One of the most awaited Malayalam movies has just been released, and the cinema world is buzzing with excitement. 

Goat Life, or Aadujeevitham, is a true story of desert survival and resilience endured by a man named Najeeb. But how much do you know about the deserts around the world? Let’s find out!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

This vast expanse was used to capture a fragment of what Najeeb went through. Wadi Rum beckons travellers with its mesmerizing allure and rich tapestry of history and nature. Spanning over 280 square miles, this ethereal valley, aptly named the “Valley of the Moon,” is a testament to the marvels of geological evolution.

From the grandeur of Lawrence of Arabia to the otherworldly landscapes of The Martian and Dune, this desert realm has captured the imagination of filmmakers seeking Mars-like vistas.

Wadi Rum is a cradle of civilization, harbouring ancient rock carvings and inscriptions dating back centuries. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its significance as a living testament to human history and evolution.

While the summer sun beats down mercilessly, with temperatures soaring up to 50°C, Wadi Rum’s unique ecosystem has adapted to thrive. Protected since 1998, this oasis in the desert is home to rare species like the Nubian ibex and Arabian oryx.

As night falls, Wadi Rum transforms into an enchanting realm for stargazers, offering unobstructed views of the cosmos. And what better way to explore this celestial haven than a camel ride? This timeless experience draws travellers seeking authentic desert adventures.

Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali)

The legendary Empty Quarter, also known as the Rub’ al Khali, is a vast expanse of mesmerizing beauty and endless sands. It’s a living tapestry of history, ecology, and geological marvels.

Spanning an astonishing 650,000 square kilometres, the Empty Quarter dwarfs nations and challenges our perceptions of space. Imagine a landscape larger than France, half the size of the Sahara, or engulfing your entire state. It’s a realm where nature reigns supreme, shaping dunes that whisper tales of ancient trade routes and geological epochs.

From drought-resistant shrubs to resilient animals like sand cats and gazelles, survival here is a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptation.

But beyond its arid facade lies a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be unravelled. Ancient wadis hint at a wetter past, while volcanic formations like the Massif al-Uwayrid offer glimpses into the desert’s geological evolution. It’s a land of extremes, where scorching temperatures of 50°C (122°F) and minimal rainfall of 25 millimetres (1 inch) sculpt a rugged yet awe-inspiring terrain.

The Empty Quarter’s allure extends beyond its physicality; it is steeped in history and exploration. From ancient trade routes that connected civilizations to modern-day archaeological digs unearthing lost settlements, the desert holds stories etched in sand and stone.

Sahara Desert

When we think of deserts, our minds often wander to the expansive sands of the Sahara, often mistakenly believed to be the world’s largest desert. However, the Sahara is not just a sea of sand but a dynamic landscape filled with wonders waiting to be explored.

Spanning a staggering 8,600,000 square kilometers, the Sahara is indeed massive, covering 11 countries in North Africa. Its name, derived from the Arabic word ‘sahra,’ meaning desert, is a testament to its vastness and arid beauty.

Contrary to popular belief, only about 25% of the Sahara is covered by sand dunes. The rest comprises diverse terrain such as salt flats, gravel plains, plateaus, and even mountains like the towering Mount Koussi in Chad, standing proud at 3,415 meters.

The Sahara’s climate is as extreme as its landscapes, with scorching summer temperatures averaging between 38-46°C. Yet, life thrives in this harsh environment, showcasing the resilience of desert-adapted wildlife, including cheetahs, gazelles, ostriches, and the iconic Fennec fox.

Beyond its natural wonders, the Sahara holds historical significance as well. Ancient trade routes once crisscrossed this desert, facilitating the exchange of goods like copper, salt, and gold via camel caravans numbering in the thousands.

Today, over 2.5 million people call the Sahara home, with a lifestyle deeply rooted in nomadic traditions or settled communities near vital water sources.

Desert survival may not be everyone’s fate. Still, it’s clear that these arid landscapes are not just barren wastelands but vibrant ecosystems teeming with life and history, inviting us to explore and appreciate the wonders of our planet’s diverse environments.