Calling the Adventurous Spirit: Africa’s Top Desert Destinations
Published: 15 July 2024
When someone refers to a desert as “just” a place of sand, dunes and heat - the hair on any travel specialist’s neck stands up. However, we see misinformed statements like these as “challenge accepted” - so here’s something that may change your perception of Africa’s top desert destinations.
Deserts are a playground of vast, open spaces, unique cultures, and exhilarating activities - and while Africa has many thousands of kilometres of desert, here are our top 4 favorite desert vacations in Morocco, Namibia, Egypt, and Tunisia. Each destination promises a distinct experience, combining natural beauty, history, and adventure - are you ready to change your mind on what an African desert vacation is all about?
Morocco: The Sahara Desert
Morocco's Sahara Desert is a magical place where the golden dunes meet the clear, star-filled skies. It's a destination that promises both adventure and serenity, with opportunities to explore traditional Berber culture and the ancient caravan routes.
Interesting Facts:
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering approximately 9.2 million square kilometers - yikes!
The Moroccan Sahara features some of the world's most stunning sand dunes, including the Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes (an absolute must-see)
Things We Recommend Experiencing:
Camel Trekking: Obviously, when in this part of the world a camel trek is a given!
Luxury Desert Camps: We have a close network of establishments we work with who offer luxury desert camp experiences, enjoying the tranquility of the desert under a blanket of stars.
4x4 Desert Tours: For a more adrenaline-filled experience, take a 4x4 tour to explore the more remote areas of the desert.
Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard for an exhilarating ride.
Namibia: The Namib Desert
Namibia's Namib Desert offers an otherworldly landscape of dramatic dunes, unique wildlife, and ancient geological formations. It's a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts:
The Namib Desert is considered the world's oldest desert, with its origins dating back at least 55 million years.
The Desert is home to the iconic Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes, some of which are over 300 meters high.
Things We Recommend Experiencing:
Climb Dune 45: Challenge yourself to climb the famous Dune 45 for a panoramic view of the desert.
Visit Deadvlei: Explore a photographer’s dream canvas - Deadvlei, a white clay pan with skeleton-like trees set against the red dunes.
Skeleton Coast: Stay in a desert camp along the hauntingly beautiful, yet eerily quiet Skeleton Coast, where shipwrecks and seal colonies can be found.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Get a bird's-eye view of the desert by taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
*View one of our sample itineraries if you’re looking for a Honeymoon add-on with a difference: https://anywhereinafrica.com/experiences/african-honeymoon-safari/romantic-namibia-safari
Egypt: The White Desert
Egypt is synonymous with the Great Pyramid’s, but to those in the know, it’s also home to The White Desert - a geological wonder, offering a stark contrast to the golden sands of the surrounding deserts. It’s a destination that feels like stepping onto another planet, ideal for those seeking a unique adventure.
Interesting Facts:
The White Desert, located in the Farafra depression, is known for its surreal, chalk rock formations that resemble a snowy landscape.
These formations have been created over millennia by wind erosion.
Things We Recommend Experiencing:
Rock Formations Exploration: Wander through the desert to see the famous mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Camping: Lie underneath the stars and experience the desert’s calming quiet and solitude.
Black Desert: Visit the nearby Black Desert, with its volcanic mountains and unlike-anything-you’ve-seen-before landscape.
Crystal Mountain: Explore a ridge sparkling with quartz crystals.
Tunisia: The Sahara and Chott el Jerid
Few people associate Tunisia as a top desert destination, but in recent years it has become a peaceful place and popular for its white beaches, but if you’re looking for a lesser known desert spot, visit Tunisia! It offers a rich blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with its deserts playing a crucial role in ancient trade routes and modern film history.
Interesting Facts:
Tunisia's Sahara Desert covers a significant portion of the country, with a mix of dunes, salt flats, and rocky plateaus.
Chott el Jerid is the largest salt pan in the Sahara Desert, known for its mirages and unique landscape.
Things We Recommend Experiencing:
Star Wars Tours: Google Tunisia desert and this is immediately what you may see - the iconic Star Wars filming locations, including the sets of Mos Espa and the Lars Homestead.
Salt Flats Exploration: Explore the vast Chott el Jerid, especially at sunset when the salt flats take on stunning colors.
Douz: Known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," Douz is a starting point for many desert adventures, including camel treks and dune bashing.
Ksar Ouled Soltane: Visit the ancient granary of Ksar Ouled Soltane, a well-preserved example of Berber architecture.
Africa’s deserts are are anything but barren landscapes - they're vibrant, dynamic regions filled with adventure and wonder. Whether you’re trekking through the dunes of Morocco, exploring the ancient sands of Namibia, marveling at Egypt’s White Desert, or experiencing the cinematic vistas of Tunisia, each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities. Embark on an unforgettable journey with Anywhere in Africa Safaris and discover the magic of these incredible desert destinations.