Where to experience Africa’s deserts

Deserts are some of the most intriguing places on Earth. Their simplicity and untouched beauty have an otherworldly charm. But deserts are more than just scorching sun and camel rides, they are full of surprises. At night, their skies sparkle with countless stars and they can get surprisingly cold.

Africa is home to some of the most fascinating deserts in the world, each with its unique experience.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara is the largest desert in Africa and the third-largest in the world. It stretches across 11 countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, and Eritrea. Despite its vast, arid expanse, the Sahara is incredibly diverse, featuring towering sand dunes, plateaus, salt flats, oases, prehistoric rock art, and river systems like the Niger and Nile.

Daytime temperatures can soar above 50°C in summer months, while nights can plummet below freezing.

What to see and do in the Sahara Desert

• In Morocco: Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, camp under the stars, and explore ancient kasbahs.
• In Egypt: Discover the Great Sand Sea, and combine a desert trip with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza.
• In Tunisia: Explore the vast Chott el Jerid salt flats or visit the Star Wars filming locations in Matmata.

When to visit the Sahara Desert

The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to April. 

Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari spans over 900,000 square kilometers across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. While it’s categorized as a desert, the Kalahari does receive some rainfall that gives it sparse vegetation and supports a variety of wildlife.

The temperature in the Kalahari can reach as high as 45°C, while winter nights drop to -6°C.

What to see and do in the Kalahari Desert

• Visit Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve, home to lions, cheetahs, and oryx.
• Explore the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock art.
• Witness the migration of zebras in Namibia’s Nxai Pan National Park.

When to visit the Kalahari Desert

The best time to visit is from May to September when temperatures are cooler and wildlife sightings are abundant.

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Namib Desert

The Namib is one of the world’s oldest deserts, spanning Namibia and parts of Angola and South Africa. It’s got huge sand dunes, vast gravel plains, and rugged coastlines including where the desert meets the ocean.

Daytime temperatures can reach 45°C, while nights can drop to 0°C.

What to see and do in the Namib Desert

• Climb Dune 45 or explore the surreal Deadvlei clay pan.
• Spot desert-adapted elephants and lions in the Kunene Region.
• Take a trip to see where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib desert in Skeleton Coast.

When to visit the Namib Desert

Visit between April and October for cooler weather and clearer skies.

Danakil Desert

Located in Ethiopia and parts of Djibouti and Eritrea, the Danakil Desert is one of the hottest places on Earth. It’s got acidic sulfur springs, lava lakes, and salt flats, making it inhospitable although a beautiful sight worth ticking off a bucket list. 

Average daytime temperatures in the Danakil Desert exceed 40°C.

What to see and do in the Danakil Desert

• Visit the Erta Ale Volcano, home to a rare permanent lava lake.
• Explore the vibrant Dallol Hydrothermal Fields, with colorful salt and mineral formations.
• Join local Afar tribespeople in traditional salt mining.

When to visit the Danakil Desert

The cooler months from November to February are ideal for exploring this extreme environment.

Nyiri Desert

Also known as the Taru Desert, the Nyiri is located in Kenya. This semi-arid desert is dotted with acacia trees and offers a more understated but equally fascinating experience.

What to see and do in the Nyiri Desert

• Visit Amboseli National Park at the edge of the desert for breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Experience traditional Maasai culture in nearby villages.

When to visit the Nyiri Desert

The best time to visit is during Kenya’s dry seasons: June to October and January to February.

White Desert

Located in Egypt, the White Desert is famous for its stunning white chalk formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and sand erosion. 

What to see and do in the White Desert

• Camp under the stars amidst the surreal rock formations that resemble animals and mushrooms.
• Visit the nearby Black Desert, with volcanic hills and dark sand.

When to visit the White Desert

The cooler months from October to March have the best experience.

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Chalbi Desert

The Chalbi Desert in northern Kenya is a stark yet stunning landscape of dunes, volcanic rocks, salt pans, and camel caravans.

What to see and do in the Chalbi Desert

• Visit the nearby Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake.
• Experience the rich culture of the Gabra people who inhabit the region.

When to visit the Chalbi Desert

The best time to visit is during the cooler months of June to September.