The largest desert in Africa is the Sahara Desert, encompassing much of North Africa. It spans approximately 9.2 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest hot deserts in the world. The Sahara is characterized by its vast stretches of sand dunes, gravel plains, and sparse vegetation. Despite its aridity, the desert is home to a variety of flora and fauna, adapted to survive in extreme conditions. The Sahara's climate varies across regions, with temperatures soaring during the day but dropping sharply at night. It plays a crucial role in regional climate patterns and is a significant geographic feature of the continent.