The world is a diverse and fascinating place, with a multitude of unique and awe-inspiring landscapes to explore. However, some locations are not for the faint of heart, as they present a significant risk to life and limb. These are the most dangerous places on Earth, where natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, and human conflict combine to create an environment that is hostile to human life. Join ViewCation as we visit the most dangerous places to visit in the world.
North Sentinel Island
The Andaman Islands’ North Sentinel Island is one of the most hazardous locations on earth for tourists to visit. The indigenous people living on the island have been living in isolation for generations and have refused to have any contact with the outside world. The tribe is not accustomed to outsiders, and if tourists come to their island, they view them as a threat and have been known to engage in violent acts.
The island is considered one of the most mysterious places on the planet and has intrigued many travelers with its legends. However, visitors are strictly prohibited from visiting the island to ensure the safety of the tribe. The tribe has no immunity to diseases, and tourists may carry harmful germs that could wipe out the entire community. Therefore, the Indian government has enforced strict laws to protect the indigenous people and has made it illegal for anyone to visit the island.
Danakil Desert, Ethiopia
The Danakil Desert in Ethiopia is a unique place on Earth, with its otherworldly appearance, harsh climate, and active volcanoes. This region is located at the northern end of the Great Rift Valley, separated by active volcanoes from the Red Sea. The Danakil Desert is considered one of the driest and lowest places on the planet, and is covered with over 10 lakh tonnes of salt.
This inhospitable environment is uninhabitable and inaccessible for most travel enthusiasts. It can even have a severe impact on physical health if one stays there for a short period of time. This is because the region has high concentrations of sulfuric gas that can be poisonous. The Danakil Desert is among the most deadly places on earth since the air temperature there never drops below 50 degrees Celsius.
Oymyakon, Siberia
Oymyakon, situated in eastern Siberia, Russia, attracts many visitors seeking to test their endurance in extreme climatic conditions. It is considered the coldest inhabited place on Earth and is often referred to as the “coldest village on Earth.” Oymyakon is a hazardous and chilling place that not everyone can survive due to its severe and permanently freezing climate. In 1924, Oymyakon recorded a temperature of -96 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a record that no other place on Earth has ever reached. A visit to this area requires a great deal of courage, as even eyelashes and saliva freeze into painful needles that prick the face while walking down the street.
Aside from the frigid temperatures, people do not visit Oymyakon due to the lack of available vegetables and the inability to grow anything in the region. Only 500 or so people have been able to survive the extreme cold and establish themselves here.
Mount Washington, USA
The White Mountains range in northern New Hampshire is home to Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the northeastern United States. It stands at 6,288 feet (1,917 m) tall, making it one of the highest peaks north of the Mason-Dixon line. Named after the first President of the United States, George Washington, Mount Washington is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and skiers.
Despite its beautiful views, Mount Washington is known for its dangerous and erratic weather. The mountain is home to the world’s worst weather, with winds frequently reaching over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) and freezing temperatures that can reach -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). In fact, in 1934, the world record for wind speed was set on the summit, with a wind gust of 231 miles per hour (372 km/h).
Due to these unpredictable and dangerous conditions, Mount Washington is considered one of the most dangerous places in America. Even seasoned hikers can be pushed off-course by powerful westerly winds that have been known to blow them miles away from trails and roads, making their safe return difficult.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The Skeleton Coast is a desolate and sparsely populated area situated at the very edge of the Earth. This vast coastline stretches for 500 kilometers between the historic German colonial town of Swakopmund and the Angolan border. The name itself implies a foreboding nature, likely stemming from the many animal bones strewn across the vast beaches and the numerous ships that have wrecked there over the centuries. In Swakopmund, adventure tour operators offer day trips along the southern section of the Skeleton Coast, where predators can be spotted wandering the shores. Despite its remote location, the Skeleton Coast is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and seals. Visitors to the area can explore the shipwrecks, hike through the sand dunes, or take a safari to observe the wildlife, but it is not recommended due to the dangerous conditions.
Lake Natron, Tanzania
Lake Natron, situated in northern Tanzania, is a unique but treacherous tourist destination due to its caustic nature that turns animals into stone. The lake’s reflective, chemically dense waters trick flying birds into believing they are soaring over an empty space. However, the moment they touch the lake’s surface, their bodies corrode within minutes. The same illusion has also caused the crash of a helicopter that was rapidly corroded by the lake’s alkaline water. Despite its dangers, many researchers, photographers, and tourists are drawn to the spectacular sight of this deadly lake. Nonetheless, because Lake Natron is regarded as one of the Most Hazardous Places in the World, travelers must exercise caution while exploring this dangerous location in Africa.
The Gates of Hell
The Gates of Hell is a remarkable natural gas field located in Turkmenistan, which has constantly been burning since it was discovered in 1971. The exact cause of the fire is not clear, but it is believed that a Soviet drilling rig accidentally triggered a pocket of methane gas, causing it to ignite and leading to the current inferno.
The Gates of Hell is situated in the Karakum Desert and spans about 260 feet in width, with temperatures at the fire’s center reportedly reaching around 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its name, the site is not particularly large, with dimensions comparable to those of a football field.
In spite of the dangers posed by the Gates of Hell, local inhabitants have become accustomed to it, with some even considering it to be a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can get relatively close to the fire, although they are strictly forbidden from making contact with it.
Although the Gates of Hell is not the largest natural gas fire in existence, it is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing. It serves as a potent reminder of the power of nature and the potential hazards of tapping into pockets of methane gas.
Skellig Michael Mountain, Ireland
Skellig Michael Mountain, an island situated off the western coast of Ireland, is a rugged and treacherous tourist destination. Despite the challenges of getting to the site, which involves an hour-long boat ride and climbing 600 steps leading to ancient monasteries, tourism has increased since it was featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, the Irish government has become wary of safety issues and rock falls on the island. As a result, only four boat licenses are granted each year, limiting the number of tourists who can visit. The Skellig Michael Mountain is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a 6th-century monastery. Despite the challenges, the stunning views from the top make the journey worthwhile.
Visitors are advised to be well-prepared for the climb and boat ride and to exercise caution while on the island. