Atlantic’s Benguela current. The famous Namib-naukluft National Park has enormous biodiversity and is in the Namib desert. Baboons, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, klipspringers, zebras, and wild desert horses live in the Namib Desert. The Welwitschia is one of its most unique shrub-like plants that only produce two long, strap-shaped leaves. They may live for more than a thousand years, according to estimates. Some people might be 2000 years or older. There are few rivers or streams since there is little rain; the existing ones often run underground. The best time to visit the Namib desert is July to October. The accommodation options near the Namib desert are Opuwo Country Lodge, Etotongwe Lodge, Sandcastle B&B, and Self-Catering Apartments.
Danakil Desert
Country – Ethiopia
Temperature – 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 Celsius)
The Desert of Danakil extends over various countries like Eritrea, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. The desert is one of the driest and hottest places in the world, stretching over 100,000 square kilometers. The desert is situated in the Afar region. The average annual rainfall recorded is 2.5 centimeters. The area of the desert is 136,956 square kilometers. The surface area of the desert is 52,900 square miles, and the desert type is Arid. The temperature of the place can get up to 50 degrees. The area is home to several volcanoes and volcanic lakes. Except for a few Afar people who mine Salt there, the Danakil Desert is almost entirely deserted. Nevertheless, a few species—including oryx, ostriches, vultures, and many bird species—endure the extreme temperatures and make the Danakil their home. The best time to visit the Danakil desert is between November and February. The accommodation options near the desert are Djibouti Palace Kempinski, city guest, and Sheraton Djibouti.
Eritrean Coastal Desert
Country – Djibouti Eritrea
Temperature – 40 °C (104 °F) to 46 °C (114.8 °F)
The Eritrean Coastal Desert stretches from Ras Bir, close to Obock in Djibouti, to Balfair Assoli in Eritrea along the southern Red Sea coast. An ecoregion known as the Eritrean Coastal Desert includes a stretch of terrain covered in sand and gravel along Eritrea’s southern coast and Djibouti’s Red Sea coast. The area supports grasses and plants that can withstand drought. The area is a crucial stopover for migrating birds, particularly raptors. Animals dwelling in the dry environment of the desert include sea turtles, Dorcas gazelles, Salt’s dik-diks, Ragazzi’s cylindrical skinks, Soemmerring gazelles, and others. The southern portion of Eritrea’s coast and Djibouti’s Red Sea coast comprises the Eritrean coastal desert ecoregion’s severe sand and gravel strip. The vast migration of raptors uses this coast as a route, which is significant from an ecological perspective. The best time to visit the Eritrean coastal desert is in September and October or March and April.
Guban Desert
Country – Somalia
Temperature – 45 °C (113 °F) in summer
The Guban Desert is located in North-West Somalia, a small coastal desert between the cities of Zeila and Berbera. The desert stretches over 7000 square kilometers. The Guban desert is a narrow burnt land. A network of sandy seasonal watercourses and plants are present in the hot, arid plain along the coast of the Gulf of Aden. The surface area of the desert is 2,702 square miles, and the desert type is Arid. The yearly rainfall in this coastal desert is just two inches and it is highly hot and humid. In the neighboring Galgodon Highlands, close to the Guban permanent wells, local tribes rear their camels and goats.
Grand Bara Desert
Country – Djibouti
Temperature – 32 to 41 °C or 90 to 106 °F during days
The Grand Bara Desert is located in southern Djibouti. It is an old dried-up lake bed. Bushes and trees cannot grow in this desert since it is entirely flat and infertile for life. The Grand Bara desert is a 130-square-kilometer-long desert. The surface area of the desert is 39.77 square miles, and the desert type is Arid and semi-desert. Huge sand plains that scarce desert plants only sometimes break up, and grasses make up this desert. However, only a few big animals, such as dik-diks and oryxes, have made the necessary adaptations to thrive in this area. The Grand Bara Desert is the host of the annual foreign legion run. The best time to visit the grand bara desert is from November to March. Grand Safari desert camp is an affordable accommodation option near the desert.
