Five of the Most Magical Desert Destinations on Earth

11 Sep 2023

For the more adventurous travellers among us, branching out away from the resorts and five-star hotels in locations like Los Angeles for a more memorable escapade abroad is a necessity. It enables them to feel alive and to experience something not many people in the world get to sample. One type of holiday that fits the bill in that respect is a desert adventure, with people embarking on treks and camping under the stars at night.

If you're a '90s kid, there's a good chance Namibia's famed Sossusvlei dune will remind you of *The Cell* with Jennifer Lopez © Bernd Dittrich / Unsplash

Of course, a holiday of this type probably isn’t for everyone but it has its merits, particularly if you’re keen to escape the winter temperatures and take in a completely unique environment. These same desert landscapes are featured in popular BBC documentaries like Planet Earth, they’re seen in movies like The Mummy, and they’re the setting of games like Desert Treasure slot by BGaming, a five-reel online slot that’s featured on a vast expanse of sand. It’s therefore entirely understandable as to why many holidaymakers would want to explore such an environment themselves.

Thankfully, this glorious planet of ours is filled with an abundance of excellent options in this area, with knowledgable locals capable of showing you around their desert home. It’s a truly amazing adventure to embark on. If you’re considering a desert escape, below is a brief look at five top desert destinations to consider.

Morocco

A country that immediately springs to mind when people think of desert-filled locations, Morocco is home to the immaculate Sahara Desert. Whether you’re camping under the stars or traversing through it, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget. You’ll experience the country’s rich culture, take in various holy shrines, witness the most beautiful dark skies at night, and be able to experience one of the world’s most famous landscapes.

Chile & Bolivia

A wonderful part of the world to visit anyway, particularly for food lovers, Chile and Bolivia are two destinations many people are desperate to explore. For travellers chasing a desert holiday, they’re also ideal locations to consider. Home to the world’s oldest desert, the Atacama, there is plenty to see and do in this fantastic area. The stargazing is unforgettable, you can meet and learn about the amazing Atacameno people, and the salt flats are capable of providing you with some seriously impressive pictures.

Jordan

Most people associate deserts with many of the popular cartoons they grew up with and various movies they’ve enjoyed over the years. Both the setting and the inspiration behind many popular productions, Jordan’s the desert of Wadi Rum is a wonderful desert destination to soak up. Home to stunningly beautiful red rock formations, gorgeous sandy landscapes, and the country’s tallest peak, the Jebel Um Adaami, it’s a location many travellers are keen to sample.

Namibia

Home to the Namib Desert, Namibia is mainly arid and provides the perfect destination for people who are wanting to experience desert life. Filled with towering orange sand dunes and local people to showcase the way they live, locations like Sossusvlei are worth looking into, particularly if you’re keen to take in some wildlife during your desert trip. Home to elephants and lions, a Namibian desert adventure is definitely worth considering.

The drive from Muscat to Sallalah is 1000km of mostly eerie desert landscapes © travellingcurmudgeon.com

Oman

A destination holidaymakers are discovering more and more these days, Oman is the perfect escape for people who are wanting to embark on a memorable escapade somewhere a little bit different. Packed full of glorious views and capable of providing you with some of the best mountain trekking you can do anywhere on Earth, this desert state offers a wonderful coastline, quaint villages, reliable sunshine, stunning mountains, and an extensive collection of amazing wildlife.

Dubai