Archeologists have studied the remains of large populations that formerly lived comfortably all over the ancient Sahara region. They believe it was once filled with low grass valleys, trees, shrubs, rivers, lakes, and swamps. Today, however, that is not the case. Although Timbuktu has been a highly romanticized city, it actually lies in one of the world's most desolate regions. The entire Sahara region is very hot in the summer, reaching temperatures of 130 F. Violent winds are also very common and add to the discomfort of the climate.
Sandstorms do much more damage than rain and are much more feared.
Traveling is extremely hard under such conditions and most people spend the day in the shade of rocks and trees, sleeping and drinking water. Rain in the Sahara is irregular, and in some places it has not rained in six years. The Tamasheq, like other Tuareg, have a highly complex social structure. In the past, each of the noble tribes and their servants formed a political unit under a chief. The chief's authority was symbolized by a drum.