Travel and Trekking Tips

Deserts have been an inseparable part of humans, animals, and plants’ lives ever since the world evolved. While they occupy just one-fifth of the land surface on the Earth, they exist in every part of the world. Be it anywhere in the world, deserts are mysterious, captivating, and a destination to experience adventure and feel the power of nature. But among all the destinations, which are the best desert safaris in the world? This article gives you the details about the top 7 desert safaris you should try out. Whether you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert landscape, go for an adventure, or seek peace and calmness, these are the best desert safari locations around the world. UAE offers several locations for an unforgettable desert safari, and Dubai is one of the best. On a Dubai desert safari, you will get to spot amazing animal species native to the desert, such as the Arabian Oryx, sand fox, sand cat, reptiles, and Arabian Gazelle. Feel the rush of excitement and thrill in your body with dune bashing as you glide through the dunes in an SUV. Grab a board and slide down the sand dunes, try quad biking and explore the desert landscape on your own. Visit the camp in the desert and savour a delicious dinner, watch belly dancing, and enjoy the cool and calm atmosphere of the desert.  The best time to enjoy this top-rated desert safari tour worldwide is from November to April. This is one of the must-visit desert safari locations for anyone wondering where to go for a desert safari. The Thar desert is a part of the Great Indian Desert, popular for its golden sand dunes, a wide array of flora and fauna, rocky terrain, and fascinating landscapes. It spans across various cities of India in the northern region, including Jaisalmer, which is one of the best desert safari places in India. Take a camel safari and explore the enchanting desert landscapes that are replete with unique flora and fauna. A beautiful camp is set in the desert that offers royal amenities and hordes of cultural experiences. The best thing about a Jaisalmer desert safari is the chance to witness the enchanting sunrise and sunset. The safari also takes you to the nearby villages where you can interact with the locals, get to know the traditions, customs, and even buy some handicrafts. In the camp, you will watch Rajasthani folk dance and savour delicious Rajasthani cuisine.  The best time to visit is from October to March. This location ranks high among family-friendly desert safari locations and offers one of the best desert safari experiences in the world. The captivating rolling sand dunes, the attractive contrasting colours, and rare desert flora and fauna make a desert safari in Wahiba Sands, Oman, an unforgettable experience. The majestic Wahib Sands are perfect for exploring the steep slopes and drops in a 4×4 vehicle. Along with adventure, the desert safari also offers camel riding for a leisurely experience. In the Bedouin-style camp, you can experience the traditional Omani hospitality, music, and dances. You will love to spend an evening in the Wahib Sands sitting next to a bonfire and watching the gleaming stars. Oman remains one of the best countries for desert safaris, offering unique desert safari experiences globally. The best time to experience this is during the cooler months of October to April, when the temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C. The Bahariya Desert is a part of the great Sahara Desert in Egypt, which is known for its sandy dunes, rocky terrains, rock formations in the shapes of pillars, mushrooms, and animals, crystal mountains, and more. So, you can experience many different things on a Bahariya desert safari in Egypt, and you will never forget the charming desert. The safari starts from Cairo, and it proceeds through the rocky terrain. You will love to witness the mystical Crystal Mountain and the huge array of wildlife. Experiencing camping in the Bahariya desert is an opportunity to drink in the beauty of the Sahara Desert, enjoy Egyptian hospitality, and explore the mystical desert landscapes that enchant the world. It is one of the most famous desert safari destinations, ideal for wildlife desert safari tours worldwide. Average day temperatures from October to April make desert exploration, camping and hiking more pleasant. With a diverse range of grasslands, scrubland, dry riverbeds, mammals, reptiles, animals, and plant life, the Kalahari Desert is not actually a desert, but still worth visiting. The reason so many living things can be seen here is because of the amount of rain it receives. Visit the Kalahari Desert and witness amazing wildlife, and soak in cultural experiences by spending time with the native tribes who have been living in the area for centuries. You will also enjoy the rolling dunes, dry riverbeds known as pans, and the wilderness of the desert. This is among the bucket list desert adventures around the world, offering one of the most fulfilling desert safaris for adventure lovers. You can actually visit this desert anytime except during the rainy season. The daytime temperature between the months of May to September ranges from 20°C to 27°C, with cooler nights and starry skies.  While most of the desert travel destinations have golden sand dunes, you can witness white sand in the Chihuahuan Desert. Describing the captivating beauty of this desert is not easy. You have to explore it to witness a vast expanse of gypsum sand dunes formed of gypsum crystals due to the geographical changes occurring continuously for centuries. The gypsum sands dunes in the White Sands National Park are the largest gypsum dune field in the world. A Chihuahuan desert safari includes a scenic drive through the white sand dunes, popular trails for hiking, and sliding down the steep slopes, standing on a plastic sledge. The park has a visitor centre where you can learn about the geological and ecological features of the desert.  The best time to

