Kalahari Desert

I stretch out like a giant, sandy blanket under a big, warm sun. My sand is the color of sunshine and yummy carrots, all red and golden. During the day, the sun warms me up, and at night, the stars twinkle in the big, dark sky. I am in a place called southern Africa, a big land far, far away. I am a very special place. I am the Kalahari Desert.

I am very, very old. I have been a big, dry place for more than 60,000 years. That is older than any grandpa or grandma. My oldest friends are the San people. They have lived with me for a very long time, for at least 20,000 years. They know all my secrets. I also have lots of animal neighbors who play on my sandy blanket. Funny meerkats pop their heads out of little holes to say hello. Tall giraffes with long, long necks reach up to nibble on my trees. And little foxes with big, big ears listen for tiny sounds in the quiet night.

Today, new friends come to visit me from all over the world. They like to see my red sand and my special animals. Some clever people come to learn about the plants that grow here and how my animal neighbors live. I love sharing my beauty with everyone. I have warm sand for your toes and a big sky full of sparkly stars. I am here to remind you that our world is full of wonder and amazing places to explore.