The 9 Best Desert Safaris in Egypt, Morocco, & Dubai An Insider's Guide
The desert has always been a place of mystique and intrigue, and to this day, it remains one of the most unique places on earth. Touring through the desert isn't just an experience that one can have in these countries, but something that every traveller should experience at least once in their lifetime. and If you're travelling to the Middle East and hoping to see the spectacular dunes of the Sahara, there's no better way than on an awesome Safari adventure. With the following best Middle East deserts in Egypt, Morocco, & Dubai itineraries, you’ll discover why exploring the deserts of North Africa should be high on your bucket list!
1) Zagora safari desert Morocco
At the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and on the shore of the Draa Valley in South Eastern Morocco, is Zagora, also known as the entrance to the Sahara desert. Zagora is well-known for its stunning sunsets, camel treks, and overnight stays in desert camps. The town was originally known as Draa; Zagoro was not given to it until the 20th century. Since Zagora is the nearest desert to Marrakech, many tourists from the major European nations visit there to take a camel ride and spend the night in the Sahara desert. There are still many Kasbahs and ancient fortifications in the area that serve as historical markers. In addition, it is worthwhile to explore the dunes and palm groves of the Sahara desert.
2) Erg Chebbi, Morocco
Erg Chebbi is a pristine, vast expanse of dunes that will leave you speechless. Erg Chebbi has everything from dunes to palm trees and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The beautiful scenery along with the silence that envelops you makes for a peaceful retreat from urban life. Make sure you bring a hat and sunglasses if it's not wintertime because the glare can be very strong. It might be best to avoid this desert if it's hot as it gets very dry during these months, but since it's so vast there are still plenty of cooler places available.
3) The Farafra Oasis Egypt
If you're looking for an authentic Middle East desert, head to the Berber villages of Erg Chebbi. This vast expanse of dunes and mountains is home to around ten thousand people and attracts adventurous tourists from all over the world. In the village of Tinfou, you'll find a bustling market where local traders sell their wares and foodstuffs. Spend your time haggling for trinkets or enjoy a hearty meal with locals at one of the many restaurants that offer traditional North African cuisine such as couscous or tajine. The nearby dunes are fantastic spots to ride horses or camels or simply lie back and relax while admiring the scenery. For those who want some action, there are also quad bikes available to rent which can be fun if you've never been on one before!
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4) Siwa Oasis, Egypt
Siwa Oasis is a remote oasis deep in the Western Desert of Egypt that offers some of the most intimate and personal experiences to be found anywhere in North Africa. The oasis is surrounded by mountains and palm trees and has a population of just over 100 people. This makes it one of the few places where you can get up close with nomadic tribal people. There are also plenty of opportunities for camel safaris into the desert, horseback riding through mountainous regions, or flights above the dunes from an ultralight aircraft.
5) White Desert, Egypt
Egypt is famous for many things and one of them is the White Desert. This desert is a giant expanse of white dunes that stretch out as far as the eye can see. It feels like you are walking on clouds and it makes for some incredible photos to show your friends back home. The best way to experience this is with a 4x4 jeep or camel trekking which will allow you to go off-road and explore more of the area.
The White Desert of Egypt is a magical place for those who want to experience the Sahara's stark beauty. From camel rides through the dunes to being surrounded by the landscape's vast emptiness, this tour offers more than just an opportunity to look at some sand and sky. The sense of freedom and serenity it inspires makes it one of my favourite spots on this list.
6) Valley of the Kings, Egypt
Is 350 miles in the Western Desert, northwest of El Dakhla, close to the ruins of Kasr Abou Monkara, Kasr El Farafrah and El Bagawat Cemetery. It is surrounded by a limestone escarpment.
Here, you can immerse yourself in pristine, extremely suggestive landscapes that exude a strong sense of freedom and tranquillity. Farafra is close to the well-known White Desert, which is distinguished by the presence of fossiliferous limestone stacks that erupt from the desert's golden sands in odd shapes after being eroded by the wind.
7) Giza Plateau, Egypt
Giza Plateau is a must-see site for anyone visiting Cairo. It is situated on the west bank of the Nile and is home to three of the seven wonders of the ancient world: The Great Pyramid of Giza (the oldest and only remaining wonder), The Sphinx (a mythical creature with a human head and lion body), and The Great Sphinx Temple. Visitors can climb inside one of these structures or see them from one of their viewing spots.
8) Abu Dhabi Desert Safari, UAE
If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping desert safari adventures, Abu Dhabi Desert Safari is the place to go. They offer a variety of packages for your adventure needs. Whether you want a camel ride through the dunes or an off-road buggy experience; the Middle East desert always has something for everyone. You can also enjoy one of the longest cable car rides in the world, zip lines and panoramic views from up on high as you take in all of the beautiful scenery below. You'll never be bored here!
9) Al Ain Zoo safari, UAE
Al Ain Zoo Safari is a short drive from Abu Dhabi City and is home to a variety of animals including camels, cheetahs, tigers, rhinos and giraffes. Visitors can take a safari tour through the zoo on an open-air bus or they can explore at their own pace on foot. If you're looking for something even more serene, head over to the 'Peace Garden' where you'll find flamingos and water buffalo roaming free.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has been helpful and gives you a good idea of what to look for when planning your next Middle East desert safari trip. Whether you want to explore sandy shores or climb dunes as far as the eye can see, there is an adventure waiting for you!
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