Desert Survival Tips – What You Need to Know

“What makes a desert delightful is that somewhere, it has concealed a fountain”, this is a popular saying that a majority of desert travelers are well familiar with. Since time immemorial, deserts have always fascinated mankind. From the Sahara Desert in Africa to the Great Victoria Desert in Australia, there is something magical that attracts thousands of people to these barren lands yearly. Whatever the allure is, it is extremely important that you are well prepared for the surprises that a desert may throw your way.

Tips and guidelinesFirst and foremost, you need to carry as much water as possible for your desert excursion. Whereas it is possible for a person to go for days without food, it is impossible to survive for more than three days without taking water. Desert temperatures are extremely high. At times the temperatures can go as high as 125-degrees. It is these high temperatures that deceive a majority of people that they are not sweating when in fact they are losing a lot of bodily fluids. It is hard for one to realize that they are sweating because the sweat dries up as soon as it comes out. Therefore you need to make sure that you have packed enough water for the trip.Take short breaks in between your journey to take in water and replenish your strength.Make sure that you have carried a map and functioning compass point. It is quite easy for one to get lost in the desert given its vastness. Hence, you need to have a clear sense of direction of where you are going. A compass point is vital as it will enable you to establish which direction you need to head to if you find reading a map difficult. As you travel through the desert, keep marking the areas you have visited so that you can easily find your way back.Before you embark into the desert, make sure that you have informed the relevant authorities and given them a list of your entire itinerary. Furthermore, provide a family member or close friend with the same so that they can know whether to look for you or not when you fail to turn up on the agreed date. This will enable them to track you down in case you are lost. If possible, look for a guide who is well versed with the desert location you want to visit. Their expertise and experience in exploring such areas will ensure that you can deal with any surprises that may come your way. One can also carry a pocket mirror as it is useful aid for signaling in the dessert. Using clothes that are white or reflect sunlight such as a plastic raincoat will keep you from getting dehydrated.