Back-to-nature escapes: deserts

This spring sees the release of Dune 2; the second installment of the movie series adapted from Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel. Set in a fictional futuristic universe, the vast desertland is undoubtedly the star of the show, its unforgiving endlessness a suitable backdrop for a tale of mystery, power and survival. The deserts of our planet are also relentless; yet visiting these surreal, arid landscapes can be a soulful experience. We’ve listed our favorite desert escapes across the world, for an unexpected back-to-nature vacation that will have you awe-struck.

The Namib Desert, Namibia

The word ‘namib’ is a Nama term meaning ‘vast place’ – and indeed, Namibia’s ancient desert astounds visitors time after time with its rich, orange textures and unrivaled dunes. Around 80% of Namibia’s landmass is covered with desert land (the Namib along its entire western coastline, and the Kalahari in the east and south), so to travel here can be somewhat of a challenge, irresistible for the adventurous tourist.

The enormous dunes of Sossusvlei are particularly stirring; the iconic Dune 45 is one of the tallest in the world at a dizzying 180m tall (approximately – it subtly changes as the sands shift). As you’d imagine, the desert sunsets from this vantage point amaze those who make the climb. Nearby, the barren saltpans of Deadvlei emanate an almost alien beauty. With desiccated trees protruding from the parched ground, the orange dunes in the distance against a blue sky, make an artful view.

If you want to feel off-grid, yet be amazed at the array of desert wildlife (elephants, oryx, and rhinos to name a few), a trip to the Namib Desert perfectly balances a sense of remoteness with accessible routes. It is best traveled by private vehicle to get between stops – our Namibia experts can sort this for you!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum’s rolling sands appeared in the first Dune movie, and filming returned to the stunning Jordan desert (as well as Abu Dhabi) for the latest installment. Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, enchants cinematographers for the same reasons it pulls global visitors – there’s an ancient and soul-stirring atmosphere out here that is hard to describe.

Renowned for its beauty, millennia-old ruins and captivating rock formations, Wadi Rum’s surreal landscapes are often described as ‘Mars-like’ (as well as Dune, Star Wars: Rogue One, The Martian and Red Planet were all filmed here). Despite its remoteness, it’s a glorious choice for a desert getaway due to its accessibility from Aqaba or Petra. Travelers can ride camels out into Bedouin-style desert camps, watch as the setting sun casts shadows across the sands, and drink hot herbal tea under the clearest, star-filled sky. These overnight desert camps are the best chance to learn about the nomadic Bedouin communities, who have lived in the deserts since early man.

The Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Continuing the theme of ancient lands, let’s introduce Mongolia – home of indigenous nomadic herders, sprawling grasslands dotted with wild horses, and towering cliffs flecked with dinosaur remains. There’s no better place to feel far, far away and yet acquainted with humankind’s earliest endeavors in the natural world.

You can’t put together a list of beautiful deserts without talking about the far-reaching and remote Gobi, but for an introductory experience, the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, locally called the Bayan Gobi (‘Mini Gobi’), is a four to five hours’ drive from the capital Ulaanbaatar. Visitors can ride camel-back across the captivating steppe environment, absorbing the immense scenery of dunes and rocky outcrops; and stay in yurts (called gers) with nomadic herding families who rear horses.

For those with a hunger for more, venturing into the Gobi Desert grants huge rewards. One can’t help but feel small when confronted with the starkness of the massive Khongor dunes, the sun roaring against the red-hued Flaming Cliffs, and watching the sky fade from pink to purple across the desert badlands. Our local travel experts based in Mongolia can help you organize the perfect trip!

The Atacama Desert, Chile

If you seek scenes of awe-inspiring strangeness when you plan a desert getaway, otherworldly panoramas abound in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. As one of the driest, and highest, deserts on Earth, the diversity of natural phenomena here is surprising. Visitors can trek to saline lagoons at high altitudes, admire lunar-like volcanoes protruding from barren ground, and traverse alongside steep, red-hued canyons. It isn’t sandy in Atacama like the deserts of our collective imagination, but pebbled, barren and sprawling as far as the eye can see.

The renowned Salar de Atacama flats, encrusted with salt and backed by the stunning Andes Mountains in the distance, form an incredible spot to pause and admire the Earth’s natural formation of minerals; while nearby, flamingos flock to the still, reflective Chaxa Lagoon – a lake 4,500m above sea level. Around two hours’ drive away, Geyser del Tatio is the largest geyser field in the southern hemisphere. Visit at sunrise to witness the eruptions of bubbling and steaming geothermal hot springs.

The Red Center, Australia

Australia is almost defined by its Red Center, colloquially part of ‘the Outback’ – a collection of territories that comprise aboriginal history, enthralling geological formations, wondrous desert wildlife, and swathes of natural beauty. Of course, the Outback is huge – covering most of the continent, so taking a trip here requires an organized plan!

A popular introduction to the Australian Outback is through Uluru, or Ayers Rock – Australia’s iconic sandstone monolith that dominates the landscape. The land is sacred to indigenous communities, and Ayers Rock is seen as a site of pilgrimage for many. Nearby, the rock domes of The Olgas, or Kata Tjuta, are woven with walking trails so that visitors can slow down and absorb the ancient spirit and earthly wonders of these copper-hued lands.

For a taste of harsher conditions, desert-lovers can tackle parts of the Simpson Desert, south of Uluru, known for its undulating red dunes. Despite the scorching environment, wildlife thrives here – including red kangaroos,  perenties (the largest monitor lizard in the country), wedge-tailed eagles, and the spinifex hopping mouse. 

Make it happen

Are you ready to take a trip to some of the most beautiful deserts in the world? Get back to nature and start planning your trip with any of our locally-based travel experts – they can help build your desert-dwelling dreams into an itinerary that’s perfect for you.

1. Namibia
2. Jordan
3. Mongolia
4. Chile
5. Australia