Wayfairer Travel has expanded its portfolio of off-grid experiences with bespoke itineraries that takes guests to desert adventures 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,” Wayfairer Travel CEO Jason Stevens said. “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.”
Highlight itineraries
The Atacama Desert, Chile
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: Tierra Atacama, located just outside of San Pedro de Atacama, is an all-inclusive, eco-friendly resort that has just reopened following a $20 million renovation.
- Experience: The region provides photography enthusiasts with opportunities to capture photos of the wildlife and landscape. 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 Pukara de Quitor and Tulor add excitement and historical depth to the experience.
The Namib Desert, Namibia
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 thatched chalets that blend traditional African design, modern comforts and personalised service for an intimate, upscale stay.
- Experience: The Namib Desert 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. Guests also 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.
Ularu Rock, Australia
Uluru, or Ayres Rock, rises 348 metres 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: Guests stay at Longitude 131, a five-stary luxury resort located just outside Uluru, or at Alice Springs Hotel.
- Experience: Guests have the chance to learn more about the Mala people with guided hikes around the base of Uluru 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.
The Wahiba Sands, Oman
The Sharqiyah Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands, are a vast desert expanse in eastern Oman. The landscape is home to towering dunes and the nomadic Bedouin tribes. Untouched by mass tourism, it’s a haven for those seeking raw natural beauty, authentic experiences, and off-grid adventure.
- Stay: 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: 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.
