Much of the country – around four-fifths – is consumed by the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world and a startling, barren wilderness of volcanic massifs, gravel plains and great ergs, or shifting "sand seas". One of the largest of these is the Grand Erg Occidental (pictured), whose seemingly endless expanse of windswept sand dunes covers an area twice the size of Belgium. Right here you will have the opportunity to race.
The town of Taghit, it’s just a short walk to the desert dunes, whose tall faces flank the eastern edge of the city. Making the ascent to the top of the highest dune (about 600 feet tall) is a must for any visitor. From there, one can watch the sun slowly set over the city or turn around to gaze at the sea of rolling dunes that fade into the distance.
Carved wooden doorways dot the mud-brick passageways, revealing a small scattering of shops and guesthouses opened by local entrepreneurs. One vendor sells vivid paintings and a large variety of drums, guitars, and Arabian ouds – all handmade.