Chalbi Desert
Country – Kenya
Temperature – 109 F (43 C) to 115 F (46 C) degrees is the average temperature.
Chalbi desert is 100,000 square kilometers of desert situated to the East of Kenya’s Lake Turkana. It is one of the most popular deserts in Africa. Chalbi is the name that describes its environment as “bare and salty,” which essentially implies that. The Chalbi desert is one of the hottest and most arid places in the entire country of Kenya. A former river bed, the Chalbi Desert is adorned with various rocks and substantial clay deposits. The best time to visit the Chalbi desert is during the dry seasons, from July to October, and in January and February. The things you can do in the Chalbi desert are cultural tours, animal spotting, desert safari, and camel ride. The Chalbi Desert is a vast expanse of coarse sand dotted with enormous clay, ash-gray hills, and scattered groups of small dwellings. There are salt pans in the desert, which many pastoralists collect and use as an organic animal saltlick. The accommodation options near the desert are Kalacha Camp, Mrefu Lodge, and Malabo Resort.
Nyiri Desert
Country – Kenya
Temperature – Around 40°C in the daytime.
Between the regions of Amboseli, Nairobi national park, and Tsavo West, the nyiri desert is located in the southern part of Kenya. The desert of Nyiri is expanded over an area of 700 square kilometers. This desert is located in the Mount Kilimanjaro rain-shadow zone, which indicates that the mountain has pushed it to become a desert by obstructing all plant-growing, wet weather. The surface area of the Nyiri desert is 270 square miles, and the desert type is Arid. However, several sizable springs in the Nyiri Desert provide habitat for creatures, including elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, lions, and leopards. Depending on the springs’ water supply, select plant species, such as thorny trees, may also flourish there. The best time to visit the desert is during the dry seasons, from July to October and January to February. The accommodation options near the desert are Little Amanya Camp and Porini Camp.
Read more about safari animals here.
Lompoul Desert
Country – Senegal
Temperature – Average temperature of 32°C (90°F) and 35°C (96°F).
The smallest desert in Africa, only around an area of 18 square kilometers, the Lompoul desert is situated in the northwest region of Senegal between Dakar and Saint-Louis. The surface area of the Lompoul desert is 6.95 square miles, and the desert type is Arid. Every year, locals host the “Festival du Sahel” in the middle of the desert. Between the towns of Dakar and Saint-Louis, Senegal is where this little desert is situated. Each year, travelers flock to witness the enormous orange sand dunes that encircle this desert. The best time to visit the Lompoul desert is during the drier months, from January to June and October to December. The accommodations near the desert are Ecolodge de Lompoul, Horizons Lodges Lompoul, and Camp du Desert.
Sahara Desert
Country – Egypt, Algeria, Chad, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Sudan, Morocco, Western Sahara, Tunisia, and Nigeria
Temperature – Over 40 °C (104 °F)
In addition to being the biggest hot desert in the world, the Sahara is Africa’s largest desert. The surface area of the Sahara desert is 3.5 million square miles, and the desert type is Subtropical. In the summer, daily temperatures can go as high as 50 °C. The 12 nations of North Africa then experience this sweltering heat. The Sahara Desert is said that it formed 7 million years ago when the remnants of a large sea known as Tethys dried up. Unsurprisingly, a desert site is divided into several sections, including dunes, salt flats, rock plateaus, gravel plains, and arid valleys. The desert is constantly expanding and contracting in size.
