But the geological history of the region is quite different than its dusty, dry present.
One of a pair of caves, both contain abundant rock art created by ancient humans.
Animals such as giraffes frolic across the cave walls amid handprints purposefully left behind by the artists.
The swimming figures. (Photo: Roland Unger viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
Human figures appear, too.
Some are standing erect with articulated bodies matching true anatomy joint-by-joint.
One scene of human activity depicted in the cave is particularly intriguing.
Other figures within the cave. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0)
The scene features several human figures with lifted heads, stretched-out arms, and trailing thin legs.
The strange posture of the figures seems to be indicative of swimming.
But swimming in the Sahara?
Whatever the truth, the Cave of Swimmers is a fascinating example of a changing climate and Neolithic art.
Other figures within the cave.
