Best Desert Destinations in the World (Not Just Dubai!)

Dubai is the first place that comes to mind for most people when they think of deserts. It has luxury safaris, golden dunes and a dazzling metropolitan skyline nearby. But the truth is that there are just as many interesting deserts around the world, some of which are unspoiled some of which are magical and some of which even have snow-capped peaks next to hot sands.

Deserts are no longer just “empty lands.” They are adventure playgrounds, cultural riches and places where you can take beautiful pictures. You should add these amazing desert destinations to your bucket list before 2030, whether you want to stay in a luxurious tented camp under the stars or go dune-bashing on golden dunes.

Let’s look at 10 amazing desert places around the world that will surprise you even more than Dubai.

1. The Sahara Desert (Morocco)

Morocco is one of the easiest places to go to the Sahara which is the biggest hot desert in the world. This is great for people who want to see movie-like scenary while they travel. There are sweeping golden dunes, camel caravans, Berber music and magnificent sunsets.

• A camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes 
• Stay in luxury desert campgrounds for a night and enjoy Moroccan food.
• Riding a sandboard on big dunes.
• The best time to visit is between October and April when the weather is cooler.
• Budget tours from Marrakech that last one night start at about $100.
• Always wear layers because deserts get cold at night.

2. Atacama Desert (Chile)

Chile’s Atacama Desert is known for being the driest desert in the world, but it also has geysers, salt flats and starry nights. For people who want to go on adventures and look at strange landscapes and stars this place has some of the clearest skies on Earth.

• Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) has a landscape that looks like it came from Mars.
• Flamingos in the Chaxa Lagoon.
• Plan on spending $60 to $100 a day on trips.
• March to November is the best time of year.
• The main base town is San Pedro de Atacama.
• World-class observatories for stargazing.

3. Namibia’s Namib Desert

The Namib is one of the oldest deserts on Earth. Its tall red dunes and limitless horizons are hauntingly beautiful. Its landscapes are out of this world making it great for photographers and explorers.

• The best part is climbing the tallest dunes in the world at Sossusvlei.
• In Namib-Naukluft Park you can see animals like oryx and springbok.
• Go to Kolmanskop, a ghost town.
• People here like to go on self-driving safaris.
• You have to see the sunrise at Dune 45.
• May to October are the best months to visit

4. Jordan’s Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, sometimes called the Valley of the Moon, is where red sandstone cliffs meet huge golden plains. For culture and adventure, it’s been the setting for movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.

Highlights: 

• Jeep safaris through stunning desert scenery.
• Stay overnight in Bedouin camps.
• Climbing rocks and riding in hot air balloons, it costs about $7 to get in.
• The best months to go are March to May and September to November.
• Try zarb, a traditional Bedouin underground barbecue.

5. The Thar Desert (India)

It is also known as the Great Indian Desert and has vibrant cultures and golden dunes. For people who want to see both the beauty of the desert and the history of the area. Camel safaris from Jaisalmer are the best parts.

• Go to the Jaisalmer Fort which is a UNESCO site.
• Desert camps that last all night start at about $40.
• Folk music and dance performances are part of the culture.
• Go to the Desert Festival every year in February.
• The best time to go is in the winter (November to February).

6. Egypt’s White Desert

This isn’t your usual desert; the chalk-white rock formations make it look like something out of a dream. For people who prefer landscapes that are strange and almost otherworldly.

Highlights:

• Camp under the stars and around white rocks.
• Visit Bahariya Oasis.
• Safari rides through strange shapes.
• Guided tours from Cairo start at $150.
• Best time to visit are October to March.
• Bring thick clothes because it gets cold at night.

7. The Sonoran Desert (US and Mexico)

A desert full of life with huge cacti gorgeous sunsets and animals that are unlike any others. Great for people who wish to be close to both nature and cities. Phoenix and Tucson are both in it.

• Hiking through a forest of huge saguaro cacti.
• Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden.
• Watching birds and looking for animals in the desert.
• Go between October and April.
• Bring a lot of water because it gets really hot.
• There are free treks in all state parks that are easy on the wallet.

8. Mongolia and China’s Gobi Desert

 A huge desert with rough beauty that goes over two nations and has a nomadic culture and spectacular scenery. For brave travelers who want to see a lot of empty space with a lot of culture.

• Ride Bactrian camels with people who move around.
• Go to the burning cliffs of Bayanzag.
• Look around the dunes of Khongoryn Els.
• Extra Tips: Plan to spend about $60 a day on guided trips.
• The best time to visit is in the summer (June to September).
• Staying with nomadic families is an experience you’ll never forget.

9. The Kalahari Desert (Southern Africa)

The Kalahari is not a conventional desert, it is semi-arid and full of species. For people who love safaris and want to see both the desert and animals.

• Game drives in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are a must-see.
• Go to places where the San Bushmen live.
• Nights full of stars that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Extra tips: Budget safaris cost $150 a day or more.
• The best time to go is from May to September.
• You should definitely see desert lions.

10. Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni (Salt Desert)

 Salar de Uyuni is technically a salt flat, but it is one of the most bizarre desert landscapes on Earth. For photography that looks like a dream and fun things to do.

• During the rainy season, there is a mirror effect.
• Isla Incahuasi has big cacti.
• Drive over snowy expanses that seem to go on forever.
• Extra Tips: Tours cost $100 for three days.
• The best time to see reflections is from December to April.
• Bring sunglasses because the white glare is really strong.

A 5-Day Adventure Schedule in the Desert

Deserts aren’t just empty spaces; they’re also mysterious, cultural, and beautiful places that move the soul. These places are not just places to go; they change what it means to “travel.” They include Morocco’s Sahara, Chile’s Atacama, Egypt’s White Desert and Namibia’s red dunes.

Deserts will be the center of sustainable and adventure travel trends by 2030. They will have both luxury getaways and budget-friendly safaris. So the next time you think of going to the desert realize that Dubai isn’t the only place to go. The globe is full of gorgeous beaches, starry nights and legends that have been told for a long time.

Bring your sun hat and your sense of adventure, and let the deserts show you their magic.