In the Kingdom
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) | Sheer cliffs about 300 metres above a vast plain, with an unforgettable sunset. | About 90 km north-west of Riyadh; the last stretch needs a 4x4 |
| Elephant Rock, AlUla | A towering rock shaped like an elephant, with seating and cafés around it, loveliest at sunset. | North-east of AlUla |
| Hegra (Mada'in Salih) | More than 100 Nabataean tombs carved into the rock, the first Saudi site on the World Heritage list. | AlUla; official tours only |
| The Hisma mountains | Soft sand and rock formations in graded colours, one of the loveliest winter camping spots. | West of Tabuk |
| The Great Nafud sands | Long red sand dunes, one of the loveliest winter camping spots. | North of Hail |
Wadi Rum, Jordan
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Wadi Rum jeep tour | Red dunes, rock bridges and ancient inscriptions between towering mountains. | Two hours to a full day |
| A night in a desert camp | Tents and domes facing the mountains, under a sky full of stars. | Inside the reserve; about an hour from Aqaba |
| Balloon over Wadi Rum | A dawn flight over the red desert. | Weather permitting |
Egypt
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The White Desert | White rock formations that look like snow, and nights under a sky full of stars. | Near Farafra Oasis |
| Siwa Oasis | Salt lakes, springs and palms, and the old mud-brick fortress of Shali. | Western Egypt, near the Libyan border |
| Desert safari in Hurghada | Quad bikes and camels in the Eastern Desert at sunset. | Half a day |
Morocco
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Merzouga | Towering golden dunes and camps under the stars. | South-east Morocco |
| The Agafay desert | A stony desert with camps and magical sunsets facing the snowy Atlas mountains. | About 30 km south of Marrakech |
Tips before you go
- Winter is the best desert season: mild days and cold nights, so bring warm clothes for the evening.
- Sandy and mountain tracks need a 4x4, ideally with a guide who knows the area.
- Get away from the city lights at night: a clear desert sky is one of the finest sights you'll see.
Hotels in Deserts
- Hotels in AlUla
- Hotels in Tabuk
- Hotels in Riyadh
- Hotels in Marrakech
- Hotels in Hurghada
- Hotels in Aqaba
- Wadi Rum camps
- Hotels in Hail
- Serviced apartments in Riyadh
- Resorts around Riyadh
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- The best viewpoints and observation decks
Articles you may like
- Winter in Saudi Arabia: 7 places worth the trip
- Winter camping spots in Saudi Arabia: near Riyadh and beyond
- When is the autumn break 1448? 20–28 November, and where to go
Frequently asked questions
What's the nearest beautiful desert to Riyadh?
The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), about 90 km north-west of Riyadh; the last stretch needs a 4x4.
Where can I go desert camping in the Kingdom?
In the Hisma mountains west of Tabuk and the Great Nafud sands north of Hail, both among the loveliest winter camping spots.
How far is Wadi Rum from Aqaba?
About an hour by car, with jeep tours, camps and dawn balloon flights, weather permitting.
What's the nearest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay desert, about 30 km south of Marrakech, with its camps and views of the Atlas mountains.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.