A wide area covered with golden sands is what comes to our mind when we think of a desert. Deserts, on one hand, entice us with their mind-blowing landscapes and amazing creatures, while on the other hand the extreme weather conditions in the deserts might make us worried for our survival.
If you are planning to travel in the arid stretches, here are the things that are absolutely necessary for surviving in a desert:
Always carry sufficient water
Since there is a scarcity of water in the desert, it is always a lifesaver to carry sufficient water with you. A minimum of 1 gallon of water per person per day is required in the desert. If incase you don’t have sufficient water, limit your intake. Don’t talk much, smoke, drink alcohol, or eat salty food.
Consider carrying a satellite phone
You must carry a satellite phone with you at all times. There will be many areas where you will not find phone coverage and that is when you require a satellite phone.
A Personal Beacon Locator (PLB) is a must
It may save your life when all the other communication systems fail to work. If you get lost deep in the desert, this beacon will send a distress signal with your position to the nearest rescue point.
Wear sunglasses during the day time
The bright sunlight may weaken your distant vision and cause severe headaches. You must protect your eyes when you are in the desert in order to keep them healthy.
Use lip-gloss at regular intervals
Don’t forget to add lip-gloss/vaseline jelly to your kit. The dry air of the desert tends to make your lips dry and cracked. To prevent this, you must use lip-gloss on regular intervals.
Apply sunscreen every 2 hours
To save your exposed skin from getting sunburns, applying sunscreen every 2 hours is a must. The desert sun is extremely hot and can badly damage your skin cells. Do add sunscreen with high SPF and broad spectrum in your desert survival kit. You can also read tips for packing luggage for a hassle free travel.
Don’t remove clothes in order to stay cool
It is very important to keep your body and foot properly covered. Keep wearing all the layers even if you feel hot. Removing clothes hastens dehydration and will give you sunburns.
Be ready for emergencies
It’s very important to be fully equipped with first aid supplies and necessary medicines before embarking on your trip. If you suffer from asthma or diabetes, you must consult your doctor before starting the trip.
Be cautious about the weather
Cover your face carefully if you see a dust storm. You must prevent the dust particles from getting into your lungs. It can be very injurious for you. Weather in the desert is very unpredictable. Even when the sun is shining bright, you must be prepared for flash floods.
Carry things that are required for lighting fire
Lighters, Ferrocerium rods, Magnesium blocks, waterproof matchboxes and tinder must be a part of your kit. Fire helps in water purification, signaling and fighting off Hypothermia.
Also, if you are not among the adventure freaks and want to enjoy a comfortable stay in the desert, you can book Royal Desert Camps.
Here is your checklist for desert safari –
Boonie hat
Handheld GPS
Topographic Map
Compass
First Aid kit
Flashlight
Vaseline
Emergency Whistle
Swiss Army knife Lock blade
Emergency Mylar blanket
Water purification tablets
And most importantly, the most dreadful thing is blind panic. So, keep calm and enjoy your trip!
