Wayfairer Travel continues to expand its portfolio of off-grid experiences with bespoke itineraries that take guests out of the high-energy cities into mysterious, Martian like landscapes of deserts around the world.
“More and more travellers are craving that sense of escape – swapping city noise and packed resorts for something quieter and more surreal. We’ve been crafting desert trips for years now and are excited to be expanding our offering. There’s something magnetic about those vast landscapes that makes people feel like they’ve stepped into another world.” – Jason Stevens, CEO of Wayfairer Travel
Below, Wayfairer has highlighted four outstanding destinations that showcase one-of-a-kind desert experiences – from desert safari adventures in Africa to hiking around the highest geothermal field in the world in Chile and venturing into the vast dunes in Oman, to discovering the Red Centre of Australia.
SURREAL MOONSCAPES AND SALT FLATS
THE ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE
Atacama Salt Flats | Tierra Atacama
The Atacama Desert, which lies in the Northern half of Chile, is one of the driest and most unique deserts in the world, where vast moonscapes are punctuated with ancient volcanoes, glistening salt flats, and clear night skies that fill with stars as the night falls.
Stay: Located just outside of San Pedro de Atacama, Tierra Atacama is an all-inclusive, eco-friendly resort that has just reopened following a $20 million renovation, that inserts guests into the heart of the desert, pairing 5-star luxury with unparalleled panoramic views of the desert
Experience: Photography enthusiasts can capture the stunning flamingos gathering on the vast Salar de Atacama salt flats or the dramatic rock formations of Valle de la Luna through their lens. The Tatio Geysers, the world’s highest geothermal field, can be experienced on guided tours or from above during hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours. The town of San Pedro de Atacama serves as a cultural hub, while mountain biking, ATV tours, and archaeological visits to sites like Pukará de Quitor and Tulor add excitement and historical depth to the experience.
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STEP FOOT IN THE WORLD’S OLDEST DESERT
THE NAMIB DESERT, NAMIBIA
Rhino in the Namib Desert | Hoodia Desert Lodge
Namibia is home to the world’s oldest desert, the Namib Desert, with a history dating back over 55 million years that has long captured the imagination of explorers and historians alike. The iconic Sossusvlei and Deadvlei clay pans are formed from ancient riverbeds, while the towering dunes are among the tallest in the world. The Skeleton Coast, named for the shipwrecks that litter its shores, earned its name due to the many vessels lost to its foggy, treacherous waters during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Stay: Hoodia Desert Lodge is a secluded, owner-managed property featuring 11 spacious thatched chalets that blend traditional African design, modern comforts and personalised service for an intimate, upscale stay in the heart of Namibia.
Experience: This is one of the best places in the world to take part in an African Big Five safari, with day and night tours led by local experts. Beyond wildlife, guests have the chance to meet authentic indigenous tribes like the Himba people and learn more about the rich cultural traditions, enjoy climbing the red dunes of Sossusvlei and Dune 45, or explore the eerie ancient trees of Deadvlei.
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THE RED CENTRE OF THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK
ULARU ROCK, AUSTRALIA
Ularu Rock | Alice Springs
Uluru Rock, or Ayres Rock, rises 348 meters above the surrounding desert plains in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has become an iconic bucket-list destination for travellers wanting to learn more about the ancient Aboriginal culture at the heart of Australia.
Stay: To stay close to Uluru Rock, guests can opt for a Longitude 131, a five-star luxury resort located just outside the UNESCO World Heritage site, with views of the national park. A scenic drive from Ayers Rock, Alice Springs Hotel is also a fantastic stop for exploring the surrounding Outback.
Experience: Guests have the chance to learn more about the Mala people with guided hikes around the base of Uluru Rock and tours of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, traditional bush tucker-inspired dining experiences and a local “startalker” guide who offers insights into the ancient observations of stars and constellations in the southern night sky.
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DESERT OASIS ESCAPE
THE WAHIBA SANDS, OMAN
Wahiba Sands | Wadi Bani Khalid
The Sharqiyah Sands – also known as Wahiba Sands – are a vast desert expanse in eastern Oman, where sweeping red and white dunes stretch for over 200 kilometres from the Al Hajar Mountains to the Arabian Sea. This dramatic landscape is not only home to towering dunes that rise up to 200 metres, but also to nomadic Bedouin tribes, desert-adapted wildlife, and a tapestry of cultural heritage. Untouched by mass tourism, it’s a haven for those seeking raw natural beauty, authentic experiences, and off-grid adventure.
Stay: Nestled amidst the dunes of the Al Sharqiyah Sands, the Arabian Nights Resort & Spa offers a tranquil retreat with modern amenities and unparalleled hospitality. Guests can indulge in authentic Omani cuisine, unwind by the outdoor pool, and embark on desert adventures such as dune bashing and camel rides.
Experience: A haven for thrill seekers, guests can enjoy ATV adventures, sandboarding and dune bashing or enjoy the views at a more leisurely pace on camel-rides, or whilst stargazing under clear skies via nighttime tours. Nearby, the oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, with its natural pools and palm-lined trails, lends itself to scenic hikes around the wadis between Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid and its hidden teal lagoons
