Before the sand

For most Northern Hemisphere deserts, including the Sahara and Arabia, roughly October to April. The Namib is cooler from May to September, while the Gobi is best from June to September. Always check park closures and current weather.

At least 5 litres of drinking water per person per day in heat, more during physical work, plus water for cooking and an untouched reserve. See our preparation guide for a planning table.

Only with proper training, a second vehicle and permission where required. Many protected areas, such as the Namib-Naukluft National Park, prohibit driving off designated tracks.

For deep desert routes, yes. In some protected areas guiding is mandatory. Use our guide-selection checklist to evaluate options.

Insurance that explicitly covers remote medical evacuation and your planned activities. Read the exclusions carefully; off-road driving and high altitude are common ones.

Often. Clear, dry air loses heat quickly after sunset. Winter nights in the Sahara, the Gobi and the high Atacama can fall near or below freezing.

Change lenses inside a vehicle or bag, use a blower instead of wiping, and keep equipment sealed when not in use. Read our photography notes.

Rarely in remote areas. Any responsible expedition carries satellite communication and a personal locator beacon.

No. We are an independent information site. We do not sell, book or guarantee any expedition or accommodation, and nothing on this site implies availability.