Those who explore deserts know that there is more than meets the eye. What appears as an endless empty landscape richly holds an array of natural features and cultural treasures. In Mongolia the wind whips over the dunes of Khongoryn Els to make them sing; in India’s Thar Desert camels transport adventurers to deluxe desert camps set within a beautiful ecosystem; and in the dry-as-a-bone Atacama, birds bathe in turquoise lagoons and plants cling to the Mars-like landscape, sometimes bursting into a wondrous bloom. These are just a few reasons why deserts inspire our sense our wonder, and make us want to camp out under endless skies—just like the adventurers of old.
Check out our favorite desert trips here:
Atacama Desert, Argentina
The fabled Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert in the world! Be awed by the moon-like landscape of expansive salt flats and the nightly star-gazing experience. Stay at the boutique Tierra Atacama and explore the desert on a variety of fully guided activities, including a night at a luxury nomadic camp in the desert. Popular Trip: Discover the Atacama & Salta
Namib Desert, Namibia
In the Namib Desert’s Namib-Naukluft National Park you’ll find some of the highest frees-standing dunes in the world, including the impressive red sand dunes of Sossusvlei. See the soft dawn light accentuate their towering shapes on a magical morning excursion, and learn about the formation of the Namib Desert and its unique desert-adapted wildlife. Popular Trip: Ultimate Namibia Safari
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
The Gobi is an extreme land, but its remote and barren character gives the desert its high adventure appeal. Experience its golden dunes atop a Bactrian camel, take rewarding daily walks through taiga and steppe environments, and stay in a traditional ger (yurt)—getting a taste of friendly Mongolian culture. Popular Trip: Explore Mongolia
Sahara Desert, Morocco
The Sahara is well-known for being the largest hot desert in the world, spanning large parts of nearly a dozen countries. The landscape’s rocky plateaus are studded with some of the world’s most spectacular dunes—up to 600 feet high! On our Morocco tour we’ll explore the Sahara by camel and sleep under the stars on an ancient caravan route, as Berbers have done for thousands of years. Popular Trip: Morocco Camels & Casbahs Hiking
Mojave Desert, USA
Death Valley National Park is the largest outside Alaska and one of the hottest places in earth! Often thought of as a sweltering inferno, many are surprised to hear that the balmy fall weather is perfect exploring the unexpected diversity of this desert valley by foot. Visit salt flats 282 feet below sea level, navigate canyons, and see curious life forms like desert pupfish. Popular Trip: Call for Death Valley Custom Trips
Wahiba Sands, Oman
Oman’s Wahiba Sands is a vast sea of undulating red and white dunes rising up over the landscape. In fact, the ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight! After camel trekking, enjoy dinner under the stars at the delightful Desert Night Camp complete with large Bedouin-style individual tents—simply magical. Popular Trip: Call for Custom Oman Trips
Thar Desert, India
The Thar Desert or “The Great Indian Desert” is an adventurers dream with its vibrant mix of cultures and festivities, including the world-famous Pushkar Festival. Spot an array of wildlife, such as Indian gazelle and Indian fox, on desert safaris and enjoy nights in the comfort of deluxe tents. It’s the perfect way to experience Indian desert life! Popular Trip: Royal Rajasthan & the Pushkar Fair