The Sahara borders the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the transitional Sahel area to the south. The Sahara Desert is divided into several distinct zones, each with its climate, vegetation, and animals. As a result, the Sahara comprises various landscapes, including oases, grasslands, rocky plateaus, and volcanic mountains. Dunes, rock plateaus, gravel plains, salt flats, and arid valleys characterize the vast central portion of the Sahara. Because of its higher yearly rainfall, the South Saharan steppe area can support seasonal grasses and plants. The Sahara has seasonal rivers and streams in addition to the Nile River. Due to one of the toughest conditions on earth and low population density, the Sahara has few people living there. Less than one person per square mile, 2.5 million individuals are said to reside inside the 3.5 million square miles that make up the Sahara. Most of the local population resides in places with easy access to vegetation and water. Most of the Sahara is rather lifeless; there is little to no life there. But this desert is home to various animals, including gazelles, deer, wild asses, baboons, hyenas, jackals, sand foxes, and mongooses. The best time to visit the Sahara desert is spring or autumn. The accommodation options near the desert are Royal Atlas Hotel, La Fontaine du Desert, and Dar Roumza. The Sahara is the hottest desert in Africa.
Tenere Desert
Country – The Republic of Niger and the Republic of Chad.
Temperature – Average temperature is 35 °C (95 °F)
The Republic of Niger and the Republic of Chad share the desert area of Tenere, comprising a sizable sand plain in the south-central Sahara. The total area of this desert is around 400,000 square kilometers. The Touareg language, which translates to “desert” or “something like Sahara” in Arabic, gave this vast desert its name. The vast majority of the Ténéré Desert is a level basin that previously served as the base for the ancient Lake Chad. Even dinosaur remains have been discovered, with Sarcosuchus imperator, a crocodile-like animal, having the finest preservation. The best time to visit the desert is between November to March. The accommodation options near the Tenere desert are Kankou Koussi Hotel, Azalak Hotel, and Hotel Oasis.
Tanezrouft
Country – Algeria and northern Mali
Temperature – 40°C (104°F) during the day
Tanezrouft is a part of the Sahara in northern Mali and southern Algeria. The enormous desert of Tanezrouft is found in south Algeria. The vast expanses of dunes, rocky plateaus, and oases that make up its distinctive desert vistas make it so well-known. Numerous tourists are drawn to the Tanezrouft Desert’s untamed beauty and rocky landscape. Various cactus plants and fauna, including camels, goats, and foxes, may also be found in the region. Camel trekking, which enables tourists to experience the desert scenery distinctively, is one of the most well-liked activities in the Tanezrouft Desert. Other activities include stargazing, sandboarding, photography, and exploring the many rock formations and oases. The Tanezrouft Desert is the ideal destination for individuals who like calm and isolation to get away from the rush of daily life. The region is the perfect place for people who are interested in astronomy observation due to its lack of human disturbance, secluded position, and beautiful, black sky.
Read about Best places to visit in Africa HERE.
El Djouf
Country– Eastern Mauritania and Western Mali.
Temperature – 110s F (40s C) in summer
Southern Algeria’s interior has the enormous, sparsely inhabited El Djouf desert. The region is renowned for its rough dunes, dry sandy plains, and little vegetation. The region is well-liked by tourists looking for a secluded and genuine desert experience, and its lack of development makes it ideal for those who want to escape the stress of everyday life. A few traditional camps provide straightforward lodging and minimal facilities in the El Djouf desert, despite the absence of regular hotels or restaurants there. These settlements are typically found near oasis villages, home to camel breeders and other desert dwellers. Despite their simplicity and lack of contemporary conveniences, the camps provide a distinctive glimpse into desert life. Additionally, some camps include activities like sandboarding, camel trekking, and stargazing. Remember that the El Djouf desert is a distant and difficult location, and visitors should be ready for harsh circumstances. It is advised to travel with enough food, water, and other supplies, as well as the required safety gear and desert survival skills. A local guide or tour company with knowledge in the desert environment should also be hired, as navigating the area alone might be challenging.
Djurab Desert
Country – Northern Chad
Temperature – 50°C (122°F)
One of the earth’s driest and hottest settings may be found in the vast, dry Djurab Desert, located in northwest Niger. The desert is characterized by featureless plains spread for kilometers in all directions and desolate, reddish-orange sand dunes. Throughout the year, the area sees very high and low temperatures, with daytime highs frequently reaching 45°C (113°F) and overnight lows falling below 25°C (77°F) in the coldest months. In addition to being extremely dry, the desert barely gets a few millimeters of rain annually. Due to the lack of flora, living in the Djurab Desert necessitates intensive planning and specialized equipment. The best time to visit the desert of Djurab is the cooler months of October to March. The nearby accommodation options in the desert are Air Tighma Hotel, Azalai Hotel de Touat, and La Dune du Ténere.
