Deserts are remarkable places. Invoking images of nomads and sand dunes, cowboy’s and tumbleweeds, Indian’s and pueblos, even the gilt and glitter of “Sin City”, these amazing regions offer some unforgettable experiences for the traveler.

Deserts cover about 1/5 of the earth’s surface, and are classified as receiving less than 10 inches of rain per year. Divided into four types: Subtropical; including the Sahara, Kalahari, Mohave, “the Outback” and the Thar, Cool Costal; Atacama and Namib,  Cold Winter Deserts; include the Colorado Plateau, Patagonian, Gobi, Taklamakan and Great Basin and the Polar; Arctic and Antarctica, the flora and fauna is as varied as the deserts themselves.

Desert exploration is not just for the adventurous, although a camel safari, hiking or bike ride will definitely require some endurance and flexibility. Many places are easy to reach by car, but to get into the womb of these lands, require a 4x4 or jeep. Only deep within the desert do you truly get a chance to feel the power and majesty of these immense spaces. The beauty of the sunrise or a night under the stars is a memory never to be forgotten.

This month’s Tour Hosts can lead you on an exploration of any of these deserts and more. Whether you prefer comfort or camping, mechanized or mammal power, your experiences are limited only by your imagination and adventurous nature.

Name: Desert Eco Tours
Location:  Israel, Egypt and Jordan
Specialty: Custom design deserts explorations
Why We Like Them: Endeavoring to reach places rarely seen by tourists, Desert Eco Tours provides the true adventurer a chance to explore the great deserts of the region; the Western Desert, Eastern Sahara, Negev, and the Sinai. Camel treks, hiking, Jeep and 4x4 tours or a combination, can be arranged, all led by experienced desert guides. 1 day to 3 week tours — or more for the truly adventuress — will accommodate all those intrepid travelers looking to follow in the footsteps of the 19C explorers. Their web site has a stunning array of photos and a great selection of trip ideas to make every readers imagination run wild. Desert Eco Tours is a natural choice for exploring this spectacular region and for our Pick of the Month.

Name: Guerba World Travel
Location: Africa and the world
Specialty: Overland and Adventure & Discovery tours
Why We Like Them: Offering two fabulous Saharan desert festival tours, a special expedition to the Libyan desert for the 2006 solar eclipse, as well as over a dozen other desert expeditions including the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Choosing from their wide selection of “Overland” or “Adventure & Discovery” tours, Guerba can take you anywhere from Northern Africa, to the tip of the Cape. The die hard explorer can even see it all, in one epic 3-month journey! Guerba offers an outstanding array of trips through Africa including safari’s and beach holidays. Not to stop there, their journeys also explore India’s Thar Desert, Chile’s Atacama and the Patagonia Deserts, and even the Antarctic Desert.
Article: Sounds of the Sahara – a Desert Festival

Name: University Educational Travel
Location: China and Europe
Specialty: Educator led tours and a wide variety of cruises
Why We Like Them: Offering a couple of fantastic tours to China this year UET invites you to experience the “Wonders of China”, journey along the “Legendary Silk Road” through the famed Gobi Desert or explore “Splendid China & Tibet”.  Of course there are always the China’s splendid rivers to discover. Not to be left out, Europe’s famed rivers are also well represented in UET’s itineraries as is her art and history.
Article: Mysteries of The Takla Makan Desert

Name: Global Gypsies
Location: Australia, Africa
Specialty: 4x4 off-road expeditions
Why We Like Them: Whether you are looking to “tag-along” in your own vehicle, ride in a safari coach, or join on one of their International group tours, Global Gypsies offer a great way to get into the deserts and outback, exploring nature, aboriginal sites and camping under the stars. Most trips are in Western Australian, but International trips include; Kenya, Botswana, Croatia and the Arabian Desert.
Article: The Canning Stock Route

Name: Asian Nomads
Location: Mongolia
Specialty: Custom designed cultural and adventure tours
Why We Like Them: As an Ulaanbaatar based agency, Asian Nomads has first hand knowledge of the wonders of Mongolia. Planning individual itineraries using local guides and at some point, the traditional Ger, a true cultural experience awaits. Whether you choose to venture south, deep into the Gobi desert, east to the steeps lush with wildlife, and birthplace of Chinggis Khan or stay in the center, home to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital as well as the natural and cultural sites of the heartland of this diverse nation, Asian Nomads can arrange all your requests. Mongolia is celebrating its 800 anniversary with an array of events all year. Now is the time to explore this exotic land. 
Article: An experience in the Gobi

Name: Bill Dvorak Rafting & Kayak Expeditions
Location: Southwest United States
Specialty: River rafting, and multi-sport adventures
Why We Like Them: With over 35 years experience on rivers in five states, this company offer a very different view to the spectacular landscapes and deserts of the Southwest. Offering trips down 11 rivers, for families, groups and individuals, their unique “Classical Music White Water Rafting” trip is sure be a delight for those who love music in stunning settings. The novelty of this “Bach before breakfast” trip features musicians from top symphonies around the country and takes advantage of the natural acoustics of sandstone caverns and rock cathedrals. Extra days are set aside for exploring the Native American ruins and other historic sites.
Article: River Rafting Journey through a Desert Wilderness!