How to Prepare for a Desert Hike

The vast desolate lands filled with expansive dunes offers peace and it means freedom for those who seek adventure! They scare you yet they entice you! Though it is harsh and risky to venture into deserts with the little bit of know-how and clever survival tactics Hikes at deserts can turn out to be quite an amazing memory. If you are planning to embark on this adventure, here is a guide that will help you navigate through this adventurous landscape.

Avoid Hiking during the hottest times of the day

If you are venturing into a desert you should think of every way there is that helps you conserve energy. One of the most common mistakes that desert hikers make is travelling during the day time. If you do this, the hot sun will suck out all of the energy and moisture out of your body and leave you dehydrated! The most sensible thing to do to tackle this situation is travelling early during hours of dawn or at dusk with few hours before and after. You could rest under the shade during day time.

Stay Hydrated

Regardless of what time you choose for travelling, desert environments tend to leave you dehydrated. So it is a must to replenish yourself occasionally with water. Carry a large canteen that could hold enough water that you last throughout your journey and occasionally sip water and keep yourself hydrated. Also, make sure that you drink plain water not sugary drinks or alcohol as these fluids will make you lose more water from your body. You could also add some electrolyte powder to your water before drinking.

Learn the signs of heat-related sicknesses

High activity levels along with time spent under extreme heat could cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or its severe counterpart heatstroke. You could be very cautious about these sicknesses since help can be far away. Also do not engage in this activity alone stay close to your friend to ensure that you have someone to rely on. You will have to keep his/her safety on check as well.

Be cautious about monsoons and flash floods

Dried up river beds and flatlands in deserts tend to get flooded with water from regions that are miles apart. Though Flash floods are a rare phenomenon the risk is much more severe than any other dangers of the deserts so make sure you are well informed about the weather conditions at the region that you are planning for a hike.

Wear appropriate clothing and be equipped with essential gear

Wear light-coloured, breathable and lightweight clothing on your desert expedition. It is also recommended that you wear longsleeved clothing and pants to shield you from severe sunlight. You should also wear a scarf covering your neck part of your face covering your mouth and nose. Proper hiking shoes are a must and a dust-resistant bang could also come in handy. Bring with you a proper sunscreen, a large water bottle, shades and a wide-brimmed hat.

Watch out for wildlife

Animals of the desert can be very aggressive since they are in a constant battle for their survival so if you come across any stay calm and slowly steer away without showing them you are a threat. Also if you are camping for the night, clear the ground properly and while doing so, be cautious around shady regions which could shelter scorpions and rattlesnakes.

Plan your route in advance

Desert hiking is considered a popular pastime in many countries and it even ranks at top leisure activities in Oman. If you wish to take part in this activity while you are stationed at properties the likes of Oman Hotels you could reach out to the front desk to obtain insights about the deserts and with their help you can plan your route before venturing into the desert.