Tin-Toumma Desert
Country – Niger
Temperature – 45°C (113°F) in daytime
The Ouarzazate area in southern Morocco is home to the sandy Tin-Toumma Desert. The Anti-Atlas Mountains to the south, the Saghro Mountains to the west, and the High Atlas Mountains to the north encircle it. The desert attracts adventurous travelers and film crews because of its enormous dunes and spectacular vistas. The Tin-Toumma Desert’s daily average temperature can exceed 45°C (113°F), making desert exploration difficult. The desert is also quite windy, which causes the sand to fly about, reducing sight and making breathing difficult. Visitors must carry their supplies because of the desert’s scarcity of flora and water resources. Despite these difficulties, the Tin-Toumma Desert has some interesting sights to see and activities to try, such as camel rides, sandboarding, and stargazing under the beautiful, starry skies at night. However, preparing for the harsh weather in advance is crucial because the desert may be dangerous without the correct information and tools. The accommodation options near the desert are Hotel Azalaï Ouarzazate, Hotel Kasbah Azrou N’Tiffert, and Hotel La Vallée.
Libyan Desert (Also Called Western Desert)
Country – Libya
Temperature – 50 °C (122 °F) in summer
The Libyan Desert, often called the Great Sand Sea or Western Desert, is a section of the Sahara Desert in Africa extending over southern Egypt, eastern Libya, and northwestern Sudan. In various areas of the desert, there are ridges and large depressions (basins), but no rivers or streams enter or exit the region. The Libyan desert, commonly called the Western Desert, is a sizable arid area in northwest Libya that spans more than 1.36 million square kilometers. One of Africa’s most extensive desert areas, it is notorious for its sandstorms, fierce winds, and scorching temperatures. Despite these hostile surroundings, various fauna may be found in the Libyan desert, including camels, gazelles, and wild canines. The ancient city of Garamantes, the town of Sabratha, which dates back to the Roman era, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gadamès are just a few of the world’s oldest and most remarkable archaeological monuments that can be found in the Libyan desert. Additionally, abundant in oil and gas, the desert is the site of several significant energy projects. The fundamentalist Islamic sect, the Senussis, lives in this desert, mainly made up of a sand and boulder plain. Numerous canyons cut across the surface were probably created by erosion brought on by periods of freezing and thawing. The best time to visit the desert is from October to March. The accommodations near the Libyan desert are Taziry Ecovillages Siwa, Lake House by Tunisia Green Resort, and Tzila Lodge.
White Desert
Country – Egypt
Temperature – Around 40 degrees in the summer season
West of the Nile River and extending east to the Libyan Desert is where the Western Desert of the Sahara is situated. Sudan and the Mediterranean Sea both border it on the other side. The White Desert has beautiful scenery, with white dunes extending as far as the eye can reach. The calcium carbonate that makes up the dunes gives the sand its dazzling white color. The White Desert offers three different ways for visitors to get around: on foot, via camel, or on a four-wheel drive safari. The Garden of Rocks, a collection of white limestone cliffs that resemble a giant mushroom, is one of the desert’s many breathtaking natural sights. A well-liked destination for photographers and adventurers is the Garden of Rocks. The famed Abuhotep Stele, carved into the rock and dating to the Fifth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, between 2500 and 2300 BCE, is one of the oldest carvings in the world, and it can be seen in the White Desert. One of the most significant archaeological finds in the area, the stele, represents the ancient Egyptian god Osiris. Some of Africa’s most remarkable formations may be seen in Egypt’s White Desert, part of the Western Desert. Overall, the White Desert is an extraordinary place that shouldn’t be missed since it is so stunningly gorgeous. Therefore, visitors should come prepared, mindful of nature, and eager to explore. Winter is the best time to visit the desert. The accommodation options near white desert are White Desert, White Desert Home, and Desert Safari Home.
