EDITOR’S PICKS
STORIES FROM THE REMOTE
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Crossing Al Haruj, Africa’s Largest Volcanic Field
Right in the heart of the Libyan Sahara, the flat arid desert surface give way to Al Haruj, Africa’s largest volcanic field. Spanning an area the size of Switzerland, this pitch-black labyrinth of ancient lava is the ultimate frontier for extreme 4×4 navigation.
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The Forgotten Castles of the Garamantes
The forgotten castles of the Garamantes lie buried beneath the Libyan sand. This ancient Berber civilisation flourished in the Fezzan region, building fortified towns, trading extensively with the Roman Empire, and raising unique pyramids. Explore the history, the incredible foggara water systems, and the remote ruins of a lost Saharan empire.
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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 reveals a stark, otherworldly landscape shaped by a massive meteorite impact. Hiking across these rugged Saharan ridges offers a rare glimpse into Earth’s geological past, surrounded by the scale and silence of an extraordinary natural wonder.
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Fayaz Tepe, the Forgotten Buddhist Monastery of Uzbekistan
Explore the ancient ruins of Fayaz Tepe, a majestic 1st-century Buddhist monastery nestled in the historic oasis of Termez. Step back in time to discover the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Kushan Empire, and uncover how this sacred sanctuary flourished as a vital crossroads along Uzbekistan’s legendary Silk Road.
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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.
