If you want to experience the quintessential African safari, you might be thinking that you need to head out to South Africa, but there are other stunning safari destinations across the continent as well as in other regions of the world. From the famous Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania to Namibia’s Sossusvlei dunes, there are plenty of amazing options when it comes to beautiful deserts on which to base your next trip. Here are our picks for the top 10 best desert safari in the world today.
Top 9 Must-See Desert Safaris
It’s hard to imagine, but there are actually desert safari destinations outside of Africa. The barren beauty and unique flora and fauna found on these excursions are just as exciting as their African counterparts. If you’re looking for a unique vacation that promises true adventure, look no further than any of these top ten deserts around the world.
1) Kalahari Camel Safari South Africa
The Kalahari in South Africa is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras and ostriches. Camel and Jeep safaris are both popular options for exploring what’s called the Big Red because of its red sand dunes. These safaris can be booked through a variety of tour operators. Some accommodations include luxury tented campsites or self-catering houses with staff on hand 24 hours a day to cater to your needs.
2) Gobi Desert Tour China
The Gobi desert is one of China’s most famous destinations for desert safari, it is home to some of the most unusual and breath-taking scenery. Over four days there are enough sights for you to enjoy and see as you travel across parts of Inner Mongolia, Gansu Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Don’t miss out on exploring an abandoned military base from olden times. The highlight however will definitely be being able to witness a total solar eclipse on your tour!
3) Karakum Tours Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is home to some of Central Asia’s best desert safaris, as well as its famous Karakum Desert. Travelers flock to Turkmenistan for horseback riding and camel treks through remote areas of sand dunes, baking sun and ancient burial mounds that rise majestically from vast expanses of plain.
4) On The Go Sahara Tours Morocco
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten path experience, Morocco offers a myriad of adventurous adventures to choose from. One thing we recommend is to take one of On The Go Sahara Tours’ tours. These tours will bring you through remote Saharan villages, camel safaris and ultimately a taste of nomadic life.
5) Dubai Tour United Arab Emirates
The Dubai Tour takes you to a desert safari, Dubai unlike any other. Home to scores of camels, giraffes, and lions, you’ll see some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes on your 4-day adventure through the United Arab Emirates. Located just north of Dubai and Abu Dhabi (as well as neighboring Oman), Masirah Island is only accessible by boat—where you’ll find yourself face-to-face with some of nature’s most incredible creatures!
6) Indian Rann of Kutch, India
Lying within India’s Great Rann of Kutch desert region, Kutch is a hot and humid, sandy coastal area that’s home to beautiful wildlife and stunning scenery. Located near Gujarat’s borders with Pakistan and Rajasthan, it’s one of Asia’s best natural habitats for a number of rare species, including crocodiles, Indian wild asses (known as koyals), and flamingos.
7) Saudi Arabian Travelers Club Saudi Arabia
Despite its reputation as an Islamic state with a generally conservative culture, Saudi Arabia is also one of nature’s most remarkable destinations. The Kingdom boasts some of the most exciting desert safari opportunities available anywhere on Earth. With access to thousands of miles of empty wilderness and rough terrain, King Abdullah Economic City offers visitors unparalleled experiences of a truly open and unexplored land.
8) Chad Safari Tours Chad
Due to its size, geographical location and variety of terrain, Chad has a vast amount of unique ecosystems which are home to an abundance of plant and animal life. The central region is home to Sahelian woodlands and savanna that support elephants, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, kudu and more. If you are looking for a more remote feel without having to travel too far from civilization then a 4WD tour in Chad would be ideal for you.
9) Great Victoria Desert Tours Australia
Traveling through an ancient, red sand ocean with Australia’s most iconic big game animal, The Red Kangaroo, is one of those experiences that will stay with you forever, says Land Rover Australia. The Great Victoria desert and its surrounds are a place few have been privileged to explore, let alone drive across. It’s home to over 350 species of native plants and animals including some very rare ones such as bilbies and bandicoots.
