The world has some truly amazing off-road journeys, from snow-covered trails over Icelandic tundra to long relentless routes through the great Australian bush. 

Arksen is known for its premium explorer vessels and boat ranges, but the company also develops iconic overland vehicles, equipping them to the highest standards – and the newly-launched Arksen Adventures uses these to create some epic overland experiences.

The current carefully curated list offers various options including an incredible driving masterclass in Iceland, with more exciting destinations to be added over time – and to whet your appetite, here is our pick of five top places to go for an overland adventure.

Iceland highlands

The labyrinth of rugged roads in this region will take you criss-crossing over glaciers, lava‑fields and volcanic plateaus, with some technical river fording thrown into the mix. This is truly extreme off-roading, set amongst otherworldly scenery of black deserts, bright blue rivers, geothermal steam vents and snow‑topped peaks.

Unpredictable weather and remote high‑altitude conditions add to the challenge, requiring a very sturdy off-road vehicle with high suspension and some advanced driving techniques to get through challenging situations. 

Arksen Adventures offers the chance to become a winter off-road expert on its thrilling expedition through this epic natural landscape. You will learn new driving techniques on rugged, challenging terrain whilst travelling through untouched wilderness, with plenty of stops to discover frozen waterfalls, hot springs and immense glaciers – and the exhilaration of night driving beneath the starry northern sky is simply unforgettable. 

Gibb River Road, Australia

This is wilderness taken to the extreme. Covering more than 660 km of unsealed, corrugated track across the Western Outback, the Gibb River Road is iconic Australia. Red dirt, rocky creek crossings and unpredictable washouts from tropical rains are all part of the mix. 

Anyone who takes on this journey through the epic Kimberly region will quickly discover the scenery is far from flat, with jaw‑dropping rugged gorges that appear from nowhere, dramatic escarpments that line the trail and vibrant boab trees dotting the savanna plains. 

Its challenge lies in the remoteness and rough roads; its beauty in the isolation and wild camping. This is real nowhere land and any journey will require very careful planning. Do it right, and the rewards are exceptional: dazzling starry skies; wildlife surprises including crocodiles and brumbies; and culturally rich aboriginal rock art in Windjana and Bell Gorges. 

White Rim Trail, USA

This 100‑mile loop route through Canyonlands   in Utah may not be the longest offroad journey, but its location upon sheer canyon rims with dramatic views of the Colorado River carving below makes it one of America’s most memorable driving experiences. 

The challenges include slickrock trails, tight ledges and the occasional drop‑in, while the varied scenery covers sandstone cliffs, maze‑like canyons and distant desert plateaus. Highlights include the relentless Shafer Switchbacks, the expansive Gooseneck Overlook and the astonishing natural features of Musselman Arch and Candlestick Tower. 

Skilled navigation and good tyre knowledge as well as careful water and fuel planning are all unique challenges on this journey and while the distances are not long, the time required to cover them can be extensive. Those that take it on get to experience surreal desert beauty and stunning wilderness camping under the incredible Milky Way skies.

Sani Pass, South Africa to Lesotho

A true off-road safari through South Africa will go beyond the game parks to discover the true wilderness of the country – and adding in this hair‑raising 9km mountain pass into Lesotho turns it into an unforgettable experience.

The rocky trail climbs to an altitude of 2,873m through the stunning Drakensberg mountains escarpments. Travelling over rutted, pot-holed terrain requires skills and experience just to keep on going, with steep, slippery slopes, loose scree and the ever-present threat of unpredictable weather adding to the thrill. 

The rugged, high‑altitude gravel climb is tough, but it rewards with plentiful panoramic views of deep valleys and distant peaks as you rise onto the ‘Roof of Africa’ – with the chance to reach the incredible Sani Mountain Lodge before the return home. 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The Valley of the Moon is a majestic part of the planet, including 720 km² of sandstone canyons, dunes and natural arches – and off-road vehicles are a pre-requisite to travel through the region.

This challenging journey includes varying terrain, mixing soft sand and large shifting dunes with rugged rubble roads. The scenery includes towering red‑orange cliffs, deep cut canyons and incredible ancient petroglyphs, while the local culture offers unique experiences in Bedouin camps.

Desert navigation and hidden sand traps make this a thrilling drive, while the chance to spend evenings amongst unique UFO‑style rock formations beneath star‑filled skies creates a truly immersive experience.