Machu Picchu in Peru remains one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet, where history and nature come together in a truly remarkable way. Whether you’re drawn to the mysteries of the ancient Incan civilisation or simply mesmerised by the breathtaking views of the Andes mountains, visiting Machu Picchu, Peru, is an experience that will stay with you forever. Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel or fortified town that remains, to date, as one of the greatest icons of the Inca Empire. But to get the most out of your experience, some thoughtful planning goes a long way. Given the site’s limited visitor capacity and its remote location nestled high in the Andes, planning a trip to Machu Picchu requires some preparation. Whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends, this guide will walk you through essential tips to make your visit smooth, enjoyable, and hassle-free. Best Time To Visit: Weather and Crowds Choosing the best time to go to Machu Picchu makes a big difference in how you experience the site. The dry season, which is from May to September, remains the most popular time for travel. You’ll enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures, perfect for hiking and photography. However, this is also the busiest period, so prepare for crowds. If you’re hoping for a quieter experience, April and October are ideal shoulder months. These months still fall outside the rainy season and come with fewer tourists and more flexibility in ticket availability. The best time to go to Machu Picchu also depends on your tolerance for rain, because from November to March, it gets wetter. That said, the early morning mist and fewer crowds give the site a magical, mystical feel. In short, if you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, and weather is your top priority, the best time to go to Machu Picchu is between May and early September. If avoiding crowds is more important, April and October offer a great balance. Plan Ahead: Tickets and Timing One of the most important things to prioritise when planning a trip to Machu Picchu is securing your entry tickets well in advance. Since the Peruvian government limits daily visitors to protect this historic archaeological site, Machu Picchu entrance tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially during high season. Booking months ahead is the best bet to ensure entry and avoid any last-minute surprises. In 2025, all visitors must select a specific time slot and circuit when booking their Machu Picchu entrance tickets. There are four circuits designed to manage crowd flow, and each offers a different perspective of the ruins. Be sure to read up on them before choosing the one that suits your interests best. The safest option for booking is still the official Peruvian government website or authorised vendors. This way, you can be sure your ticket is legitimate and even choose from extra activities, like a guided Machu Picchu tour, a hike up Huayna Picchu, or entry to Machu Picchu Mountain; each requiring separate tickets. Also, you must have some patience with the website, as it is in Spanish and tends to break down if you translate it. I would recommend using Google Translate separately on a different device.  However, you can also book your tickets offline at Cusco or Aguas Calientes. At the Machu Picchu Cultural Centre in Aguas Calientes, you can buy the tickets only with cash. So, make sure that you have cash withdrawn from Cusco, or just get your tickets from Cusco.  Getting To Machu Picchu: Your Travel Options  Getting to Machu Picchu is half the adventure and can be adapted to your preferences and budget. Most travellers begin their journey in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. It is also the tourist capital of Peru. Therefore, you do not have to worry about getting to Cusco (whether by flight or by road), from wherever you are. You can stay in Cusco for a day or two to acclimatise to the elevation before heading towards Aguas Calientes.  From there, one of the most scenic options is the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), the closest town to the ruins. PeruRail and IncaRail offer various train classes, from budget to luxury, giving you plenty of choice. In 2025, advance booking is more important than ever due to capacity limits during high season. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, a 25-minute bus ride takes you up a winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu, Peru. Buses start running as early as 5:30 AM, and it’s worth catching an early one to enjoy the sunrise if you’ve booked a morning slot. If you are joining a tour group, most tours will include a return journey to Aguas Calientes from Machu Picchu, but it is a better idea to double-check to avoid any surprises. If your tour does not include a return bus ride, make sure to get the ticket.  Alternatively, for the adventurous at heart, consider trekking. The classic Inca Trail is a 4-day hike that requires a separate permit, which also sells out months in advance. There are alternative treks like the Salkantay and Lares routes, which are equally stunning and often less crowded. If you’re booking your journey as part of Peru package tours, make sure it includes transport to and from Aguas Calientes, your guided tour of Machu Picchu, and any add-ons like hikes or entry to additional sites. Understanding the Machu Picchu Circuits This is probably one of the most important things to know if you are planning your trip to Machu Picchu. The Peruvian government continues to enforce a circuit-based system to preserve the sanctity of Machu Picchu, Peru, while improving crowd management. So when you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you’ll need to pick one of the four available circuits while booking your Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Each circuit takes you along a fixed one-way route and offers access to different parts of the