Collection
Desert Journeys
Dunes, salt flats, and quiet desert towns.
Train lines and dirt tracks across some of the driest country on earth. Sunrises that take their time.
The desert journeys we publish on Quest Air are chosen for what they ask of the traveller and what they return in exchange. Long approaches, small populations, weather that sets the day's rhythm. These are not destinations engineered for ease. They reward patience.
What follows are our current published guides in this collection. Each is written by a contributor with time spent on the ground. Use them as starting points rather than itineraries. The best trips, we have found, are the ones that diverge from the plan early.
Travel slowly. Stay in places run by people who live there. Eat local food. Pack out everything you carry in. The traveller who treats a small place with care is the traveller who is welcomed back.
Guides in this collection
Desert Train Journeys
Railways that cross some of the driest, emptiest country on earth, from the Sahara to the Australian outback.
12 min read
Desert Roads Worth Driving
Long empty drives across some of the driest country on earth, from Namibia to the American Southwest.
10 min read
Hidden Desert Settlements
Small towns in dry country where the wells and the trade routes once made survival possible.
9 min read
Best Desert Sunrises
Places to be awake before light, to watch the desert change colour.
8 min read
Remote Desert Adventures
Multi-day expeditions across dunes, salt flats, and ancient trade routes.
11 min read
Frequently asked
When is the best time to visit desert journeys?
It depends on the region. Most temperate destinations in this collection work best in shoulder seasons. Tropical and arctic regions have their own windows. Each individual guide notes the recommended season.
How do I get there?
Most destinations require a regional flight followed by road, ferry, or smaller aircraft. Allow at least one buffer day on either end of any final connection.
Is independent travel possible?
Yes, in most cases. A few destinations benefit from or require a local guide. We note this in the individual guides.
What gear do I need?
Varies by destination. Layered clothing, sturdy footwear, and a way to carry water cover most situations. Specific gear notes are in each guide.