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Vast and absolutely awe inspiring, deserts cover nearly one-thirds of the Earth’s land surface. The kind of landscape that showcases nature’s raw and untamed beauty, deserts are striking as they are diverse. From the scorching sands of the Sahara to the icy stretches of Antarctica, these extreme landscapes span across continents and climates. Some of the countries in the world are home to the most iconic and largest deserts. Offering the most stunning and breathtaking views, unique ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage, here’s for you to explore the largest deserts in the world along with the countries that host these massive arid regions.
Desert land diversity
The biggest deserts in the world move far beyond just what their barren appearance suggests. While many envision endless sand dunes under a blazing sun, desert landscapes usually range from scorching hot to freezing cold, and from rocky plateaus to salt flats. These are regions that exist on every continent, with each largest desert in the world shaped by their unique climatic conditions and geological forces. Hot deserts like the Sahara contrast sharply with the cold deserts like Antarctica. Despite the harsh conditions, deserts are the kind of landscapes that support resilient ecosystems and cultures that adapt to these natural conditions over centuries. The diversity of desert lands reflects upon nature’s incredible ability to thrive even in the most extreme of environments.
With each desert land offering an unique kind of solitude and stark beauty, here are the world’s largest deserts and the countries they call home
1. Antarctica- Antarctic Desert
Home to the largest desert in the world, Antarctica is where the vast and frozen wilderness of the Antarctic Desert lies. The world’s largest and coldest desert that stretches far and wide across the continent, the icy expanse of this cold desert land is covered in snow rather than sand. Boasting of towering ice cliffs, penguin colonies, and glittering glaciers that dominate this landscape, the Antarctic Desert despite its harsh climate, attracts intrepid adventurers from across the world.
Offering the ultimate remote experience, cruise through the iceberg laden seas or visit the scientific outposts, and experience some of the most unforgettable encounters with the wildlife there.
2. Russia- The Northern Polar Desert
Beneath the shimmering auroras of the north lies the Arctic Desert. A cold, and stark terrain that stretches across several countries, this cold desert is the world of ice floes, tundra and snow-covered silence. With polar bears roaming the edges of ice sheets, and narwhals gliding through the frigid waters, travellers are also able to explore the indigenous cultures and Inuit communities. Embark on Arctic safaris in Svalbard, or cruise along the Northwest Passage as you marvel at a sun that never sets in summer and never rises in winter.
3. China and Mongolia- The Gobi Desert
Vast, windswept and absolutely otherworldly, the Gobi Desert stretches across southern Mongolia and northern China. Unlike the classic sandy deserts, the Gobi Desert is one of the biggest deserts in the world that is known for its rocky and gravel strewn expanses, as well as dramatic temperature shifts. Travellers visiting the Gobi Desert can trek across the desolate plains on camelback, visit the ancient Silk Road ruins, and witness flaming cliffs that glow red at sunset.
4. Australia- The Great Victoria Desert
Australia’s largest desert, the Great Victoria is one of the top 10 largest deserts that boasts of a rugged and radiant wilderness in the country’s heart. A land of red sands, spinifex grasses, and Aboriginal cultural significance, this is the kind of desert land that is spiritual at heart despite being remote. Dotted with salt lakes, meteorite craters, and hidden waterholes, there’s a lot to explore and marvel at in the Great Victorian Desert.
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5. Libya- The Sahara Desert
Known as the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara needs little introduction. Sprawling across Northern Africa, with most of it extending across Libya, this desert boasts of endless seas of golden dunes, rocky plateaus, and ancient caravan routes. From the blue cloaked Taureng nomads to the bustling oases of Morocco, this is the first among the top 10 largest deserts and is a land of both desolation and vibrant life.
6. Botswana- The Kalahari Desert
Unlike traditional deserts, the Kalahari supports a surprising array of wildlife and vegetation. A semi-arid wonder in the form of the biggest deserts in the world, the Kalahari boasts of red sands, spectacular wildlife and acacia trees. Those travelling to the Kalahari can explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, and interact with the San Bushmen communities.
7. Saudi Arabia- The Arabian Desert
Sprawling across the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is a country that is mainly dominated by the Arabian Desert. A vast desert land that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, the Arabian Desert is the perfect blend between myth and modernity. Stargaze over the Saudi sands, or dune bash in Dubai while travelling here.