Desert Tour

Come with us by 4-wheel drive or camel and discover one of the least known deserts of the Arab world. Follow hidden trails only known by Bedouins into breathtaking desert landscapes that vary from bizarre fields of black volcanic lava, to the rolling scenery of the open steppe. On our way, we will stop to rest and sip coffee in the tents of proud and hospitable Bedouins, and continue on expeditions to forgotten Roman and Umayyad castles. At dusk, we will sit around the fire and leave the cares of the busy world behind us.

4x4 Off-Road

Nawafir Travel provides a complete set of camp equipment (European 2-pax tents), experienced drivers, and Bedouin guides. Cook and camp team available upon request. Self-drive is possible if driver has off-road experience. For safety reasons, we require each group to travel with a minimum of 2 cars. The best travel period for desert expeditions is April to November.

Monasteries in the Desert (1 day)

Depart Damascus by 4x4, visit the convent of Saint Taqla and the monastery of Saint Sarkis in Maalula. Continue to Deir Mar Musa Monastery , reachable after 20-minute climb into the cliffs. Return to Damascus after a visit and barbecue in the dunes of the White Sands.

The lava fields of the Beni Ghyath (3 days)

Depart Damascus or Bosra and enter the southern volcanic desert. Craters, lava fields and Basalt rocks give this fantastic area of Syria its grey-black colour and otherworldly feeling. See some of the caravanserais, guard towers and little castles that remain from the region’s importance during the Roman and Umayyad periods as an intersection of major trade routes. The Bedouins of the Tribe ‘Beni Ghyath’ have lived here for centuries and even today continue to live isolated from the modern world. We will be welcomed guests in their Beit Shaar (‘houses made of sheep hair’) with strong Bedouin coffee and sweet tea. One member of this tribe often escorts and guides our expeditions in the South. Visit the Umayyad settlement of Khirbet Umbashi, Jebel Safa mountain, and the Roman castles of Khirbet Baida and Jebel Seis volcano. Continue through the open desert and over salt lakes towards Palmyra. Spend two nights camping under the skies of the five million-star hotel.

Desert Castles (5 days)

First three days as above. Overnight in Palmyra/HTL. On the fourth day, travel off-road through the steppe of the central desert to the huge Umayyad castle, Qasr al-Heir al-Sharqi. Continue in the afternoon to the Byzantine fortress of Resafe, and camp overnight by its walls. Next morning return to Damascus via visits to Jebel Amur and Palmyra.

Caravan Camel Tour Palmyra

This tour can be arranged from 3 to 5 days including Arabic dinners and overnights in luxury Bedouin tents. The tour starts and ends in Palmyra. Highlights of the adventure are the Umayyad Palace of Sukkery, Abbassia hot water spring, Qasr al-Heir Al-Sharqi, and the caravanserai of Halabat. No camel riding experience required. The group will be escorted by local Bedouins.