EDITOR’S PICKS
STORIES FROM THE REMOTE
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Waw an Namus: the Volcanic Mole of the Sahara
Deep in the Sahara of Libya, Waw an Namus, the volcanic “mole” rises as a dark caldera with lakes and pockets of vegetation, a rare oasis in an arid desert. A geological and ecological marvel, it redefines the Sahara’s landscape.
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The Eye of the Sahara: the Geology of Guelb er Richat
The Eye of the Sahara, or Guelb er Richat, is a massive eroded geological dome in the Sahara Desert. Once misinterpreted as an impact crater, modern geology reveals its formation through uplift and erosion over millions of years, exposing concentric rings of sedimentary and igneous rock.
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Climbing Ben Amera: Conquering the Tallest Monolith in the Sahara
Climbing Ben Amera, the Sahara’s second tallest granite monolith at 560 meters, was an unforgettable adventure. Rising abruptly from Mauritania’s desert plains, the monolith challenges with steep granite faces, slabby pitches, and wind‑battered ridges.
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Tenoumer Ridge Traverse: Hiking the Sahara’s Meteorite Crater
Traversing the Tenoumer Crater Ridge, deep in the Sahara, reveals a stark and otherworldly landscape shaped by a massive meteorite impact. Hiking across the rugged ridges and vast desert plains offers a rare glimpse into the planet’s geological past, where every step uncovers the scale and silence of this extraordinary natural wonder.
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Fayaz Tepe, the Forgotten Buddhist Monastery of Uzbekistan
Fayaz Tepe, a 1st-century Buddhist monastery near Termez, Uzbekistan, flourished along the Silk Road as a vibrant center of spirituality and learning. Its well-preserved ruins showcase remarkable architecture and intricate artworks, reflecting the cultural fusion of the Kushan Empire. Visiting Fayaz Tepe offers a window into the religious, artistic, and historical exchanges that shaped Central Asia, revealing the enduring legacy of a site where diverse cultures and ideas once converged.
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Matmata, the last Nile Crocodiles of the Sahara
Matmata, a remote guelta, is home to the last Nile Crocodiles of the Sahara. Discover how these ancient reptiles endure in the desert’s hidden oases, providing a rare glimpse into the Sahara’s once-lush, thriving past.
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Kyzylkum Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm of Uzbekistan
Explore the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm in Uzbekistan, where timeless treasures reveal the rich history and stunning architecture of this hidden gem in the Kyzylkum Desert.
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Akreijit and the Neolithic Society of Dhar Tichitt
Akreijit, in Mauritania’s Dhar Tichitt region, is a 4,000-year-old Neolithic settlement. Perched on sandstone cliffs, it features stone enclosures, tools, pottery, and rock art. The site reveals how ancient communities thrived in the Sahara, leaving a lasting legacy of adaptation, ingenuity, and resilience.
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Ain Eddban, the misterious salt lakes in the Sahara
Ain Eddban, the mysterious salt lakes of the Sahara, includes Mujzem Lake, locally known as the “Eye of the Fly,” located about 50 km from Ghadames in northwestern Libya. These striking lakes reflect the harsh desert sky, creating a surreal landscape that highlights the beauty and isolation of this remote region.
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Ghadames, the perfect Caravan Town of the Sahara
Ghadames, the “Pearl of the Sahara,” is a remarkable caravan town in Libya where history comes alive. Its ancient streets, traditional mud-brick houses, and intricate architecture reveal centuries of desert life and culture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ghadames offers a rare glimpse into a community that has preserved its unique traditions, making it one of the Sahara’s most fascinating and enduring settlements.
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Germa, the capital of the Garamantes Kingdom of the Sahara
Germa, the capital of the Garamantes Kingdom, was a thriving center of an ancient civilization in the Fezzan region of the Sahara Desert, in present-day Libya. This remarkable kingdom built advanced settlements, trade routes, and irrigation, leaving behind ruins that reveal the ingenuity and resilience of a people who mastered life in the harsh desert.
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Ubari Lakes, Libya’s fascinating Desert Oases in the Sahara
Ubari Lakes, the fascinating desert oases of Libya, reveal shimmering waters surrounded by majestic dunes. Explore this hidden gem of the Sahara, where tranquil lagoons and striking landscapes create a surreal and unforgettable experience in one of the most remote and beautiful corners of the desert.
