The Sahara Desert is a friendly place until one makes a mistake. In the summer you can expect to stay for three days without water and in the winter a little more, perhaps even a week.
The lack of water makes the desert a dangerous place and where one cannot afford any mistakes.
Distances are another cause. Snakes and scorpions are not considered to be a problem because they are quite rare here, much rarer than in areas around the Mediterranean. There are more scorpions in southern France than in Sahara.
Here are some tips for a carefree holiday.
- First of all, take care of the environment and leave the camp as you found it.
- Next, do not throw anything that could harm the environment. Tell the drivers and guides to take the garbage and throw it, but never burn it.
- Always verify the guide. When you hire a guide and driver, try to observe the way the car is prepared, if the driver puts the fuel besides food, if the car is dirty or needs care, if the tires are old or inadequate. Fortunately, poorly trained guides are extremely rare. Furthermore, ask to see the camels before the trip. Check if they seem healthy, if they are weak or injured. For a ride in the desert you need camels to be in a healthy condition.
- Drink large amounts of fluids when it is chilly, early in the morning and late in the evening, but do not hesitate to drink at noon also, when the sun is strongest.
- Last but not least, do not choose sports shoes for the road. The sand will enter the soles and will make walking extremely difficult. Sandals or boots are preferable to cross the desert.
