Deserts could be best likened to vast oceans of sand, where silence speaks louder than words. They are draped in a veil of mystery, solitude, and wonder. The author and Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer said quite profoundly that a desert is a place without expectation. And as our travelers at Kendirita Tours have attested, a trip through the desert is an enlightening journey back to yourself.
Desert safaris are not just a drive through sand, they are a gateway to a world of discovery. These excursions typically involve off-road driving in specialized vehicles, such as dune buggies that expertly maneuver through the undulating terrain. The thrill of climbing a dune and witnessing the breathtaking, endless views before you can be truly life-changing.
Join us in this article as we explore some of the most exhilarating desert safaris on planet Earth.
Sahara Desert Safari
The Sahara Desert spans across North Africa, covering several countries among them Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan. It is the largest hot desert in the world, stretching over 9 million square kilometers of seemingly endless expanse. A Sahara Desert safari often begins in Morocco, offering accessible entry points from vibrant cities like Marrakech or Fez.
One of the most thrilling aspects of a Sahara Desert safari is navigating the towering sand dunes. Specially equipped 4×4 vehicles are used to traverse these sandy landscapes that seem to shift with the wind. And when you are finally at the top, the views extending before you will surely take your breath away. Golden sand stretching to the horizon is a thing of beauty that you simply must see to believe.
A safari to the Sahara Desert must also include overnight camping experiences amidst the dunes. Often, Bedouin-style camps are set up with comfortable tents, where you can unwind under a canopy of stars, and enjoy traditional desert cuisines around a campfire.
Arabian Desert Safari
The Arabian Desert is located in the UAE and is renowned for its expansive sand dunes, rugged landscapes, and an even richer Bedouin heritage. Desert safaris from cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide a convenient entry into this captivating desert environment.
To connect with tradition, you may choose to embark on a camel ride through the desert. This leisurely trek atop the gentle creatures promises you a new perspective of the vast desert expanse.
After a day of adventure, you may then unwind at a Bedouin-style camp in the heart of the desert. Immerse yourself in true Emirati hospitality of Arabic coffee, henna tattoos, and traditional performances like belly dancing and Tanoura shows- usually the highlight of an Arabian desert safari.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is located in northern Chile, stretching over 1,000 kilometers along the Pacific coast and extending into parts of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. It is characterized by its otherworldly landscapes, ranging from vast salt flats to geysers, high-altitude lagoons, and towering volcanoes.
What’s more, in the landscapes of Valle de la Luna, wind and water have sculpted the earth into surreal formations that resemble the surface of the moon. The Atacama Desert is especially ideal for stargazing, as the absence of light pollution and high elevation, make it an ideal location for observing the Milky Way and celestial phenomena.
If any of these desert safaris sounds alluring, it might just be time for you to take this trip for yourself. Talk to Kendirita Tours today and we will take you there.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa