7 Fascinating African Desert Safari Trips YOU MUST SKIP WHILE IN THE VACATION
7 Desert Safari Trips in Africa: Spending a few days in the midst of a barren African desert– is this what your dream for a long time? Congratulations! Your wish has been accomplished with our ultimate African desert safari bucket list that you can’t avoid for 2023. From the vast sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara, we’ve got you covered with our top 7 fascinating desert safari trips. Imagine sleeping under the stars in the Kalahari Desert or exploring the ancient rock art of the Tassili n’Ajjer in Algeria. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time safari-goer, our list has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime and discover the beauty and diversity of Africa’s spectacular deserts. So grab your camera, pack your bags, and let’s explore the ultimate African desert safari trip buckets list together!
7 desert safari trips in Africa with breathtaking sceneries
The geographical syntax of Africa is completely different from other landmasses. While the northern to mid-central realm is occupied by a large chain of deserts, the central zone is inhibited by dense tropical rainforests, while the southern zone clamours with lively cultures and urban growth. In one sentence, the whole of Africa is more like a one-pot buffet, where from starter to dessert everything manages to fall in at the right moment and at the right place. Thus, travellers with high-hit adrenaline rush and who always look for the unique flavours of expeditions rolling over the wheels over windy sands and sand dunes are the best recommendations. Therefore, on your next trip to Africa instead of the traditional itineraries, set off for any of these 7 African desert safari trips and collect breathtaking memories for the rest of your life.
The Sahara Desert | Morocco and Egypt
No African desert safari tour is complete without a trip to the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara. The Sahara spans over 9 million square kilometres, covering most of North Africa. It’s a land of extremes, with vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and oases scattered throughout the desert.
Morocco and Egypt are two of the best countries to explore the Sahara. In Morocco, the Erg Chebbi sand dunes are a must-see. The dunes can reach up to 150 meters in height and are a stunning sight during sunrise and sunset. You can also explore the Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Draa Valley, known for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
In Egypt, you can take a camel trek through the Western Desert and explore the White Desert, known for its unique rock formations. You can also visit Siwa Oasis, an isolated oasis town with natural hot springs and ancient ruins.
The Namib Desert | Namibia
The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world, with dunes that are over 50 million years old. It’s a photographer’s paradise, with stunning landscapes and unique wildlife like the desert-adapted elephant and the black-backed jackal. Despite being one of the finest destinations for adventure travellers the desert is well-reckoned by luxury travellers, henceforth an obvious supporter of VIP desert tours.
One of the best ways to explore the Namib Desert is by taking a hot air balloon ride over the Sossusvlei dunes. The dunes are some of the tallest in the world, reaching up to 325 meters, and the view from above is breathtaking. You can also explore the coastal town of Swakopmund, known for its German colonial architecture and adventure activities like sandboarding and quad biking.
The Kalahari Desert | Botswana and South Africa
The Kalahari Desert is a vast, semi-arid savannah that stretches over 900,000 square kilometres, covering parts of Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. It’s home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and meerkats. Once a nightmare giver among caravan nomads is now praised for breathtaking rough beauty and thus hauls numerous luxury desert safari tours for those who are ready to bear a bit high budget in their pocket.
One of the best ways to explore the Kalahari Desert is by taking a guided safari through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. The reserve is the second-largest game reserve in the world and is home to the Kalahari lion, a unique subspecies of lion that has adapted to the desert environment. You can also visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a cross-border park between Botswana and South Africa, and witness the migration of wildebeest and other wildlife.
The Danakil Desert | Ethiopia
The Danakil Desert, located in northern Ethiopia, is one of the most unique and otherworldly deserts in Africa. It’s home to active volcanoes, colourful hot springs, and salt flats that have been mined for centuries. With its overwhelming quirky beauty, it stuns visitors beyond imagination. Thereby, costs are a bit high on the line regardless of the time. However, if luxury desert safari trips suit you at no offence, go for it without feeling sceptic.
One of the must-see attractions in the Danakil Desert is the Erta Ale volcano, one of the few active lava lakes in the world. You can also visit the Dallol sulfur springs, known for their vibrant colours and unique formations. The best way to explore the Danakil Desert is by taking a guided tour, as the area can be dangerous and difficult to navigate on your own.
The Chalbi Desert | Kenya
The Chalbi Desert, located in northern Kenya, is a remote and rugged desert that’s off the beaten path. It’s home to the nomadic Gabra people, who have been living in the desert for centuries. Besides, the scenic desert and gold sand dunes everywhere, a lot of tenting options are made available for the tourists at minimal charges. Never forget to watch the night sky on your trip to the desert. The feeling you would be imbued with would be like a poetic metaphor or what a poet refers to as ‘novalunosis’. It is indeed relaxing.
One of the best ways to explore the Chalbi Desert is by taking a camel safari through the desert. You can visit the ancient town of Kargi, known for its historic mosque and traditional huts. You can also camp under the stars and witness the traditional Gabra dances and ceremonies.
The Libyan Desert | Egypt, Libya, and Sudan
The Libyan Desert, also known as the Western Desert, is a vast and rugged desert that stretches over 1 million square kilometres, covering parts of Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. It’s a land of extremes, with towering sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and ancient ruins. Not only endorsing the finest experience in the list of African safari trips, Libyan desert assures you a lifetime safari experience.
One of the must-see attractions in the Libyan Desert is the Siwa Oasis, an isolated oasis town that’s home to natural hot springs and ancient ruins. You can also visit the Temple of Hibis, an ancient Egyptian temple that dates back to the 6th century BCE. The best way to explore the Libyan Desert is by taking a guided safari, as the area can be dangerous and difficult to navigate on your own.
The Richtersveld Desert | South Africa
The Richtersveld Desert, located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, is a unique and rugged desert that’s home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife. It’s also home to the Nama people, who have been living in the desert for centuries. Be aware of the fact of expense regarding the desert that it is quite expensive, hence enlist only if you are ready for a VIP desert safari tour.
One of the best ways to explore the Richtersveld Desert is by taking a guided 4×4 tour through the desert. You can visit the Richtersveld National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the unique plant life like the Halfmens tree and the kokerboom. You can also learn about the traditional customs and way of life of the Nama people.
Best Time To Visit African Deserts
Once you derive a tentative idea about rip-roaring African desert safari trips and pertinent activities, it’s important to understand the best time to visit African deserts. The desert climate can be extreme, with scorching temperatures during the day and freezing temperatures at night. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your trip during the right season to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
Generally, the best time to visit African deserts is during the cooler months, from April to September. During this time, the temperatures are more moderate, and the risk of heat exhaustion is lower. However, it’s important to note that some deserts, like the Namib Desert, experience heavy fog during the cooler months, which can limit visibility and affect your safari experience.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to witness the desert’s wildlife, the best time to visit is during the rainy season, which varies depending on the desert. For example, in the Kalahari Desert, the rainy season is from November to April, and it’s the perfect time to see the desert’s lush vegetation and the migration of animals like wildebeest and zebra.
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In conclusion, it can be said, the African desert is a land of extremes, with stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and ancient cultures. Our ultimate list of African Desert Safari trips for 2030 is the perfect guide for adventure seekers looking for an unforgettable experience. From the Sahara to the Atacama, we’ve got you covered with our top 10 fascinating desert safari tours. So grab your camera, pack your bags, and let’s explore the ultimate African desert safari bucket list together!