Eastern Desert
Country– Egypt
Temperature – Average temperature is 27°C to 43°C inland.
With an area of over 2.5 million square kilometers and a length from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf, the Eastern Desert, also known as the Arabian Desert, is the world’s most significant desert region. With enormous dunes, rough mountains, and desolate salt flats, the Eastern Desert has a very diversified terrain. The Wadi Rum Canyon has magnificent dunes and towering rock formations. The Empty Quarter, a sizable erg-style desert with undulating dunes, is just two breathtaking natural wonders in the Eastern Desert. The Empty Quarter, a sizable erg-style desert with undulating dunes, is just two breathtaking natural wonders in the Eastern Desert. The best time to visit the Eastern desert is April, and the accommodation options nearby are Sindbad Club, Hurghada Long Beach Resort, and Bella Vista Resort Hurghada.
Nubian Desert
Country – Sudan
Temperature – Average temperature is 18.1 °C – 64.5 °F
Between the Red Sea and the River Nile in northeastern Sudan, the 154,440 square mile Nubian Desert is a vast region covered with rocks. The desert receives minimal rainfall, lacks any oasis, and is sparsely populated by Nubian nomads. The Nubian Desert deviates from the stereotype of a desert in that it is mainly made up of rocks atop a sandstone plateau rather than sand itself. However, dunes are scattered throughout. It contains multiple “wadis,” or seasonal rivers, that dry up well before reaching the River Nile since it receives fewer than five inches of rain annually. The best time to visit the Nubian desert is between April and September. The Pyramids of Meroe are located close to the River Nile bank on the Nubian desert’s borders. These pyramids are made of desert sandstone, with around 250 of them. They are the ancient burial grounds of the Kingdom of Kush (1000 BCE to 350 CE), built 800 years after the final, much more giant Egyptian pyramids. No hotels are located directly within the Nubian Desert, a remote and sparsely populated region. The nearest accommodation options are in the city of Aswan, which is located on the banks of the Nile.
Bayuda Desert
Country – Sudan
Temperature – 30 – 45°C+ during the day
Dunes and stony, dry terrain dominate the immense Bayuda Desert, which is located in central Sudan. The climate in the desert is harsh and unwelcoming, with little precipitation and very high temperatures. A salt plain and a rock structure known as “The Three Sisters” are just a few of the unusual geological characteristics found there, along with unique animals like the critically endangered Nubian ibex. The Bayuda Desert is a desolate and poorly inhabited area. Hence there are no hotels there. El Fasher and Al Dabbah, two neighboring towns, provide a variety of lodging choices. The gold mining of the Bayuda Desert occurs from October to March; this is the best time to visit the desert. Visitors should pack plenty of food, drink, sunscreen, and clothing suitable for the arid environment. The Dinder National Park, which is devoted to preserving the Nubian ibex and other animals, is one of several protected places that can be found in the desert.
Sinai Desert
Country – Egypt
Temperature – Average temperature is 22.96ºC or (73.33ºF)
Sinai, a peninsula that played a significant role in Ancient Egyptian culture, is the only region of Egypt to be classified as being on the Asian continent. The Sinai, a popular tourist destination, holds a wealth of knowledge about Ancient Egyptian culture. Sinai’s 60000 square km of land is a vast expanse of red desert, beautiful mountain formations, turquoise sea, and sand beaches. The Sinai Desert is known for its red dunes, rough rocks, and arid valleys. Due to its extensive history and cultural legacy, including the renowned Pharaonic temples of Abu Simbel and the ruins of Mount Sinai, one of the holiest places in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the Sinai Desert is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological locations in the world. Visitors visiting the Sinai Desert should be aware of their surroundings and ensure they have adequate food, drink, and proper clothes for the desert climate for their excursion. Visitors visiting the Sinai Desert should be aware of their surroundings and ensure they have adequate food, drink, and proper clothes for the desert climate for their excursion. The Wadi el-Natron salt flats, a breathtaking natural attraction, and the Mount Sinai National Park, which aims to safeguard the area’s natural and cultural legacy, are only two protected areas found in the desert. The best time to visit the Sinai desert is from mid-October—February. The accommodation options are Waves Naama Bay Hotel, Pickalbatros Aqua Park Sharm El Sheikh, and Steigenberger Alcazar.
