Desert exploration faces three major challenges: high temperatures, walking in the desert, and limited water supply.
Before going on a desert adventure, be sure to prepare in advance—do your research and learn relevant local background information. Develop a detailed plan and schedule, connect with regular outdoor partners, and avoid traveling alone on foot.
1. Be Cautious in Preparation
Carry a map with good precision, and bring a compass or GPS device to ensure navigation and route tracking. Stock up on enough drinking water and rations. The desert has large temperature variations, so prepare clothing suitable for both winter and summer. The sun during the day can burn your skin, so wear a wide-brimmed hat and place a white handkerchief under the back of it to block intense sunlight. Sunscreen is not effective in the desert. Bring sunglasses that protect against wind and sand—motorcycle or ski goggles will do. Small items such as a water bottle, body powder, flashlight, wide adhesive tape, small round mirror, and plastic bags can all offer unexpectedly useful convenience in the desert. Always wear thick shoes, such as boots, when going to the desert. Temperatures in the desert can reach over 50 degrees Celsius during the day, and thick footwear helps prevent skin from getting burned, blistered, or infected.
2. Be Cautious of Sandstorms
In general, avoid going to the desert in spring and summer. From mid-to-late March through May, the desert climate is highly changeable. Winds are strong, especially sandstorms, which can easily cause you to get lost and even put your life at risk.
3. Be Cautious of High Temperatures
The biggest danger of visiting the desert in summer is the high temperature. Heat can cause dehydration. From the moment you enter the desert, keep drinking water continuously—even if you don’t feel thirsty, take small sips. Also, remember to bring vitamins. When participating in desert tourism, never act alone, make sure to carry enough drinking water, and build a good relationship with your camel.
4. Be Cautious of Insects and Wild Animals
Take protective measures. Try not to leave any gaps between your clothes, and ensure your clothing fits tightly. Do not provoke wild animals. Avoid hunting or eating small desert animals, as they often carry many pathogens. Don’t recklessly enter lakes, as there may be many dangerous things in the water.