For those mesmerized by arid landscapes, Africa offers unparalleled beauty. With nine distinct deserts, from the expansive Sahara in the north to the Kalahari’s rust-colored sands in the southwest, the continent’s deserts are both awe-inspiring and culturally rich.
Here are eight ways to immerse yourself in Africa’s deserts:
- Sossusvlei’s Towering Dunes (Namibia)
In the Namib Desert, considered the world’s oldest, Sossusvlei’s iconic orange dunes rise over 1,000 feet. Adventurers can explore this surreal landscape via treks, hot-air balloons, or 4x4 tours. Must-see dunes include Big Daddy and Dune 7, the tallest at 1,273 feet. - Siwa Oasis (Egypt)
A historic escape in the Sahara, Siwa Oasis offers sandboarding, camel camping, and 4x4 dune adventures. Visitors can relax in Cleopatra’s Pool and explore ancient ruins like the Oracle Temple, famously visited by Alexander the Great. - Ride Mauritania’s Iron Ore Train
Mauritania’s Train du Desert, a 437-mile journey across the Sahara, offers adventurous passengers the chance to ride atop iron ore cars for stunning views of the desert’s stark beauty. - Lake Turkana (Kenya)
Known as the “Jade Sea,” this UNESCO site is the world’s largest permanent desert lake. Visitors can fish for Nile perch, explore volcanic landscapes, or visit archaeological digs near its shores. - Namaqualand Wildflowers (South Africa)
Each spring, Namaqualand transforms with vibrant blooms, attracting nature enthusiasts. Hiking and driving trails in Namaqua National Park offer panoramic views of this colorful spectacle. - “Star Wars” Film Sites (Tunisia)
Tunisia’s deserts became Tatooine in George Lucas’ iconic films. Visitors can explore sets like Mos Espa or Luke Skywalker’s childhood home in Matmata, immersing themselves in cinematic history. - Learn Survival Skills from the San (Namibia)
The Ju|’Hoan San of the Kalahari share survival techniques such as tracking, fire-making, and gathering edible plants. Camps like Nhoma Safari Camp offer immersive experiences into their ancient way of life. - Camel Trekking in Erg Chigaga (Morocco)
Travelers can embark on multi-day camel treks through Morocco’s Erg Chigaga desert, combining nomadic camping with stunning landscapes and cultural encounters.
Egypt's Siwa Oasis offers an adventurous escape from the heat of the Sahara. Xinhua/Alamy Stock Photo
Africa’s deserts not only captivate with their beauty but also invite visitors to connect with the land’s deep cultural and historical roots, offering adventures as vast as the sands themselves.
