Arid region safety

Photo: elmadani, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This article deals with 'hot' arid regions. For safety in areas made arid by cold temperatures, see Snow safety, Ice safety and Cold weather.

An arid region has little or no precipitation. These hot, dry areas present particular hazards to the traveller.

UnderstandArid regions are those where the rainfall is very low, and consequently little surface moisture may exist.

PrepareTravel in arid zones might involve using sealed highways such as Australia's 3200 km Stuart Highway, using unsealed roads or tracks (often called a piste in the Sahara) and going off-piste.

What to pack

NavigateA GPS device is strongly advised. Even a simple compass should be a standard item. Take a map, even if you intend to use an electrical device as your primary navigation method.

Stay safeArid regions may host dangerous wildlife, especially snakes and scorpions. Be careful where you step, and shake out your boots before putting them on. Stay away from desert wildlife, even if it seems safe or familiar.

Stay healthy

If you get stuckIf in a vehicle, stay with it. A vehicle is easier to spot than a lone traveller. Abandoning a vehicle, if even considered, should be an absolute last resort.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Arid region safety" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: elmadani, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage