What counts as a desert expedition
Day trips into a desert and a multi-day expedition are different beasts. The expedition requires planning that day trips don't, but it also produces something the day trip can't: a sense of having actually crossed a piece of country.
Most expeditions are between three and ten days. Longer trips exist but require commitment and serious logistics.
Trips worth considering
Camel treks in Mauritania's Adrar plateau, with Berber guides, sleeping in tents under stars that haven't been polluted by any light.
Four-wheel-drive expeditions across Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni and the high Lagunas, usually three days from Uyuni to the Chilean border.
Trekking in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guides, with possibilities ranging from two days to a full week.
Crossing the Empty Quarter, the Rub' al Khali, requires serious organisation but can be arranged with experienced expedition companies.
Gear and fitness
Most desert expeditions don't require extreme fitness, but they do require resilience. Sleeping rough, eating simple food, dealing with heat and cold in the same twenty-four hours.
Layered clothing is essential. A hat is essential. A scarf or shemagh that you can wrap against sand is invaluable.
Pack light. You'll be moving your gear daily, often without vehicle support.
Choosing an operator
For multi-day expeditions, the operator matters more than the route. Ask about guide qualifications, group sizes, vehicle conditions, water carriage.
Locally owned operators tend to be more invested in the route and the communities along it. Ask who employs the guides.
Travel tips
- → Choose locally owned operators where possible
- → Pack light, you'll move your gear daily
- → Bring a wide-brimmed hat and a long scarf
- → Take a copy of your itinerary to leave with someone at home
Best season
Cooler months for hot deserts, between rainy seasons for tropical highland deserts.
How to get there
International flight, regional connection, then road transfer to the expedition start.
What to expect
Long days outside, basic camping, shared meals, dramatic landscapes, and a profound sense of distance covered.
Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be?
Moderately. Long days outside but rarely technical. Some camel-based trips require almost no walking.
Is it safe?
With reputable operators yes. The remoteness is the main risk factor.
What about toilets?
Bush conditions, with practice and patience.
