Welcome to our ultimate guide on the Best Desert Safaris in the World! Desert safaris offer a unique way to experience the vast, untouched beauty of the world’s most stunning deserts. From the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert to the rugged landscapes of the Thar Desert, these safaris promise thrilling adventures, cultural experiences, and breathtaking views. Discover top desert safari destinations, detailed travel tips, and budget information to help you plan your next unforgettable desert adventure. Dive into our comprehensive guide to uncover the top desert safari experiences and embark on a journey through nature’s most picturesque and exhilarating landscapes!
10 Best Desert Safari in World
1. Arabian Desert Safari, Dubai, UAE
The Arabian Desert Safari in Dubai is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering an exhilarating experience in the heart of the Arabian Desert. This safari combines adventure, culture, and luxury, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Duration: 4-6 hours (evening safari) or overnight
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, camels, and quad bikes
- Region and Total Area: Arabian Desert, covering approximately 2.3 million square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around AED 150-500 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden sand dunes, vast desert landscapes, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for stargazing in the clear desert sky.
- Dune Bashing: Experience the thrill of driving over the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
- Camel Riding: Enjoy a traditional camel ride through the desert.
- Quad Biking: Explore the desert on a quad bike.
- Cultural Experiences: Enjoy henna painting, falconry displays, and traditional dance performances.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars, featuring traditional Arabian cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: Dubai is well-connected by air, with Dubai International Airport (DXB) serving as a major hub. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transport to reach your hotel.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available.
- Accommodation: Dubai offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels like Burj Al Arab to budget-friendly options like Rove Downtown.
- Meals: Enjoy a variety of dining options in Dubai, from fine dining restaurants to street food stalls. Don’t miss trying local dishes like shawarma, falafel, and hummus.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
2. Thar Desert Safari, Rajasthan, India
The Thar Desert Safari in Rajasthan is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in one of the most beautiful countries in world. This safari combines adventure, culture, and history, making it a must-visit destination in India.
- Location: Rajasthan, India
- Duration: 4-6 hours (evening safari) or overnight
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Types of Ride: Camels, 4×4 vehicles, and jeeps
- Region and Total Area: Thar Desert, covering approximately 200,000 square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around INR 1,500-5,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden sand dunes, vast desert landscapes, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for stargazing in the clear desert sky.
- Camel Riding: Experience a traditional camel ride through the desert.
- Dune Bashing: Enjoy the thrill of driving over the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Jeep Safaris: Explore the desert in a rugged jeep.
- Cultural Experiences: Enjoy folk dance performances, traditional music, and visits to local villages.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Rajasthani dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), with flights connecting from major Indian cities. You can also reach Jaisalmer by train or bus.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Jaisalmer or other nearby cities. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available.
- Accommodation: Rajasthan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury heritage hotels like Suryagarh to budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine, including dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri. Many desert camps also offer authentic Rajasthani meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
3. Sahara Desert Safari, Morocco
The Sahara Desert Safari in Morocco is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering an unforgettable experience in the world’s largest hot desert. This safari combines adventure, culture, and luxury, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Sahara Desert, Morocco
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Types of Ride: Camels, 4×4 vehicles, and quad bikes
- Region and Total Area: Sahara Desert, covering approximately 9.2 million square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around MAD 1,000-3,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the vast sand dunes, stunning sunsets, and starry night skies. The safari also offers opportunities for camel trekking and exploring ancient desert towns.
- Camel Trekking: Experience a traditional camel ride through the desert.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
- Quad Biking: Explore the desert on a quad bike.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit Berber villages, enjoy traditional music and dance performances.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). From Marrakech, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach the desert.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Marrakech or other nearby cities. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Morocco offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury desert camps like Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp to budget-friendly riads.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, including dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla. Many desert camps also offer authentic Moroccan meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
4. Namib Desert Safari, Namibia
The Namib Desert Safari in Namibia is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in one of the oldest deserts on Earth. This safari combines adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Namib Desert, Namibia
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, quad bikes, and camels
- Region and Total Area: Namib Desert, covering approximately 81,000 square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around NAD 1,500-4,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the towering sand dunes, vast desert landscapes, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring ancient desert formations.
- Dune Bashing: Experience the thrill of driving over the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
- Quad Biking: Explore the desert on a quad bike.
- Wildlife Experiences: Enjoy game drives and bird watching.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Namibian dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. From Windhoek, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach the desert.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Windhoek or other nearby cities. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Namibia offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges like Sossusvlei Desert Lodge to budget-friendly campsites.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Namibian cuisine, including dishes like biltong, kapana, and potjiekos. Many desert lodges also offer authentic Namibian meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
5. Wadi Rum Desert Safari, Jordan
The Wadi Rum Desert Safari in Jordan is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Jordanian desert. This safari combines adventure, culture, and history, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
- Duration: 4-6 hours (evening safari) or overnight
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, camels, and jeeps
- Region and Total Area: Wadi Rum Desert, covering approximately 720 square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around JOD 50-200 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the red sand dunes, towering rock formations, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for stargazing in the clear desert sky.
- Jeep Safaris: Explore the desert in a rugged jeep.
- Camel Riding: Experience a traditional camel ride through the desert.
