Desert nights: the best desert camping experiences

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

A night in the desert, with silence, stars and a campfire, is one of travel's simple joys. These are memorable places to try it.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Camps at the Sam and Khuri dunes near Jaisalmer offer camel rides at sunset, folk music and dinner under the stars. Winter nights are cold.

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

A high-altitude cold desert with sand dunes at Hunder and double-humped Bactrian camels. See Nubra Valley.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The tent city during the Rann Utsav lets you see the white salt desert under the full moon.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Red sand, sandstone mountains and bubble tents for stargazing. See Wadi Rum.

Merzouga, Morocco

Camel treks into the Sahara's Erg Chebbi dunes, with Berber camps. See Merzouga (Sahara).

Dubai

Desert safaris with dune driving and dinner at a camp, usually returning the same night; overnight camps are also available. See Dubai.

Tips

• Pack warm layers; deserts are cold at night.
• Carry a torch, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Choose licensed operators.
• Respect the environment and take rubbish away.

See our Adventure holidays page.

What to expect at camp

Camps range from simple tents to luxury tents with private bathrooms. Most include dinner, folk music or entertainment and breakfast. Electricity may be limited to certain hours. Ask about heating in winter and toilet facilities.

Best season

October to March is the best time for Indian, Middle Eastern and North African deserts. Ladakh's cold desert is a summer destination.