Top Desert Safari Destinations In The World

There’s nothing like looking at the vast expanse of sand, as far as the eye can see. But, deserts are more than simply a serene landscape of sand dunes. Each desert is different and plays host to a variety of ancient monuments and natural wonders.

Here are the top desert safari destinations you need to include in your itinerary on your next globe-trotting stint.

Tip: With so many locations and things to do on the list, there’s a high chance of missing out on something. Plan your entire itinerary in one place with the Digibank Travel Now . From flight bookings to travel insurance , you can handle everything from this single app.

1. The Arabian Desert

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Best Time to Visit: October to April

How to Get There: The nearest airport is Dubai International Airport. You can easily hire a cab from the airport (or anywhere in the city) to get to the desert.

Many of us have grown up with tales of the Arabian Nights. The Arabian Desert Safari in Dubai will bring back these stories with their majestic wonder. The Dubai Desert Safari offers something for everyone, no matter how you prefer to explore it. Watch splendid buildings disappear as equally impressive sand dunes appear during a ride in a hot air balloon — Pick-up the pace by going dune bashing on a 4×4 or sandboarding. Take a trip on the ship of the desert — a Camel. No Dubai Desert Safari is complete without attending a Tanoura or belly dancing show.

2. Thar Desert

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Best Time to Visit: October to March

How to Get There: The nearest railway station and (non-commercial) airport is in Jaisalmer. The closest commercial airport is in Jodhpur. Many buses, taxis and private vehicles are available to travel from both cities to the desert.

Known as the city of the Maharajas, expect a luxurious experience during a Thar Desert safari. Besides traditional desert activities like Quad biking and Camel safari, you can go camping under the stars over the vast sandy plains. Visit the nearby Desert National Park to witness the wild desert ecosystem in all its glory. Last but not least, if you’re visiting during February, don’t miss the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, an event that showcases the best of local traditions, culture and delicious cuisine.

3. Sahara Desert

Location: Cairo, Egypt

Best time to Visit: October to Early May

How to Get There: The nearest airport is in Cairo. The desert is a short drive from there.

The largest desert in the world is a must-visit if you’re interested in an Egypt Desert Safari. Luxury resorts give way to sculpted dunes that showcase the hidden gems (both human-made and natural) in the area. The Sahara Desert safari is a great way to explore Egypt. Witness the Golden mummies and impressive Saltwater Lake. Here, you’ll even find hot water springs to relax in. The desert also runs through the countries of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. It’s a great place to soak in the area’s culture through the cultural events and festivals held for tourists.

Tip: The Sahara Desert looks gorgeous under the stars. If you’re going to be camping out, remember to pack some warm clothes as the desert temperatures tend to plunge during the night.

4. Namib Desert

Location: Namibia, South Africa

Best time to Visit: March to May & August to October

How to Get There: The Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek is the nearest airport. You can rent a private vehicle from the airport and drive to the desert.

If you thought that an African safari only meant lush jungles teeming with wildlife, guess again. The Namibia Safari will introduce you to the apricot-coloured dunes of the world’s oldest desert. Highlights here include ancient rock paintings and the spectacular view. If you don’t want to miss the wild side of Africa, the nearby Namib-Naufluft National Park is home to Desert Elephants, Gazelles, Ostriches, Antelopes and more.

5. Hunder Sand Dunes

Location: Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India

Best time to Visit: May to October

How to Get There: The nearest airport is in Leh. The dunes are a few hours’ drive from the airport.

During your desert safari spree, cool off at the Hunder Sand Dunes. This is the coldest desert in India. The gorgeous silvery sands stretch out for miles with the backdrop of snow-capped peaks surrounding it. Here, you can travel on the double-humped Bactrian Camel. When here, don’t miss the Samstanling Monastery and Maitreya statue.

Tip: Due to the Hunder Sand Dunes location, it’s better to stay a while in Leh to get acclimatised to avoid altitude sickness.

Now that you’ve read this list, are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Which desert will be first on your travel list?

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