7 Desert Locations for Otherworldly Landscape Photos

Desert landscapes offer some of the most surreal and captivating scenery on Earth. From expansive dunes to jagged rock formations, these arid wonders are a paradise for photographers looking to capture otherworldly beauty.

Here’s a list of seven desert locations that promise stunning and unique photo opportunities… All you have to do is get there.

1. Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib Desert is one of the oldest deserts in the world. It boasts vast stretches of orange sand dunes that create a dramatic and mesmerizing landscape. Home to the famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, the Namib Desert’s stark beauty is unparalleled.

🌟 Highlights:

• Towering dunes of Sossusvlei
• Dead Camelthorn trees in Deadvlei
• Unique wildlife like the Oryx
• The ethereal Skeleton Coast

🗺️ Getting There:

Fly into Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, and then drive approximately 5 hours to Sossusvlei. Numerous guided tours are available for those preferring organized trips.

2. Atacama Desert, Chile

Often referred to as the driest place on Earth, the Atacama Desert offers an array of photogenic landscapes, from salt flats and geysers to colorful lagoons. Its unique geography and crystal-clear night skies also make it a prime spot for astrophotography.

🌟 Highlights:

• Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) with its lunar-like landscape
• El Tatio Geyser Field
• Salar de Atacama salt flats
• Flamingo-filled Chaxa Lagoon

🗺️ Getting There:

Fly into Calama and travel about 1.5 hours by car to San Pedro de Atacama, the main gateway to the desert’s attractions.

3. Badlands National Park, USA

Known for its striking geological formations, Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a treasure trove for landscape photographers. The park features sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, all set against a backdrop of mixed-grass prairie.

🌟 Highlights:

• Colorful layered rock formations
• Dramatic Pinnacles and Spires
• Fossil beds and ancient skeletons
• Rich wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs

🗺️ Getting There:

Fly into Rapid City Regional Airport. Badlands National Park is about an hour’s drive from the airport, with easy access via major highways.

4. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, transforms into a giant mirror during the rainy season, creating a spectacular reflective surface. This unique phenomenon makes it one of the most surreal and photogenic places on Earth.

🌟 Highlights:

• Endless reflective surfaces during the wet season
• Geometric salt patterns in the dry season
• Inca Huasi Island with its giant cacti
• Nearby Red and Green Lagoons

🗺️ Getting There:

Fly into La Paz and then take a domestic flight to Uyuni. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from La Paz or other major cities in Bolivia.

5. Wadi Rum, Jordan

Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum is characterized by its dramatic sandstone mountains and red sand dunes. Its otherworldly landscape has been featured in numerous films, making it a must-visit location for photographers.

🌟 Highlights:

• Sky-high sandstone mountains
• Ancient rock carvings
• Stunning star-filled night skies
• Epic desert sunsets

🗺️ Getting There:

Fly into Amman, Jordan’s capital, and drive about 4 hours to Wadi Rum. Many tour operators offer guided trips and overnight stays in Bedouin camps.

6. The Pinnacles, Australia

Located within Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles are a series of limestone formations rising from the desert floor. These eerie and mysterious structures offer a photographer’s dream backdrop, especially during sunrise and sunset.

🌟 Highlights:

• Thousands of limestone spires
• Stunning sunrise and sunset photography
• Diverse wildlife, including emus and kangaroos
• Nearby white sand beaches of Cervantes

🗺️ Getting There:

Fly into Perth and drive about 2 hours north to Nambung National Park. The Pinnacles are well marked and easily accessible by car.

7. Sahara Desert, Africa

The Sahara Desert, spanning multiple countries in North Africa, is the largest hot desert in the world. Known for its vast stretches of sand dunes, ancient rock formations, and unique desert culture, the Sahara offers photographers a canvas of endless possibilities. The desert’s golden hues and dramatic light play create perfect conditions for breathtaking landscape photography.

🌟 Highlights:

• Expansive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga
• Ancient rock art in the Tassili n’Ajjer region
• Unique desert oases like Siwa and Ghadames
• The vibrant culture of the Tuareg people

🗺️ Getting There:

Depending on your desired location, you can fly into major cities like Cairo, Marrakech, or Algiers. From there, guided tours are typically recommended for exploring the desert safely and thoroughly. Many tours offer overnight stays in traditional Berber tents, providing an immersive desert experience.

Final Thoughts

Capturing the otherworldly beauty of desert landscapes requires planning and patience, but the results are always rewarding. Each of these seven locations offers unique features and breathtaking scenery that will inspire any photographer.