Surviving in the desert ...

Some time ago a Dutch couple got lost in the Namib Desert. After days they where found; unluckily the man had died from dehydration. I grew up in the Namib Desert and did extensive survival training here. Here is some tips that might just save you.

Surviving in the Desert Areas of Southern Africa

1: Always have a good map with you and stop often to ask the locals your exact position, even if you have a GPS and know how to use it. The locals knows the area and will offer you tips and info on road conditions free of charge. Take some cheap ballpoint pens or writing books with you to hand out – if you need to.

2: Always have extra fuel and water with you. You can use empty 2-liter soda bottles. They are lying around all over and are strong, easy to handle and easy to store away. You must have at least 2 liters of water per person and 20 liters of extra fuel. Put it away in you vehicle and forget about it. If your vehicles has a large fuel tank and is capable of doing 700 km plus a tank, it would not be necessary. Fill the tank at every available station.

3: Plan a proper itinerary and give it to friends and family – stick to this itinerary. If you must change it, immediately notified them via SMS, satellite phone or Internet when and how you plan to change the itinerary. Make specific appointments to contact them. If not - they must notify the authorities.

4: Certain areas are off-limits for 1 vehicle. Do not take a chance on this. If you are unsure about a specific route, rather ask advise ahead of your tour. Speak to others that have travelled that particular route. Log on to the rec.travel.africa newsgroup and ask for advise. You are also welcome to write me at Kontak@afrikasafaris.net.
If you must enter that particular area – go to the last point of "civilization" and ask the locals for more info. Wait till you can join up with another vehicle or group going into the area. If there is no way out of this - report to the local police and to the contacts at home. Tell them the exact place, route and duration of the particular route. Make a firm appointment to report back.

5: Do not leave the vehicle - it is easier to spot a vehicle than to spot a person. If you must leave it, write a proper report of your situation and your plan - give as much detail as possible. Leave it on the seat or
dashboard where anybody can read it. If possible - leave somebody at the vehicle whilst others goes on a scout – always decide beforehand exactly where the scout would go and stick to the agreement.

6: Always make a fire and keep it burning - have lots of leaves or wet branches to put on the fire. Smoke will always draw attention in remote areas. People will see it from miles away and will sent somebody to investigate - they all fear uncontrolled veld fires. Burn the spare-wheel after you have deflated it to make a lot of thick, dark smoke.

7: Your vehicle has at least 20 lt. of water under the bonnet and in the engine. With proper planning, you can utilize that to survive

.
8: Remember that more people die of cold than of heat - take proper care at night. Do not discard your warm jacket or sweater during a hot day, even in the midst of summer, it can be very cold during the early morning hours.
Do not sit in the vehicle when it is hot; move into the shade of a rock or tree close by. Keep something on your head – an opened magazine during the day, if you do not have a hat. Rap a towel or any piece of cloth around your head at night – the head is where the brain-box is situated and needs special care.

9: Look at the animals and insects. Most of them need water every day and you can determine where it is by observing them - especially at sunset and during the first 3 hours after sunrise. If you do not know how to distil water from muddy water or any other liquid, wet a cloth and wipe your cheeks with it. Wait 15 minutes and if your see no rash or experience any uncomfort, wipe your whole body. Your skin will absorb a lot of moist. You can even roll in the liquid or wet all your clothing with it.

10: Do not drink liquids with alcohol in it. This will cause your body to loose a lot of fluids. Rather heat the alcoholic liquids to allow the alcohol to evaporate – then drink it. You can even open the can or bottle and let it stand open for a few hours. Keep your bladder as full as possible at all times – restrict yourself to urinate. This will prevent your body from dehydration so quickly.

11: Keep a small, hard stone in your mouth. This will cause the glands to secrete spittle and your mouth will not feel so dry. In this way, you can fool your thirst a bit.

12: In the desert, many of the plants are succulents with thick, watery leaves. Watch animals to determine what they eat and follow suite. What ever you decide to chew on, first smear a bit of the plant on your cheeks and wait 15 minutes – see for a rash or any feeling of discomfort. If none - chew some of it. Do not swallow it but spew it out and wait another 15 minutes. Wait for any discomfort in your mouth. If none – chew the plant properly and swallow it – wait another 15 minutes before the rest of the group is allowed to also chew the plant.

13: Urine is a very good anti-septic fluid, use it to clean bruises, bites or scratches.

14: Blow the horn/ hooter of your vehicle early in the morning and late at night. Sound carries very far and the dogs will hear it from miles away. The locals will come to investigate. Blow the horn/hooter for about 10 seconds and wait a minute of so. Repeat about 20 times.

15: Tune the radio to any station you can find and listen to it. The radio uses little current but the contact with the outside world will keep your spirits up. Stay calm and think. Talk a lot to your companions and plan together. If all else fails, pray.