5 Best Desert Trekking Destinations

Deserts are amongst the best places in the world for adventure. From treks across incredible landscapes, to gazing at the stars on a pristinely clear ... Read more
5 Best Desert Trekking Destinations

Deserts are amongst the best places in the world for adventure. From treks across incredible landscapes, to gazing at the stars on a pristinely clear night. Typically people think of desert as vast emptiness, but if you delve into these out-of-this-world destinations, you'll discover dramatic mountain ranges, unique wildlife, ancient cultures, diverse multi-coloured landscapes and emerald natural pools, all topped off with some of the starriest skies you'll ever see.

We've compiled our top 5 desert trekking destinations:

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Jordan

When you hear the word desert, it's likely the dramatic Lawrence of Arabia landscapes of Jordan which first appear into your mind. Jordan's second jewel in its crown, after Petra, is the desert of Wadi Rum. It's a popular film location and known as the "Valley of the Moon".

Jordan's Wadi Rum is a surreal desert landscape characterized by towering sandstone and granite rock formations, narrow canyons, ancient petroglyphs and Jordan's highest peak; Jebel Um Adaami 1,832m. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers trekkers a journey through time, with traces of human activity dating back thousands of years.

All of our Jordan itineraries include time in the iconic Wadi Rum desert and are led by local Bedouins. They provide an immersive experience, allowing you to truly connect with life in the desert.

Morocco

Home to one of the greatest and most iconic deserts of them all, the Sahara. The Sahara boasts immense sand dunes, glowing sunrises and fiery sunsets. By night, it's one of the world's largest dark sky reserves, offering a stunning view of a star-filled sky like no other.

What makes this experience even more special are our guides—the local Berber people who have called this challenging landscape home for centuries. They will warmly welcome you and share their deep connection to the land. You'll immerse yourself in Morocco's rich culture by staying in Berber camps, visiting sacred shrines and learning how these resilient people have thrived in the desert.

When it comes to desert treks, few can compare to what Morocco has to offer.

Oman

We are one of the few companies that venture deep into this otherworldly landscape. Although more than 80% of Oman is covered in sand, this desert state is a hidden gem of the Middle East, boasting the majestic Al Hajar mountains, a rugged coastline, picturesque mountain villages and terraced fields.

Oman is an incredible adventure destination that remains largely unexplored. Guided by experienced Bedouins, you’ll trek through this breathtaking terrain, follow the renowned 'Balcony Trail,' camp under the stars in the desert and savour the rich flavours of traditional Omani cuisine. This is a journey few have experienced and one you’ll never forget.

Namibia

Located on the southern Atlantic coast of Africa, Namibia is home to the ancient Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts on Earth. Stretching along the country’s desolate Atlantic shoreline, the Namib is renowned for its towering dunes and stark, haunting beauty. The iconic Sossusvlei area, with its striking red sand dunes and white salt pans, stands as a symbol of this extraordinary landscape.

Despite its arid conditions, the Namib Desert is teeming with life. Elephants, oryx and lions roam its vast expanses, while the coastal strip is home to vibrant flamingo flocks and thriving seal colonies. You'll have the chance to witness these incredible sights firsthand on our Namibia safari tours.

Chile

Venture into Chile's Atacama Desert, often cited as the driest place on Earth and experience a landscape like no other. This 1,000 km-long plateau is a true wilderness, where salt flats, sand dunes, rocky peaks and active volcanoes create an otherworldly environment.

As you explore this stark yet stunning region, you'll encounter the majestic Licancabur volcano, a sacred mountain to the Atacameño people. The opportunity to summit Licancabur at 5,920m offers panoramic views over the Atacama's surreal landscape. From the flamingo-filled lagoons of Chaxa to the bubbling geysers of El Tatio, every step through the Atacama immerses you in its unique geological formations and rich cultural heritage, offering a diverse and visually stunning trekking experience.

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