5 amazing desert experiences from across the world

Deserts are not just endless stretches of sand, they're places that are worth exploring for adventure, beauty and unforgettable experiences. From stargazing in the Dubai desert to camel safari in the Thar desert in India, here are six desert activities from around the world that will leave you amazed.

Dubai stargazing is a must if you wish to experience the magic of desert nights. The desert offers an unobstructed view of the night sky, away from city lights. It is truly a wondrous experience to lie on the sandy and warm desert under a sea of stars. The stars are brighter and more resplendent than anywhere else due to the minimal amounts of light pollution and clean desert air, offering a stunning sky spectacle impossible to observe in cities.

Just outside the streets of Marrakech lies the Agafay desert. This is a rocky, lunar landscape, which is perfect for an adventure, especially if you love riding a bicycle. The stillness of a desert, broken only by the crunch of tires on the gravel, makes this ride a meditative escape into the enchanting and wild beauty of Morocco.

Dune bashing in Abu Dhabi is a heart-stopping desert activity that is sure to send adrenaline rushing into your veins. A thrilling rollercoaster-type ride through the golden landscapes is offered by trained drivers, who take a whip through the towering dunes at a speeding pace. If you ever felt like winding down, unwind by visiting a run-of-the-mill camel farm, where you get a dose of the desert culture as well as life going at its slower pace. Amid the UAE's vastness, it presents the perfect blend of adventure and cultural discovery.

One of those sedate, drowsy sensations that lets you savour the desert on your terms is camel riding on the Thar Desert. The journey is almost timeless, owing to the ease of the camel's swing, the golden sandy dunes rolling miles away to the horizon, and the calmness that holds you. It is impossible to erase from memory the mystique of the desert's sparkling beauty as night falls and sand cools to the touch.

From above, Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, offers one of the most peaceful and stunning desert landscapes. You can drift over gigantic red sand valleys, dramatic rock formations, and ancient canyons on an early morning hot air balloon ride. This is a peaceful but stunning way to view one of the world's most dramatic deserts due to the peacefulness of the early morning air, the soft golden light that pours over the rocky terrain, and the wide vistas.