A desert adventure is one of the most unique travel experiences you can have.

From treks across incredible landscapes, to gazing at the stars on a pristinely clear night, deserts are anything but empty. When you delve into these out-of-this-world destinations, you'll discover dramatic mountain ranges, unique wildlife, ancient cultures and diverse multi-coloured landscapes.

We’ve rounded up our top 5 desert trekking destinations that prove desert adventures are anything but barren:

Trek through Wadi Rum

When people imagine desert landscapes, Jordan often springs to mind. Wadi Rum, known as the Valley of the Moon, is one of the most iconic deserts in the world. Its dramatic sandstone mountains, narrow canyons and ancient petroglyphs make it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a firm favourite for film locations.

Why trek in Wadi Rum?

• Towering granite and sandstone formations
• Bedouin-guided desert experiences - sleeping under stars and learning about the local culture and how to cook the Bedouin way
• Opportunity to climb Jebel Um Adaami (1,832m), Jordan’s highest peak

All of our Jordan walking holidays include time in the iconic Wadi Rum as well as time at Petra, offering immersive guided treks allowing you to explore one of the most enchanting regions in the Middle East.

Trek through the Sahara Desert

The Sahara, the world’s largest hot desert, is one of Morocco’s defining landscapes. It boasts immense sand dunes, glowing sunrises and fiery sunsets. By night, the Sahara is one of the world's largest dark sky reserves, offering a stunning view of a star-filled sky like no other.

Why trek in the Sahara?

• Learn from our incredible local Berber guides who call this challenging landscape home
• You'll be warmly welcomed by local people and be immersed in Morocco's rich culture, staying in Berber camps and visiting sacred shrines
• Opportunity to trek through one of world's most iconic landscapes

When it comes to desert treks, few can compare to what Morocco has to offer.

Although more than 80% of Oman is covered in sand, this desert state is a hidden gem of the Middle East and perfect for a desert adventure, boasting the majestic Al Hajar mountains, a rugged coastline, picturesque mountain villages and terraced fields.

Why choose Oman for a desert trek?

• Trek through the rugged and remote landscapes of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar guided by local Bedouins
• Tackle the renowned Balcony Walk, following the contours of Oman's own 'Grand Canyon'
• Cool off in the emerald waters of natural pools in Wadi Shab

We are one of the few companies that venture deep into this otherworldly landscape. Oman is perfect for you if you are seeking authentic, off-grid desert exploration.

Located on the southern Atlantic coast of Africa, Namibia is home to the ancient Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts on Earth. Stretching along the country’s desolate Atlantic shoreline, the Namib is renowned for its towering dunes and stark, haunting beauty. The iconic Sossusvlei area, with its striking red sand dunes and white salt pans, stands as a symbol of this extraordinary landscape.

Why choose Namibia for an adventure?

• Spot elephants, lions, and oryx in desert habitats
• See flamingos and seal colonies along the coast
• Explore the surreal beauty of Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park

Namibia’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife-rich parks make it a dream for nature lovers.

The Atacama Desert

Venture into Chile's Atacama Desert, often cited as the driest place on Earth and experience a landscape like no other. This 1,000 km-long plateau is a true wilderness, where salt flats, sand dunes, rocky peaks and active volcanoes create an otherworldly environment.

Why explore the Atacama?

• Summit the sacred Licancabur volcano (5,920m) for surreal views over desert
• Experience unique geological formations from geysers to salt lakes
• Discover the unique heritage of the Atacameño people

The Atacama’s raw beauty and extreme environment provide a true wilderness trekking experience