Stargazing & Silence
The desert night sky, far from any light — one of travel's most humbling experiences.
Year-roundRed sands and towering dunes, hidden wadis and skies ablaze with stars — Wadi Rum, the Gulf's desert safaris, Oman's wadis and the vast Empty Quarter.
The Middle East's deserts are among the most beautiful on Earth — red sands, towering dunes, hidden wadis and skies ablaze with stars.
This is desert on an epic scale: Jordan's Wadi Rum, where Lawrence of Arabia rode and Hollywood films Mars; Oman's Wahiba Sands and the vast Empty Quarter, the largest sand sea on the planet; and the accessible dunes on Dubai's and Abu Dhabi's doorstep. Between the sands lie emerald wadi pools, oasis towns, ancient forts and the living traditions of the Bedouin.
Family-run since 1974, Cooee builds desert experiences that range from a spectacular half-day safari to multi-night expeditions deep into the dunes — always with the comfort and safety details handled.
From accessible safaris to remote sand seas — choose your scale of adventure.
Jordan · the Valley of the Moon
Towering sandstone, red dunes and luxury camps under a blaze of stars — 4WD and camel by day, silence by night.
UAE · dunes on the doorstep
Oman · rolling dune country
Oman & Saudi · the Rub al-Khali
Wadi Shab · Bani Khalid pools
Safari + a Gulf stopover
The moments that make the desert unforgettable.
A luxury camp in Wadi Rum or the Empty Quarter — dinner by firelight and a sky thick with stars.
Oct – AprA 4WD thrill over the dunes, a sunset camel ride and a Bedouin-style barbecue.
Oct – AprHike into Oman's Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid and swim in cool emerald pools between the cliffs.
Oct – AprThe desert night sky, far from any light — one of travel's most humbling experiences.
Year-roundFor sheer drama, a night in Wadi Rum in Jordan is unbeatable — 4WD, camels and a luxury camp under the stars. For accessibility, a Dubai or Abu Dhabi desert safari is a superb half-day, and Oman's Wahiba Sands and the Empty Quarter offer deeper wilderness. See our Gulf states guide.
October to April — the desert is glorious in the cooler months and dangerously hot from June to August. Nights can be cold in winter, so pack a warm layer for camps. See our best time to visit guide.
Very — the region does luxury desert camps brilliantly, with en-suite tents, fine dining and stargazing, from Wadi Rum's "Martian" bubble domes to the Empty Quarter's remote lodges. Simpler Bedouin-style camps are also available. See our where to stay guide.
Yes — dune drives, camel rides and camp dinners are a hit with children, and the Gulf operators run family-friendly safaris. See our family holidays guide.