The second installment of the Dune trilogy, Dune: Part Two, has got us thinking a lot about Timothée Chalamet and also deserts. While there’s nothing we can do to help on the Chalamet front, we can satisfy a desire for sweeping sandy vistas. To evoke the epic’s fictional desert planet Arrakis, director Denis Villeneuve chose Wadi Rum in Jordan, the desert outside of Abu Dhabi, the northwest coast of Norway and the soundstages of Origo Studio in Budapest as shooting locations. Still, these are not the only Dune-ian spots on Planet Earth.
From the Namib in Namibia to the Atacama in Chile, we take you through some of the greatest desert destinations that will make you feel like you’re in the Dune universe. Even if you don’t know what the films are about, these are still worthy bucket list destinations to consider for your next trip.
Lahbab Desert, UAE
Away from the big city of Dubai lies the Lahbab Desert, famed for its powder-soft sand, dune bashing, dreamy sunset, camel rides and evening BBQ buffet at a Bedouin-style camp. Located about 30 miles south of Dubai, this location is great for adventurers who crave serene desert landscapes and a getaway from the urban bustle.
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina, the desert oasis of Peru, is a lagoon surrounded by the highest dunes in South America. Known as the “Oasis of America”, the small city (with a population of only 115) with lush green palm trees has become a hub of backpacking, dune buggy rides, and sandboarding.
Namib Desert, Namibia
Namib is the oldest desert in the world and runs along the Atlantic Coast in Namibia and into Angola. Given its location, you can find everything from shipwrecks to elephants in this stunning landscape. There’s no shortage of adventurous possibilities.
Thar Desert, India
Spread over an area of about 200,000 sq km, the Thar Desert, also known as the “Great Indian Desert”, is a region of immense natural beauty and cultural richness. Amidst the golden sands, ancient forts and vibrant cities, this location is also a living testament to the resilience of life in arid environments, with unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions.
Atacama Desert, Chile
This desert plateau located on the Pacific coast of South America is between 600 and 700 miles long. It’s the perfect place to feel like you’ve left Earth, and there are ample protected spaces and national parks within the desert to explore.
Canyon Point, Utah
With some of the most dramatic landscapes and breathtaking vistas in the United States, Canyon Point offers adventurers hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering and biking. Among the standout hotels in this southern Utah town is Amangiri, a remote luxury oasis surrounded by stunning rock plateaus that magically blend into the stunning desert landscape.
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