Egypt Desert Facts for Kids

Egypt is located in North East Africa and is subject to hot, dry climate conditions. The world's biggest hot desert, the Sahara, has a large presence in Egypt. More than 90% of Egypt is desert, the names of the main deserts include Blue Desert, Great Sand Sea, Libyan Desert, Sinai Desert, Eastern Desert (Arabian Desert), Qattara Depression, Wadi Al-Hitan and Wadi-El Natrun. Fortunately, the Nile River, the longest river in Africa, runs through Egypt and has formed and maintained fertile land since ancient times.

Factsmania has compiled printable Egypt Desert fact sheets including interesting facts for kids about Ancient Egypt, desert formation, the River Nile, history, wildlife, birds, plants, climate, temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, vegetation, size, location and desert names.

Interesting Egypt Desert Facts for Kids:- Our printable facts sheet about the Egypt Desert can be used by school kids and teachers for homework help or activity worksheets. Learn interesting facts about the deserts of Egypt: Did you know that the Egypt Desert is millions of years old? Did you know evidence suggests that ancient Egypt experienced a wetter climate than it does today? Did you know that the term 'desertification' can be defined as the process by which fertile land becomes desert? Did you know that the Egypt Desert land has many unique shapes which have formed naturally as they've been sculpted by the wind? Do you know what Egypt's main water source is?

Interesting Egypt Desert Facts for Kids:- Our free Egypt Desert Biome Facts for Kids are interesting and educational. Simple print out our facts to begin learning new and exciting information about the Egypt Desert including how it was formed, why it is important, why it is classed as a biome, how much of Egypt is desert land, where in Africa the country is located, what the climate conditions are like throughout the year, how high the temperature reaches, what vegetation grows in the Egypt Desert and what type of animals can survive its harsh temperatures, lack of vegetation and water?

Interesting Egypt Desert Facts for Kids

Egypt Desert Fact File for Kids:- Egypt Desert Names: Blue Desert, Great Sand Sea, Libyan Desert, Sinai Desert, Eastern Desert (Arabian), Qattara Depression, Wadi Al-Hitan and Wadi-El Natrun *** Continent: Africa *** Country: Egypt *** Climate and Weather Facts: Hot and arid ***

Interesting Facts for Kids 1:- What are the names of the deserts in Egypt?
Egypt is an African country comprising mostly of desert land. The names of the main deserts in Egypt are the Blue Desert, Great Sand Sea, Libyan Desert, Sinai Desert, Eastern Desert / Arabian, Qattara Depression, Wadi Al-Hitan and Wadi-El Natrun.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2:- Why is most of Egypt desert?
The Sahara Desert has a large occurrence in Egypt. It is the biggest hot desert in the world. Over 90% of Egypt's land is desert and is subject to a climate which can be described as hot and dry. The approximate size of Egypt is 1,001,449 sq km, and out of this huge area, only approximately 38,850 sq km is actually inhabited. This area comprises of the Nile Valley where almost the entire population reside. Due to Egypt's location on the latitude of the Earth, the dry air that descends and moves from west to east reaches Egypt with limited water reserve. Egypt typically receives little or no rainfall, and with continuous spells of rainless years, the country's landform is mainly desert.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3:- What is the temperature in the Egypt Deserts?
The Egypt Deserts experience two climatic variations; the winters are cold and summers are hot. The winter temperature can fall as low as 9 C, and the summer temperature can reach as high as 44 C. Both winter and summer climates can last for long periods.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4:- What is the climate of the Egypt Desert?
The climate of the Egypt Desert is hot, arid and harsh. The sun generally shines for most of the year and the country experiences very low rainfall. The sandstorms that occur in the desert are known locally as Khamsin. Sandstorms occur around 50 days of the year and typically begin in spring, from March through to May. Khamsin describes the hot southerly or south-easterly winds that bring along a temperature spike in Egypt and thus, increases the desert temperature. These winds can gain speed similar to gale winds.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5:- What animals live in the Egypt Deserts?
The Egypt Desert is home to many species of animals including the Fennec Fox, Sand Cat, Saw Scaled Viper, Desert hedgehog, domestic animals, Aoudad, Ibex, and many others. There are several domestic animals which can be found in the Egypt Desert such as goats, cows, buffalos, camels etc. The population of crocodiles has reduced to the Aswan High Dam area. Aoudad is a rare breed of bearded sheep and it is the largest wild animal found living in the Egypt Desert. There are many types of desert animals in this part of Africa such as the Nubian Ibex, hare, Jerboa and the Egyptian Jackal. Hyrax is a herbivorous mammal found living in the Sinai mountains. The Caffre Cat and the Ichneumon form the predatory mammals of the Egyptian Desert. The deserts are home to a wide variety of lizards, like the Monitor Lizard, as well as several species of snakes including two poisonous types of vipers. As in most deserts, scorpions and locusts are very common and can be found living in the sands of the Egypt Desert.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5:- What fish live in the River Nile?
There are over 100 fish species surviving in the Nile River which runs through desert lands of Egypt. The names of some of the common fish species found living in Nile River are the Nile Perch, Catfish and Tilapia.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5:- What birds live in the Egypt Deserts?
The Egypt Desert is home to over 200 migratory bird species and 150 native birds. The Hooded Crow and the Black Kite are the common birds found in this part of Africa. Lanner Falcon, Kestrel and the Golden Eagles are the carnivorous birds found living here.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6:- What is the main source of water for the Egypt Desert?
The main source of water for the Egypt Desert is the Nile river. This is the longest river in Africa and one of the two longest rivers in the world alongside the Amazon. The Nile River runs for about 6,700km, with 1,530km occurring in Egypt. Of the 69.7 BCM of annual water resource usage, 55.5 BCM is contributed by the Nile. There are dams and barriers built on the Nile and thus it ensures that the river supplies water to Egypt all through the year. There are several irrigation programs currently underway to preserve the River Nile as it is so important to Egypt. The Nile River is Egypt's main water source, it is vital to both the people and the land. The Nile River keeps the surrounding land fertile and has done so since ancient times. Underground water in the desert is also being exploited and used as a water source. This water is free from pollution and relied upon for potable water. Rainfall is not a reliable water source in Egypt which is another reason why the Nile River is so important. The agricultural waste water is also being treated to be used for the agriculture of crops and to maintain the fertile landscape.

