8 Most Beautiful Desert Oasis in the World

True oases showcase just how incredible our planet is. If you can find such grace and beauty in an otherwise desolate, barren stretch of earth, there must be no end to the world’s magic.

The world’s best oases has captivated Travelers for decades. Yet, as you’ll discover these places have been refuges for thousands of years. Just like the green defies the odds, the world’s many oasis are home to age-old civilizations.

Let’s go on an adventure to uncover the most beautiful oases on earth!

8. Chebika Oasis, Tunisia

Like a lively nest aboard a leafless tree, the Chebika Oasis is a veritable refuge in an otherwise deep, lifeless desert. The arid desert parts to make way for this emerald jewel as lush palm groves and cool springs take the reigns.

Chebika is captivating in its beauty. The green is alluring and promising as it cuts through the dry rock beds. Waterfalls abound leading to tranquil swimming holes where all the colors of the world are shown.

Later trek through the abandoned village of Tamerza and stand on the edge of Mides Canyon.

7. Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman

There are a few wadis to be uncovered in Oman, however the most famous is Wadi Bani Khalid. For good reason. Pools that beckon you for a swim dot the path as you make your way through the valley. Towering rock walls push you in a singular direction as palm trees, shrubs and grass make life work in an otherwise desolate place.

Some pools are home to small fish that will nibble on your toes, others are an image of pure, ungodly relaxation. Further along you’ll reach the Muqal Cave and the hot springs that flow into the pools along the valley.

6. Ubari, Libya

In the infamous Sahara Desert one oasis pays homage to the Sahara’s past life as a tropical extravaganza. The Ubari Lakes are an incredible reminder of the power of the world to persevere.

In southwest Libya, Ubari Lakes disrupt an arid landscape where endless dunes wrinkle their way from north to south. The lakes offer a sanctuary for an abundance of plucky wildlife and lead to diverse flora. Turquoise waters shimmer under the endless desert sun and call the names of adventurers and scientist alike.

To appreciate the sheer scale of the lakes amid the desert, Ubari is best seen from above as the bright blues disturb an otherwise endless sea of orange.

5. Siwa, Egypt

The Siwa oasis beckons adventurous souls and History buffs alike. One for its obvious beauty. Two for it’s centuries of civilization that have made home this unexpected desert gift.

The difficulties of arrive here along some treacherous roads is immediately worth it. While all paths lead to Giza, the small city of Siwa rewards those who go against the grain. Hot and cold springs co-exist here, sand dunes surround the greenery like protective fence. All the while enshrining historic landmarks like the Shali Fortress and the Temple of the Oracle.

At sunset, head to the edge of the Great Sand Sea for a moment cameras can’t do justice.

4. Havasu Falls, Arizona

A part of the famous Grand Canyon (although outside of the national park), Havasu Falls has long been a bucket-list item and a leap of faith. Remember, going down into the depths of the canyon is optional, climbing back up is compulsory.

The adventure begins right away, before you even reach this gorgeous oasis. Steep, swtichbacking trails hug the edge of rusty red cliffs which tower over you ever more, the deeper you go.

Once you reach the base, you’ll arrive at one of the United States’ most photogenic, unique and unforgettable sites. The falls create an oasis where the desert and unfettered beauty collide. Just be sure to make the most of it before you start your ascent.

3. Ein Gedi, Israel

Once a refuge for King David, Ein Gedi remains a lush escape in an otherwise unforgiving environment. Protected as a nature reserve, Ein Gedi is home to tumbling waterfalls, greenery flowing in the wind and springs that arrive at the surface from untold domains.

With the hiking trails guiding you throughout, avid hikers and adventure lovers will get their fix as they dabble between the coarse beauty of the desert and the mind-bending contrast of the water.

But it doesn’t end there, archaeological sites show how this oasis has been enshrined in lore for thousands of years. Come and uncover the 1st century Chalcolithic Temple of Ein Gedi on your way to views of the Dead Sea.

2. Crescent Lake, China

Carving its name from the sparkling waxing moon above, China’s Crescent Lake transforms the otherwise immense and stark Gobi Desert. In the middle of world’s fifth largest desert, dunes encroach on this spectacular oasis where the crescent water defies the perennial heat.

On Echoing-Sand Mountain, the water is crystal clear, like Caribbean waters transported half-way around the world. You can explore on foot, caressing the edge of the stunning lake. Or one can grasp the sheer gravity of the oasis on camelback as you explore the mountain and dunes to arrive at unforgettable viewpoints.

Stick around for sunset as the lake becomes a glistening mirror, reflecting the rose-colored clouds above.

1. Huacachina, Peru

In the sand dunes of the high Peruvian Desert lies a natural lake enveloped in greenery. The rising dunes to either side form a natural guard for this utter paradise as life, against all odds continues to thrive.

As traffic flows to Machu Picchu and the country’s capital, Lima, this desert oasis is a quiet alcove. Wandering the local streets (there’s just a handful) you’d be hard-pressed to understand just how one of the driest deserts on the planet can be home to Huacachina.

Aside from admiring the lush trees and shimmering lake, Travelers can sandboard the towering dunes and ride a dune buggy. All before toasting to the epic day at one of the several party hostels in the oasis.