- Rock Climbing: Climb the towering rock formations of Wadi Rum.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit Bedouin camps, enjoy traditional music and dance performances.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Jordanian dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba. From Aqaba, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach Wadi Rum.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Aqaba or other nearby cities. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Jordan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury desert camps like Wadi Rum Night Luxury Camp to budget-friendly Bedouin camps.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Jordanian cuisine, including dishes like mansaf, maqluba, and falafel. Many desert camps also offer authentic Jordanian meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
6. Atacama Desert Safari, Chile
The Atacama Desert Safari in Chile is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in the driest desert on Earth. This safari combines adventure, stargazing, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Atacama Desert, Chile
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time to Visit: March to November
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, sandboards, and hot air balloons
- Region and Total Area: Atacama Desert, covering approximately 105,000 square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around CLP 100,000-300,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the vast salt flats, towering volcanoes, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for stargazing in one of the clearest skies in the world.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Experience the desert from above in a hot air balloon.
- Hiking: Explore the desert on foot and discover its unique landscapes.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit local villages and learn about the Atacama culture.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Chilean dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and local wines.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama. From Calama, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach San Pedro de Atacama.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Chile offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges like Explora Atacama to budget-friendly hostels.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Chilean cuisine, including dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and asado. Many desert lodges also offer authentic Chilean meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
7. Kalahari Desert Safari, Botswana
The Kalahari Desert Safari in Botswana is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in one of Africa’s largest deserts. This safari combines adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Kalahari Desert, Botswana
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, quad bikes, and camels
- Region and Total Area: Kalahari Desert, covering approximately 900,000 square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around BWP 2,000-5,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the vast sand dunes, salt pans, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring ancient desert formations.
- Dune Bashing: Experience the thrill of driving over the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
- Quad Biking: Explore the desert on a quad bike.
- Wildlife Experiences: Enjoy game drives and bird watching.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Botswanan dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone. From Gaborone, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach the desert.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Gaborone or other nearby cities. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Botswana offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges like Jack’s Camp to budget-friendly campsites.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Botswanan cuisine, including dishes like seswaa, morogo, and pap. Many desert lodges also offer authentic Botswanan meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
8. White Desert Safari, Antarctica
The White Desert Safari in Antarctica is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in the coldest desert on Earth. This safari combines adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Antarctica
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, snowmobiles, and skis
- Region and Total Area: Antarctic Desert, covering approximately 14 million square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around USD 30,000-50,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the vast ice fields, towering icebergs, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring ancient ice formations.
- ce Climbing: Experience the thrill of climbing ice formations.
- Snowshoeing: Explore the icy landscapes on snowshoes.
- Kite Skiing: Glide across the ice with the power of the wind.
- Wildlife Experiences: Enjoy penguin watching and whale watching.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Antarctic dinner under the stars, featuring gourmet cuisine and local wines.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) in Chile. From Punta Arenas, you can take a charter flight to Antarctica.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Punta Arenas. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Antarctica offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury camps like White Desert’s Whichaway Camp to budget-friendly research stations.
- Meals: Enjoy gourmet cuisine, including dishes like fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local wines. Many desert camps also offer authentic Antarctic meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
9. Gobi Desert Safari, Mongolia
The Gobi Desert Safari in Mongolia is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in one of Asia’s largest deserts. This safari combines adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
- Location: Gobi Desert, Mongolia
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Types of Ride: Camels, 4×4 vehicles, and jeeps
- Region and Total Area: Gobi Desert, covering approximately 1.3 million square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around MNT 1,500,000-3,000,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the vast sand dunes, rugged mountains, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring ancient desert formations.
- Camel Trekking: Experience a traditional camel ride through the desert.
- Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard.
- Jeep Safaris: Explore the desert in a rugged jeep.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit nomadic camps, enjoy traditional music and dance performances.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Mongolian dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) in Ulaanbaatar. From Ulaanbaatar, you can take a domestic flight to Dalanzadgad or hire a private car to reach the desert.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar or Dalanzadgad. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Mongolia offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury ger camps like Three Camel Lodge to budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Mongolian cuisine, including dishes like buuz, khuushuur, and tsuivan. Many desert camps also offer authentic Mongolian meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
10. Simpson Desert Safari, Australia
The Simpson Desert Safari in Australia is one of the best desert safaris in the world, offering a unique experience in one of the largest sand dune deserts. This safari combines adventure, wildlife, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in one of the best countries to visit in world.
- Location: Simpson Desert, Australia
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Types of Ride: 4×4 vehicles, quad bikes, and camels
- Region and Total Area: Simpson Desert, covering approximately 176,500 square kilometers
- Pricing: Desert safari packages start at around AUD 1,500-3,000 per person, depending on the inclusions
- Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the vast sand dunes, salt pans, and stunning sunsets. The safari also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and exploring ancient desert formations.
- Dune Bashing: Experience the thrill of driving over the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle.
- Quad Biking: Explore the desert on a quad bike.
- Camel Trekking: Experience a traditional camel ride through the desert.
- Wildlife Experiences: Enjoy game drives and bird watching.
- Dining: Indulge in a delicious Australian dinner under the stars, featuring traditional cuisine and live entertainment.
- How to Reach: The nearest major airport is Alice Springs Airport (ASP) in Alice Springs. From Alice Springs, you can take a bus or hire a private car to reach the desert.
- Local Transportation: Most desert safari packages include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Alice Springs or other nearby cities. Taxis and buses are also available.
- Accommodation: Australia offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges like Longitude 131° to budget-friendly campsites.
- Meals: Enjoy traditional Australian cuisine, including dishes like barbecued meats, damper, and bush tucker. Many desert lodges also offer authentic Australian meals.
- Booking Process: Book your desert safari in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Many tour operators offer online booking options.
Conclusion: These Best Desert Safaris in the World offer unparalleled experiences, from the golden dunes of the Arabian Desert to the rugged landscapes of the Thar Desert and the vast expanses of the Sahara. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures. Plan your trip wisely, keep an eye on your budget, and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of these top desert safari destinations.
