Final answer:
Traders braved the Sahara's dangers for the lucrative trade opportunities it offered, especially for valuable commodities like salt and gold, which were transported across this vast desert thanks to innovations like the camel and the camel saddle.
Step-by-step explanation:
People braved the hazards of the desert to trade because the Sahara Desert was a bridge connecting different cultures and economies, offering substantial rewards for those willing to navigate its harsh conditions. Salt, a valuable and necessary commodity for healthy bodily functions and food preservation, was one of the central goods exchanged. It was transported from the Sahara to sub-Saharan Africa, where it was scarce.
The introduction of the camel, which could last days without water, and the camel saddle invented by the Tuareg, revolutionized transportation and enabled the opening of new trade routes. The Sahara also became a conduit for highly valuable goods such as gold and copper, creating a demand for other luxury items like ivory and ostrich feathers. Despite the risks of desert travel, including attacks and natural adversities, the potential economic benefits and goods, unavailable elsewhere, motivated traders to navigate these challenges.