Sahara: the panorama of the biggest sandbox in the world

 Sahara - the largest desert in the world, located in the north of the African continent. Sahara into a desert of about 5 million years ago. 

 Most of Algeria is closed to tourists. Apart from the capital of the state, the coastal areas and several cities for tourists open Tadrart region, located on the border with Libya and Niger (the south-eastern part of Algeria). How to get, you ask. Before answering this question, I must make a digression ...

 The fact that the Sahara Desert - is not only sand. Somewhere is the old mountains, somewhere in this stony desert, somewhere in the sand, and somewhere - small oases. In one of these oases in the south-eastern part of Algeria is Janet town, which even has its own airport. Algeria (the so-called capital of Algeria) in 737 Janet flying the national airline. Flight time - 2.5 hours. Yes, Algeria - the country is large. 

 Upon arrival in Algeria, and walk around the city late at night we fly to Janet. An important feature: Janet - this is not the end point of the plane sequence. It flies farther in Tamanrasset, that in the south of Algeria, and then returned to the capital. The next day, the aircraft will fly in the opposite direction. 

 Water each took as much as he needs (I started with 3 liters a day, but it was not even a lot), had stored food our chef (yes, we went with the chef Tuareg!), And the fuel is poured into everything that can be off-road drivers. In addition to all this divine fresh figs, oranges, apples and a bit of hot pepper - and "Nigel!" (In the Tuareg, analogue "to horse!").  

 You ask how we were guided in the desert? I - no way. Tuareg - about the same as you are in your neighborhood. These people know the desert better than Muscovites Moscow. They even know where to get water in the desert! However, it is best used only for washing dishes. Each large dune in the Tuareg has its own name. For example, the first stop we did in the dunes of El Birch, which is the third panorama. Clickable: 

  It should be noted that the military checkpoint brought us a lot of problems. Firstly, our whole route, thoughtful advance, flying ... well, you know where in such situations that the flies)) Second, we have just crossed with great difficulty for the high dune. And if the first meant that we have to improvise and look for a good point to take pictures, then the second ... Oh ... In any dunes by and large there are two sides: thick sloping, rammed wind and steep loose. It is clear that for a shallow and dense ride much easier.So it is for her and we crossed over the dune. U-turn at the checkpoint means that we must somehow storm the same dune steep and loose side. And yes, "The Swan" here there is nothing. So we get down wheel, unload anything that can walk by itself, accelerates and describing zig-zagi on a steep slope, trying to climb up. Another important detail: if you're a couple of times could not call on you liked the site, then look for a new - are you well ... as if it mildly ... made ​​unfit for further attempts.

 Sahara constantly blowing wind. This means that the air is constantly eat sand. Half an hour later he was in the shoes through the half it in your mouth and the nose, the day it is impossible to comb the hair, it is two in all pockets, bags, three he, sorry, in his underpants. Photo equipment should be protected from the first minute, otherwise all lenses are crisp, and the matrix is to embody the same dune that inside the camera. 

  Place for the night was chosen so that a number were interesting shapes and dunes for the evening and the morning shooting. At the same time, we always came only from the shooting with the sun side, so the point for sunset / sunrise clouds each time had to come up with "on the fly". It would look like the Sahara for the mountain range along which we were traveling. Somewhere there is Libya . 

 Salam said the case is during one of the trips was a sandstorm. All fled in tents. When the storm was over, it turned out that the tent and all the things and the car was covered by about 20 centimeters. Speaking of tents. As you can imagine, it is necessary to take special precautions to avoid being blown away. No stakes, of course, does not help. Only stones. No stones? Vaughn pickaxe, and over the rock! 

 

 No, this is not a desert nomad. So you will not get far. This is our driver who went to pray. . In some Tuareg cross between Islam and paganism 

 Our camp near El Birch dune at sunset on the last night of our trip at the Sands. While we were shooting, who razbredyas where the cook has prepared us a hot dinner. 

 In the Sahara rapidly darkens. But because of the absence of any stray light clearly visible stars, which light enough to distinguish some silhouettes. And if also a full moon in the sky, all the objects cast distinct shadows ...