The discipline of empty roads
Driving across a desert demands different skills than driving in populated country. The speed feels different because there is nothing to gauge it against. The fuel range matters more. The weather matters in ways it doesn't on a wet European highway.
But there is a particular pleasure to it. The radio goes off because there is no signal. The conversation slows. You start noticing the small things that change in a landscape that mostly doesn't.
Drives that have stayed with me
Namibia's C28 from Walvis Bay to Windhoek crosses the Namib desert with views that change every few kilometres despite the apparent emptiness.
Bolivia's Lagunas route in the south crosses high-altitude desert with flamingo lakes and red sand. Four-wheel-drive only, and usually with a guide.
The US 50 across Nevada, sometimes called the loneliest road in America, is largely paved and well-maintained but feels remote in a way few US roads do.
The road from Iquique into the Atacama in northern Chile climbs into the driest desert on earth, with stretches where you can drive for an hour without seeing another vehicle.
Vehicle and preparation
Four-wheel-drive for any unpaved desert route. Two spare tyres if you can carry them. A jerry can of fuel. A jerry can of water.
A satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach. Mobile signal is not reliable. A breakdown without communication can become serious.
Tell someone your route and expected arrival. Check in at the other end.
Driving rhythms
Start early. Heat builds through the day in deserts. Driving in the cool of morning is more comfortable and easier on the vehicle.
Take breaks. Long empty roads can produce a particular kind of fatigue that sneaks up on you.
Travel tips
- → Carry two spare tyres on unpaved routes
- → Always carry extra fuel and water
- → Start driving at dawn, finish before midday heat
- → Use a satellite messenger, mobile signal is unreliable
Best season
Cooler months for low-latitude deserts, late spring for high-altitude ones.
How to get there
Fly to a regional hub, rent appropriate vehicle, and confirm route conditions with locals before setting out.
What to expect
Long empty drives, dramatic skies, occasional small towns, and a heightened sense of self-reliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a regular car?
On paved desert roads yes. Off paved, four-wheel-drive is essential.
Insurance considerations?
Confirm coverage for unpaved roads. Many rental contracts exclude them.
Best time of year?
Cooler months, generally. Avoid summer in low-elevation deserts.
