Maranjab Desert

Iran is a popular destination among desert lovers and Isfahan’s Maranjab Desert is one of its incredible deserts. Security, relative temperateness, and a variety of plant and animal life are of the factors that make this desert an attractive destination for nature lovers. Plus, high sand dunes, Aran and Bigdel Salt Lake, and Isfahan’s Wandering Island have spiced up Maranjab with incredible beauty. If you like to find out more about this manifestation of Iran’s diverse nature, join me on this blog post…

The Story of Maranjab

It is said that it was Shah Abbas who chose this name for this desert. The name Maranjab is a transformed form of “Mard Ranj Ab”, meaning ‘man’s suffering for water’. The title is indicative of the deficiency of sweet water in the region.

Where is Maranjab desert

Maranjab Desert is in Isfahan Province, to the north of Aran and Bidgol and 53km to Kashan. In Safavid era, this region was on the rout of the Silk Road and one of Shah Abbas Safavid’s favorite places. Parts of the desert lack cell phone reception, so you need to be accompanied with a professional guide or avoid going to the area that has no reception.

The Best Way to Access Maranjab Desert

The best way to get to this desert is heading out from Aran and Bidgol toward the city’s garrison.  After 40 km, you’ll reach a dirt road. Following this dirt road takes you to Maranjab desert.

The Best Season to Travel to Maranjab

If tolerating heat and direct sunlight bothers you, you should know that you’ll be exposed to both in Maranjab Desert throughout the year. But generally, falls, winters and early springs are more tolerable. The best time to discover this vast orange land is mid-October to mid-April. Yet, you will still experience very hot hours at this time too.

Life in Maranjab Desert

Although Maranjab is a very hot and dry region, there is enough food and water in this desert. You can find different kinds of plants on its golden sand dunes and see birds like eagles flying over them. It is also home to animals like jackals, foxes, chameleons, snakes and lizards.

Traveling to Maranjab in Winter

As mentioned before, Maranjab’s weather is more moderate in winter. But you should also keep in mind that desert nights are extremely cold in winter. If you are traveling to Maranjab Desert in winter, forget about setting up your camp in the desert. The weather outside is really intolerable. So, only spend the nights in the desert caravanserai and use the facilities presented.

Camping in Maranjab Desert

Most people who really love the desert prefer to spend the night in the desert too. If you are in this group, consider the following tips (to get a complete guide for the desert read our other blog (All About Going on a Desert Trip in Iran):

• Never camp individually. To camp in Maranjab Desert, you need to be at least 5 people.
• Use a water-resistant tent with mesh.
• Draw a circle around your tent with petrol or gasoil to repel insects and animals.
• You’d better make a big campfire and keep it on until morning.
• Apply insect repellant sprays before going to sleep.
• The nights of desert are very cold. Having blankets and warm clothing is a must.
• Bring enough water.
• You’d better set up your camp near your car.
• The pavement beside Abbasi Caravanserai is a suitable camping area.

Things You Need in Maranjab Desert

Some of the necessities of the desert are:

• Water
• Food
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeved clothes
• Boots
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Power bank
• Camping equipment
• Campfire equipment
• Extra petrol
• Oil or gasoil
• Cooking equipment
• Photography equipment
• Spare Wheel
• Flashlight
• Sleeping bag
• Cash
• First aid kit
• Compass
• Insect repellant spray
• Extra shoes
• ID card

For a safe adventure through Maranjab Desert, check out our All about Going on a Desert Trip in Iran.

Things to Do in Maranjab Desert

There are so many cool things you can do in Maranjab Desert that you won’t have enough time to experience all of them.

Walking barefoot

When the sun becomes less strong and the heat falls down, you can walk on the sand dunes with bare feet. If being closely in touch with nature fascinates you, I recommend walking barefoot on the parts with less depth and with shoes on for ascending the sand dunes.

Sand Boarding and Sand Skiing

The slopes on the sand dunes make sand boarding and sand skiing of the main attractions of desert. Sand skiing is fun and exciting, and it doesn’t harm the environment. Take your board or skis to Maranjab and enjoy an epic time there.

Camel Riding

One of the most enjoyable activities in Maranjab Desert is camel riding. The most beautiful sound that breaks the peace of the desert is the music of the bells on the camels.

4-Wheel Motorcycling

Sliding down and through sandy hills on 4-wheel motorcycles is one of the most exciting activities you can experience in Maranjab.

Off­­­­­-roading

Off roading has been a popular attraction of Maranjab Desert. But to reduce the destructive effects of this exciting activity on the environment, the number of off-road cars allowed in the region have become limited. So, check the laws and regulations before traveling.

Night Sky

Never leave a desert before seeing its beauties at night. The lovely performance of the desert sky starts little by little after sunset. As it gets closer to midnight, the beauties of the milky way show themselves more brightly. If you have a professional camera, try shooting photos in Maranjab Desert. Also, sky watching in a popular activity in the desert. The light pollution is so low that you can see the stars at their best.

The Attractions Near Maranjab Desert

If you want to stay in the desert more than 1 day, I recommend checking out the nearby highlights:

History in the heart of sand

40 km to the northeast of Aran and Bidgol, you’ll find a historical site built by Shah Abbas Safavi: Maranjab Caravanserai/ Fortress and Qanat. They used to be on the Silk Road route. There is also a historical well that still can be used.

Isfahan’s Jazireh-ye Sargardan (Wandering Island)

This island neighbors Maranjab and is in the heart of a salt lake. In the past, it was believed that Jazireh-ye Sargardan is floating and moves. But today, we know that optical illusions make us imagine the island to be moving.

Kolang Mountain and Kenjeh Well

Kolang Mountain is only 5 km to the caravanserai. The unique material that make up this mountain and the great view it gives to photography lovers has made this mountain popular. Plus, 5 km to Maranjab Caravanserai, you’ll find a wonder of the desert: Kenjeh Well. Miraculously in the middle of the dry desert, it is filled with water and provides water for the surrounding trees.

Chah e Hendevaneh (Watermelon Well)

Despite what its name might suggest, Chah Hendevaneh is not a well. It is a region where they cultivate watermelon. To do so, they have dug holes on the ground and use a special kind of irrigation.

Where to Stay Near Maranjab Desert

Most of those who travel to the desert prefer camping to staying in an accommodation. But if camping isn’t an option for you, you can stay at these places:

Maranjab Caravanserai

Shah Abbas Safavi ordered the construction of this caravanserai/fortress as a resting place for travelers on the Silk Road. Today, this caravanserai has not lost all of its previous prosperity and is an accommodation for eco-tourists. The caravanserai is equipped with astronomy equipment on its rooftop. The rooms are small but comfortable.

Ahmad Eco-camp

30 km away from the caravanserai, you can find Ahmad Eco-camp. You can enjoy desert entertainments in this camp.

Like to go on a Desert Adventure in Iran?

We don’t offer a tour of Maranjab desert. But for a pleasant adventure in other beautiful deserts in Iran, book a place on one of our Desert tours.