Atlantic Coastal Desert
Country – Mauritania Western Sahara
Temperature – Maximum average temperature 27 °C (80.6 °F)
From Southern California to the Gulf of Mississippi, the Atlantic Coastal Desert is a sizable desert area that runs along the west coast of North America. Sand beaches, cliffs, dunes, a lack of flora, and severe weather patterns are characteristics of the desert. Despite its severe surroundings, the Atlantic Coastal Desert is a well-liked vacation spot, especially among surfers and beachgoers. The Cape Cod National Seashore, which is committed to protecting the region’s biological and cultural legacy, is one of several protected places that may be found in the desert. The best time to visit the desert is between November to February. The Atlantic Coastal Desert does not have any hotels inside its boundaries. However, there are several places to stay near the shore, including the well-known tourist sites of Provincetown and Salem.
Map of African Deserts
Things to pack on a desert safari
Going on a desert safari is different than a usual safari; here, you will deal with a lot more heat and sand, making your safari difficult. Given below are some desert safari essentials you need to carry:-
Sunglasses:– Try to choose a sunglass with the required amount of UV protection. The sun’s harsh rays can harm your eye at any time.
Sunscreen:- During the sand and heat of the sun, protecting your skin is your primary responsibility.
Hats and Lipblam:- To protect yourself from the sun, you will need a hat, and for hydrating the lips, lip balm is essential.
Binoculars:- Binoculars can help you spot wildlife in the middle. You will only get some animals in proximity to see. It will help you to spot desert foxes and jackals from a safe distance.
Water: The level of dehydration will be more than you expect; it’s essential to carry a water bottle with plenty of water.
First-aid kit: Desert safari may be a new experience for you. It can also be challenging. Packaging a first-aid kit with bandages, antihistamines, and any other medications you might need is always a good idea.
Read about what to pack on a safari HERE.
Activities to do in the desert
The deserts can be challenging and adventurous at the same time. While visiting a desert in Africa, you could participate in many activities. Some of the breathtaking activities you could do in a desert are:-
Camel ride:- Camel riding makes you feel like a movie, sitting on the top of these big desert animals. The time and trail of camel safaris differ from one to another as you choose. They vary from some hours to weeks. Camel rides will allow you to delve into the natural landscape, wildlife viewing, and a feasible method of traveling.
Quad biking:- Quad-biking is a sport that involves riding single-seater all-terrain vehicles with four wheels but is controlled like motorcycles. However, quad-biking is one of the most thrilling methods to reach truly inaccessible locations and can have a lower environmental impact than larger vehicles. The countries you can do quad biking in Africa are Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia.
Sandboarding:- Sandboarding, also known as sandboarding, is an exciting activity that means riding a board down dunes in a desert. These boards resemble snowboards and are made to glide over the sand dunes easily, enabling riders to accelerate and pull off tricks. Sandboarding is a well-liked pastime in various arid African regions, such as Namibia’s Namib Desert, Egypt’s Kharga Desert, and Algeria’s Ahaggar Mountains.
Wildlife spotting:- African deserts are home to a diverse range of creatures that have adapted to the harsh circumstances of the desert, making wildlife viewing there an exciting and intriguing experience. Oryx, jackals, cheetahs, foxes, and hyenas are frequently seen in African deserts.
Desert camping: – An unforgettable experience is desert camping in an African desert. Thanks to the clear skies and austere surroundings, you may have a vivid and immersive experience where you can fully connect with the natural world around you.
What to wear in the desert
Your comfort and safety must dress correctly for the desert. Extreme daytime and nighttime temperatures, as well as frequently high levels of exposure to the sun and wind, make the desert a challenging habitat. Following are the what to wear on the desert checklist:-
Wear breathable, lightweight clothing: Cotton is excellent because it wicks away sweat and lets your skin breathe. Avoid wearing synthetics like polyester or nylon, which can make you uncomfortable and perspiring.
Safeguard yourself against UV rays: In the desert, the sun’s rays may be exceedingly intense, and extended exposure can result in sunburn and skin deterioration. Wear long sleeves, carry lots of high-SPF sunscreens, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Put on appropriate footwear: With its uneven topography, jagged rocks, and loose sand, desert terrain may be very unpleasant. Wear supportive, cozy gear like hiking boots or sandals to protect your feet.
Warm layers: The nights in the desert can get very cold, so it’s essential to bring layering options, such as sweaters, coats, and thermals.
Animals to Look for in African Desert
An astonishing diversity of fauna may be found in Africa’s deserts, including some species adapted to the severe desert climate. Listed below are some animals you could be fortunate enough to see:
Oryx: The oryx is a stunning antelope with long, straight horns and a sleek body. It is among the swiftest creatures in Africa and can run up to 50 mph.
Cheetah: Known for its distinguishing black spots and remarkable characteristics, the cheetah is one of the fastest terrestrial animals in the world. It is an expert in stealth and pursuit hunting and can go up to 70 mph.
Hyenas: Although these solid and intelligent creatures may be found across Africa, deserts are where you’ll most often see them. They have distinctively spotted coats and long, muscular bodies. Their laugh-like cry may be heard for kilometers.
Jackals: Hyena cousins, jackals are a smaller, more cautious species that reside in family groupings. It is recognized for its characteristic yipping sound and has a large nose and long, pointed ears.
Ostrich: The ostrich is a robust, intimidating bird with a unique neck and long legs. It is a fearsome predator due to its high running speed of up to 43 mph and acute hearing and eyesight senses.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
Q1. What is the largest and smallest desert in Africa?
The largest desert in Africa is the famous Sahara desert which stretches over 9.2 million square kilometers across 12 countries. The smallest desert in Africa is the Red Desert, with only 200 meters in diameter and situated in the KwaZulu-Natal south coast region of Africa.
Q2. Which is the largest sand desert in Africa?
The biggest sand desert in Africa is the Kalahari Desert. It is a region in Southern Africa that includes portions of Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. This region is renowned for its distinctive landscapes and animal life, which include the recognizable hyena and the magnificent lion.
Q3. What is the total number of deserts in Africa?
The total number of deserts in Africa is nine. It is generally agreed on this number. They are numerous others that are spilled from the essential nine. They are Sahara Desert, Kalahari Desert, Karoo Desert, Danakil Desert, Chalbi Desert, Namib Desert, and Guban Desert.
Q4. Which desert is known as the oldest desert in the world?
The oldest desert in the world is the Namib Desert in Southern Africa, which is believed to have formed around 80 million years ago. The Namib Desert is known for its stunning dunes, unique fauna, and exceptional geological formations.
Q5. How many deserts are there in South Africa?
South Africa has three deserts: the Namib Desert, the Kalahari Desert, and the Karoo Desert.
Q6. What is a Desert?
A desert is a dry, desolate region with little vegetation, high temperatures, and little rainfall. Every continent has these severe conditions, frequently characterized by dunes, dry lakes, and rocky outcrops. Based on how much precipitation they receive annually, deserts are categorized. They can be either warm deserts with little or no rain or cold deserts with sporadic rainfall. Despite the severe environment, many deserts are rich in biodiversity and are home to various unusual and intriguing species, including plants, animals, and insects. Overall, deserts are an extraordinary and fascinating natural settings full of mystery, and exploring them may be a memorable and rewarding experience.