Best Deserts of the World

Seeker Editors

Deserts are often the most neglected of all of Mother Nature's wonders, but this list will have you thinking about adding a sandy oasis to your bucket list. Witness the silky sands across the world as you explore one of the most beautiful landscapes across the planet. These destinations will have you uncovering secret towns and picturesque rock formations- let's take a look at some of our favorite deserts from around the world.

Black Rock Desert, Huacachina, White Desert, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, Dasht-e Kavir, Uyuni Salt Flat, The Pinnacles Desert, Taklamakan Desert, Tabernas Desert, Tatacoa Desert, Thar Desert, Sonoran Desert, Antarctica, Mojave Desert, White Sands National Park, Gobi Desert, Kalahari Desert, Namib Desert, Atacama Desert, Sahara Desert

  • Black Rock Desert in Nevada, United States

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      Black Rock Desert in Nevada, United States is a unique desert known for its vast open space, rugged terrain, and the annual Burning Man event that attracts visitors from around the world. The desert offers stunning views of the night sky, particularly during the annual meteor shower in August. Visitors can also explore the nearby ghost towns or enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and off-roading. It is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and wilderness of the best deserts of the world.

  • Huacachina in Ica, Peru

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      Huacachina is a small desert oasis located in the Ica region of Peru that has been attractively developed for tourism. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, the picturesque lagoon in the center of the village provides unique options for watersports. Visitors can enjoy sandboarding, dune buggy tours, and paragliding, making it one of the best destinations in the world for desert adventures.

  • White Desert, Egypt

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      White Desert, located in the Al Farafra Desert of Egypt's New Valley Governorate, is a must-see for desert enthusiasts. Featuring stunning white rock formations shaped by years of erosion, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the area, take in the breathtaking views, and camp under the stars. A true natural wonder, it's no wonder White Desert is considered one of the best deserts in the world.

  • Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park in Las Cruces, United States

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      Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park is one of the most premier destinations of the world to experience the arid landscape of the best desert. The park boasts of an extensive collection of desert flora and fauna exhibited through hiking trails, guided tours, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain, exceptional geological formations, and unique biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert.

  • Dasht-e Kavir, Iran

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      Dasht-e Kavir, also known as the Great Salt Desert, is a massive desert located in Central Iran and is considered one of the best deserts in the world. Its vast expanse of salt flats and sand dunes offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore a harsh but breathtaking landscape filled with rugged terrain, unique flora and fauna, and surreal landscapes that seem to extend endlessly in every direction. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including trekking, camping, and stargazing, all while basking in the beauty of the serene and otherworldly desert.

  • Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

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      The Uyuni Salt Flat in Potosi Department, Bolivia is one of the most sought-after destinations for visitors who are fascinated by the world's deserts. The largest salt flat in the world is characterized by its otherworldly landscape of gleaming white salt crystals that stretch as far as the eye can see. Travellers can enjoy activities like stargazing, visiting nearby hot springs, and taking pictures of the magnificent natural sight.

  • The Pinnacles Desert, Australia

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      The Pinnacles Desert in Cervantes, Western Australia is a surreal landscape of thousands of unique, towering limestone formations rising from the sandy desert floor. The area has an otherworldly feel with scattered tufts of vegetation lending color to the pale yellow sands. Visitors can explore the unique desert terrain through walking tours, enjoying views of the desert by four-wheel drive or helicopter, gazing at the endless night sky, or by simply enjoying a peaceful picnic at the site.

  • Taklamakan Desert, China

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      Taklamakan Desert is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, located in Hotan Prefecture Xinjiang China. It is known for its extreme temperatures, shifting sand dunes, and unique desert flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, desert camping, and witness stunning sunsets over the endless desert sands.

  • Tabernas Desert in Almería, Spain

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      Tabernas Desert, located in the province of Almería in Andalusia, Spain, is known as one of the best deserts in the world. This unique landscape is renowned for its stunning scenery of surreal rock formations, arid plains, and rugged canyons. Visitors can experience the desert's beauty by going on a guided tour, walking through its dry riverbeds, and visiting one of the many Western-style film sets.

  • Tatacoa Desert, Colombia

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      Tatacoa Desert is a stunningly beautiful and unique landscape known for its dramatic rock formations and endless expanses of ochre-colored sand. Located in Villavieja Huila, Colombia, it is one of the best deserts in the world, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of wandering through the mesmerizing stone sculptures and gazing up at the crystal-clear skies at night. The desert is perfect for stargazing and exploring archeological sites, making it one of the top destinations for adventure-seeking travelers.

  • Thar Desert, India

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      Thar Desert, located in Rajasthan, India, is one of the best deserts in the world offering an awe-inspiring experience to nature lovers. The vast and arid landscape offers a breathtaking view of sand dunes, oasis and stunning sunsets. Visitors can embark on a camel safari, witness the local culture and indulge in delicious local cuisine of the region.

  • Sonoran Desert, United States

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      Sonoran Desert is one of the most diverse and biologically rich deserts in the world, located in the Southwestern region of the United States, covering parts of Arizona, California, and Mexico. It is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, stunning landscapes, and geological formations. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing, while experiencing the beauty and wonder of this remarkable desert ecosystem.

  • Antarctica

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      Antarctica, the seventh continent of the world, is the largest desert on the planet. Covering an area of 5.5 million square miles, it is a dream destination for adventurers seeking to explore its icy mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, camping, and trekking amidst the stunning beauty of the Antarctic deserts.

  • Mojave Desert, United States

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      The Mojave Desert is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, located in Southern California. The area is famous for its unique wildlife, incredible rock formations, and exceptional sunsets. Visitors can experience the beauty of the desert with various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and stargazing.

  • White Sands National Park, United States

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      White Sands National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico. The park offers visitors an unforgettable experience of the world's largest gypsum dunefield, with powdery white sands stretching over 275 square miles. It offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the desert landscape that is truly one of the best deserts in the world.

  • Gobi Desert

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      The Gobi Desert is one of the best deserts of the world to explore. With its vast stretches of golden sand dunes, rugged mountain ranges, and unique wildlife, it offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers. Visit the Flaming Cliffs, ride a camel, or take in the stunning sunset over the desert – the Gobi is a must-visit destination for any desert lover.

  • Kalahari Desert

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      Kalahari Desert, located in Southern Africa, is a vast and arid expanse of stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. Though commonly mistaken as a barren region, it's teeming with stunning natural marvels such as towering sand dunes, pristine salt flats, and occasional oasis. Visitors to this desert will find themselves captivated by its otherworldly beauty and rich cultural heritage.

  • Namib Desert

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      Namib Desert is known for its vast and stunningly beautiful landscapes, featuring towering dunes and an array of unique flora and fauna. A must-visit for adventurous tourists and nature enthusiasts, this desert offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. The strikingly red sand dunes and ethereal mist that envelops the desert are a sight to behold, making Namib Desert one of the best deserts in the world.

  • Atacama Desert in Antofagasta, Chile

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      The Atacama Desert is undoubtedly one of the must-visit deserts in the world. The largest and driest desert in South America, Atacama boasts surreal landscapes like the Valle de la Luna and the El Tatio Geysers. Visitors can also marvel at its unique wildlife, including flamingos, llamas, and vicuñas, and indulge in local delicacies like quinoa and fresh seafood. With its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, Atacama is a desert paradise that everyone should have on their bucket list.

  • Sahara Desert

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      The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert, spanning over 3.6 million square miles. Visitors will be amazed by the endless sand dunes and dramatic landscapes that make up this starkly beautiful region. Despite being one of the harshest environments on earth, the Sahara is home to a diverse array of wildlife and cultures, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.