Caravan stops (5)
I believe the answer is:
oases
'caravan stops' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for oases that I've seen before include "Fertile areas in deserts" , "These sanctuaries" , "Fertile tracts in a desert" , "Green desert spots" , "Where there may be dates" .)