Algeria's dual deserts threaten life with their majestic ergs and deadly hamadas
- Algeria's Sahara consists of contrasting landscapes, including majestic sand dunes and treacherous stony regions.
- The region faces various challenges such as illegal trafficking and immigration issues, highlighting the dichotomy of life in the desert.
- Despite the dangers, the Sahara captivates tourists with its natural beauty and rich cultural traditions.
Algeria is home to the vast Saharan desert, which consists of two main types: ergs, known for their majestic dunes, and hamadas, which present an inhospitable basaltic terrain. Over three decades, the author visited the Sahara numerous times, enriching their understanding of this dual landscape. The fennec fox, a clever and adaptable animal, thrives in this environment, illustrating how local fauna have evolved to survive in challenging conditions. In addition to its natural allure, the Sahara has become a hub of illicit activities such as drug trafficking and smuggling, particularly involving illegal immigrants from neighboring Sahel countries like Niger and Mali. Amidst these challenges, the Tuareg people continue to share cultural traditions, while the night sky captivates foreign tourists with unparalleled stargazing opportunities. Such experiences highlight the duality of life in the Sahara, where beauty and peril coexist. The region's complexities underscore the tension between its natural marvels and the human activities that seek to exploit its resources.