The first and most obvious hazard related to desert living is extreme temperature fluctuations. In the heat of the day, deserts reach the hottest temperatures in the world. In the midst of the summer, they regularly hit 120 degrees Fahrenheit, often exceeding 130 degrees. On top of the heat, extreme temperature drops occur at night, which can be as cold as 32 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter.
Deserts lack plant life and animal life; one reason is the extreme temperatures, and the other reason is the lack of water. Deserts maintain a very arid atmosphere, often going months without seeing any rainfall. If you're touring a desert, it's critical to have ample amounts of water. Lack of water in a hot environment can quickly lead to nausea and dehydration, potentially causing a heat stroke. Desert hikers should carry a gallon of water per person each day.
If lack of food isn't challenging enough, some creatures in deserts must be avoided, including several species of venomous spiders, scorpions and snakes. The deserts of Australia feature many venomous creatures, such as the Taipan, which hails as the most venomous snake in the world. Although extremely dangerous, due to the isolation, the Taipan rarely comes into contact with humans.
In canyon regions, rainfall -- when it does happen -- comes in bulk, often leading to what is known as a "flash flood." These sudden and unexpected floods result from heavy rains in a short time frame. They cause low-lying areas within canyon regions to quickly become flooded -- a danger for hikers or campers. According to FloodSafety.com, flash floods are the leading cause of flood-related deaths in the United States.
Most deserts -- not being the ideal place to live -- lack development as well, leading to large stretches of isolated areas. Terrain tends to look relatively repetitive in most regions, making tracking extremely difficult. If you're going on a desert safari, always ensure that you're with an experienced guide.