Interesting Facts for Kids 7:- What plants grow in the Egypt Deserts?
Many species of plant life can be found growing in the Egypt Desert including trees, shrubs, cacti, herbs, reeds and grasses. Some of the most popular Egypt Desert plant names are Tamarisk, Acacia, and Markh. The area surrounding the River Nile is home to several species of plants. The ditches and canals house the common water plant Lotus. Papyrus was a popular plant grown during ancient times and is now confined to botanical gardens. Grass varieties like the Bamboo, Esparto etc. proliferate near the waters. Reeds like Spanish Reed and the common reed are found in the Lower Egypt valley. Date palm is the most popular plant form and can be found throughout the area. Of the native trees, the Phoenician Juniper is the only conifer species which is native among the several other cultivated kinds. Acacia, Eucalyptus and Sycamore are other types of plants commonly found in the deserts. The biome has become home to several plant imports like the Casuarina Trees, Jacaranda, Royal Poinciana and Lebbeck .

Interesting Facts for Kids 8:- Was Ancient Egypt a desert?
The ancient people divided Egypt based on its level of fertility as red land and black land. The term black land was used to refer to the fertile banks of the Nile River. This land was used for cultivation and the name black, derived from the presence of the black silt layer which made the land fertile. The red land was the barren desert, and even though it was desert land, the word desert was not used as the land provided the people of Egypt with precious metals and stones. Records show that Ancient Egypt didn't receive a lot of rain and people, therefore, had to rely on the Nile River. Fortunately, during ancient times, the Nile river flooded almost every year making the land more fertile every time.

Interesting Facts for Kids 9:-  What famous shapes are in the desert in Egypt?
The Farafra Oasis attracts many tourists who travel to see its unique formations and White desert. The landscape is white colored and there are several weird landforms which have formed as a result of harsh winds blowing in this area. The shapes change over time and take up shapes of monoliths, tents, and much more. It is a natural wonder and tourists visit every year to experience the stunning landscape and strange formations.

Interesting Facts for Kids 10:- How did the Egypt deserts form?
It is believed that the formation of the Egypt deserts began around 45 million years ago when the Earth's plates moved and caused the shift of the ancient river. This had led to the formation of the Mediterranean river basin and even the emergence of the River Nile and the Egyptian Desert. The paintings in the tombs of Egypt depict animals such as the giraffe, hippopotamus, ostriches and crocodiles. Such animals could only have survived a wetter climate than the current arid climate that Egypt experiences. Egyptian ancient petroglyphs (images formed by removing part of a rock surface) reveal a vast variety of animal species on ancient drawings. The fauna that can be recognized from the records, point towards an ecosystem more like current East Africa. The first settlement was formed around the basin of the Nile River in 5,000 BC. King Menes unified Upper and Lower Egypt in 3100 BC and was called Memphis by the Greeks.

Interesting Facts for Kids 11:- Egypt Desert Oasis?
The Siwa Oasis is one of the most popular Egyptian settlement locations, with a population of around 23,000 Berbers who are also known as the Siwi people. It formed part of ancient Libya and holds important historical significance being the home of an Oracle of Amon. Reaching the Siwa Oasis is rather cumbersome as it involves hours of travel across the Egypt Desert. The desert opens up at the Siwa Oasis with two lakes and springs. The area is dotted with date and fruit trees. There are visitors who travel across the desert to the Siwa Oasis for its therapeutic springs and mud bath. Names of other popular oases in Egypt include Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla and Kharga.

Interesting Facts for Kids 20:-  Egypt Desert Tours and Safari?
Millions of tourists visit Egypt every year to experience the stunning landscape and wildlife of the Egypt Desert on an organized, guided tour or safari. The trip can begin with a four wheel drive exploration team or even on mountain sand bikers. Those who desire a more natural experience can take a tour of the Egypt Desert on camel back. Oasis tours are also available which involve hours of travel across the desert to the Siwa Oasis where tourists can camp in the lap of nature with rejuvenation provided by the springs and mud bath. The white desert and the Great Sand Sea should not be missed as they provide some of the most stunning views and Egyptian splendor. Egypt is steeped in history and has many interesting landmarks for tourists to enjoy including the historic caves, pyramids and tombs.

Interesting Egypt Desert Facts for Kids