This is not a tour.
Friends, firelight, freedom. Embark on a unique self-drive adventure through the best deserts in the world with Scarab Adventures.
Drive a 4x4 vehicle, camp under the starry sky, and experience the thrill of navigating through majestic sand dunes with our experienced desert guide.
No previous experience necessary.
The Scarab Adventures experience
1. Fly into one of our specially selected desert destinations.
2. Waiting for you is your guide, 4x4, radio, a shopping list and the location of the nearest souk.
3. When you're ready, you drive to the edge of the desert for a last dip in the pool and a briefing on the adventure that lies ahead
4 . The next morning, we leave civilization behind. Alien landscapes, surfing the dunes, digging cars out of the sand, pitching your tent, cooking together, and a few drinks by the fire as the sun sets. A small crew, all pitching in, building connections that last a lifetime.
5. After 5 days on what feels like another planet, you ease back into civilization with a couple of nights of boutique hotels before heading back home. You won't believe you've only missed a week of work.
Be warned: the desert hangover is real.
Meet the Guide
My name is Tibet Fonteyne
I caught the desert bug growing up in Egypt, going to the Western Desert. Since then I’ve crossed deserts in Morocco, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Kazakhstan in 4x4s and on motorcycles, and have been to over 80 countries total.
My mission is to recreate those desert adventures I had as a child and share how a small crew working and laughing together in the vast, beautiful emptiness of the desert can build connections like nothing else.
I’m not trying to start a tour company - there are enough of those. I want to empower people to have their own adventure in the desert - I am there to show you the ropes, show you the way, and make sure you don’t do something silly.
If you have an adventurous spirit, are excited by the idea of carving your own path through the savage beauty of the Sahara, want to see the Milky Way with no light pollution or you just want to try something different to anything you’ve done before, let’s talk. I promise you we can put something together that you’ll never forget.
Testimonials
"Heading out, doing these amazing dunes with Tibet, camping, sitting by the fire... it has been one of the best adventures of my entire life. If you've got the chance, do it.
Chris, VP Product & Product Coach
Key Details
We are planning trips now, join our WhatsApp community so we know you are interested or register your interest here!
-
Our trips are designed so you can do them with only 1 week off work
-
At least 4 nights of camping in the desert - pick a dune and pitch your tent!
-
At least 3 nights in charming hotels with pools
-
Prices from £1995 per person depending on destination and options selected
Always included
-
A 4x4 vehicle fit for desert driving waiting for you at the airport
-
Hotels with swimming pool & all meals when not in the desert
-
Communal camping equipment, recovery gear and a walkie talkie
-
Ingredients for desert cooking
-
Any permits (Egypt)
-
All tuition, guidance and navigation
Optionally included
-
Basic camping gear
-
Prepared meals in the desert
-
Extra "city trip" day
Not included
-
Your flights, but we will advise which flights to take
-
Alcoholic beverages (though we will stop at shops where we can buy drinks)
-
Any fees associated with a different start/end point from the default ones
FAQs
Do I join a group or bring my own?
Either works! We aim to run with 3-5 vehicles (plus mine, based on 2-3 adults per vehicle) so if you have 6 or more people who want to come, let’s tailor a trip around you. Otherwise, register your interest by joining the WhatsApp community or get in touch via email and I can match you with others.
Is this experience family-friendly?
It absolutely can be. I’ve hosted families with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers—even a 6-month-old baby. Children love the desert as it gives them a lot of freedom to play and explore. They will not be bored! The experience can tailored to accommodate anyone.
What should I pack?
A full packing list will be provided on booking a trip. Generally, lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes or sandals are best for the desert. Bring a jacket for cooler nights.
What is the price?
The price depends heavily on the number of vehicles and the details of the trip. Prices start around £1,995 per person (based on 2 people sharing a vehicle and 4 guest vehicles total). A third passenger over 12 is charged at half price, young children less than that depending on circumstances.
Camping
Where will we sleep?
Before and after the desert, in nice boutique hotels with swimming pools. In the desert, pick a dune and pitch your tent underneath bright starry skies - no light pollution in the desert.
What if I’ve never camped before?
No problem! The desert is the best place to camp for the first time. Beware though, after the desert camping anywhere else might be a let down!
Do I need to bring my own camping equipment?
We can provide all basic camping equipment or you can bring your own if you prefer.
Is the food provided on the trip?
We can provide a cook and freshly prepared meals, or we can make sourcing, haggling for, and preparing your food in the desert part of the adventure.
Do I need experience driving 4x4 vehicles off-road?
No! Both complete novices and seasoned off-road drivers will enjoy this adventure. No prior experience is required—I will guide and teach you how to handle the vehicle safely in the desert. Most customers have never driven off road on day 1 and five days later are driving confidently up some of the highest dunes in the Sahara. I’m here to show you the ropes and slowly build up your confidence.
If you're experienced and looking for a rush, I guarantee we can get your blood pumping too.
Will we get stuck in the sand?
Almost definitely, it’s all part of the fun.
What if I don't drive?
As long as you pair up with someone that can, passenger princesses are welcome and can have a great time. Even though we're on the move all day, we're rarely in the car for more than 20 minutes at a time because there's wood to gather, routes to scout, and much more. And at camp, everyone can go off and explore on foot or have a few G&Ts watching the sunset.
Sample 1 week itinerary for Morocco:
Day 1: Fly into Ouarzazate or Marrakech, Morocco, load up on food and water and head to a hotel on the edge of the Sahara.
Day 2: Last dip in the pool before leaving civilisation behind
Day 2-6: 5 days exploring the riverbeds, dunes, and desert villages of the Draa region.
Day 6: Jump in the pool at the hotel on the other end of the desert
Day 7: Return via asphalt
Day 8: Fly out of Morocoo or continue on to Marrakesh
We can adjust this however you’d like - we can tailor this to whatever you’re looking for and start or end in several different locations.
