16 Most Dangerous Tourist Spots You Should Be Careful Of
Visiting dangerous destinations may be thrilling, but then there are those tourist spots which come with great risks that you can’t help but feel a rush of adrenaline mixed with caution. Some of these places are natural environments with precarious landscapes and wildlife encounters that we need to tread with caution.
This list isn’t meant to scare you off, it’s a heads up. To be forewarned is to be forearmed! Whether you’re planning to climb daunting peaks or walk through predator packed jungles, knowing the risks is the first step to doing adventure right.
Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest is the tallest in the world, and it’s the ultimate challenge for people who climb. The height is staggering, but that’s not all that’s dangerous — it’s the weather, the avalanches, and the dreaded ‘death zone’ which is above 8,000 meters, where oxygen levels are so low. Even for experienced mountaineers, climbing here is risky.
Death Valley, USA
The name says it all. California’s Death Valley, one of the hottest places on this weepy little planet, with temperatures that rise well above 130°F. If tourists underestimate the heat and do not bring enough water with them, they might suffer from dehydration and heat stroke. It’s a beautiful but unrelenting otherworldly landscape.
Mount Hua Shan, China
Mount Hua Shan in China is known for its death defying plank walk and isn’t for the faint of heart. All that stand between you and a massive drop are narrow wooden planks bolted into the mountainside and the crowds that frequent the trail. This makes it a dangerous venture.
Snake Island, Brazil
Snake Island, Ilha da Queimada Grande, is a place you wouldn’t want to visit unprepared—or even at all. The island is home to thousands of golden lancehead vipers, one of the world’s deadliest snake species, and lies off the coast of Brazil. There’s a good reason visitors have to get special permission before they are granted access.
The Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression is regularly called “hell on Earth.” Even if you aren’t familiar with the geography of the planet, you probably know what it entails, as its landscape of extreme scorching temperatures, toxic gases and acid pools is as dangerous as it is fascinating. Unless you’re a really hardy adventurer, you shouldn’t be here, and you must have a knowledgeable guide.
The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
For years, the Exclusion Zone has been one of the creepiest tourist hotspots since the infamous nuclear disaster of 1986. Radiation levels in some areas have fallen but there are still hotspots of high contamination. Without the safety protocols, visitors might get exposed to harmful levels of radiation.
Devil’s Pool, Zambia
A natural infinity pool situated up at the edge of Victoria Falls where daredevils can stand immediately next to a 355 feet drop, should the position of the thundering water allow. One wrong move is enough to send you over the edge. Here, guides are necessary, but even with their knowledge, it’s not 100 percent safe.
Kawah Ijen Volcano, Indonesia
Famed for its mesmerising blue flames from ignited sulfuric gases, this Indonesian volcano stands out. However, these gases are toxic, and can be lethal without proper protection. Despite wearing gas masks for the trip to Kawah Ijen, tourists stand the danger of inhaling the fumes.
Skellig Michael, Ireland
It’s a rugged island off the coast of Ireland and it’s both beautiful and perilous. The weather is unpredictable, the boat rides are rough and the stone steps are nothing to tussle with. Although the island became famous for being a filming location for Star Wars, it’s not as serene as it seems on screen.
The Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The name, Skeleton Coast came from the vast numbers of shipwrecks that line the coast. Once there, it’s a harsh desert environment, plus strong ocean currents, and not a destination sailors or tourists should visit lightly. Help is often a long way away in emergency situations.
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking, but they’re also windy. Visitors can get swept off their feet by the wind and there are no guardrails in some sections. No matter how tempting the view, it’s a place you’ll want to stay far from the edge.
Amazon Rainforest, South America
Much as the Amazon is a treasure trove of biodiversity, it has its share of dangers. There are poisonous plants, venomous snakes and territorial wildlife. There is also the risk of getting lost in its dense foliage. It is a destination that requires serious preparation.
North Sentinel Island, India
This island with its Sentinelese people, who are separate from the world, is off limits to tourists. They’re known to be aggressive: the tribe has regularly defended their territory with hostility and attempts to approach it. All visits have been banned by the Indian government to protect the Sentinelese and outsiders.
The Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited tourist spots in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean the area is without danger. Every year, accidents happen when people go too close to the edge to get the perfect selfie. There is also the issue of extreme heat and dehydration.
Lake Natron, Tanzania
The eerily red waters of Lake Natron may look beautiful, but they’ll kill pretty much everything that comes into contact with them. It can burn skin and eyes if you have high levels of alkaline salts. The lake may be inhospitable, but it’s a breeding ground for flamingos and the haunt is beautiful.
Antarctica
As one of the few bucket list destinations of any adventurer, Antarctica’s icy wilderness is extreme. The weather is unpredictable, and the isolation is so absolute that it’s also considered one of the most dangerous places on Earth. It is so harsh that even the old explorers have to depend upon expert guides and specially equipped equipment to live.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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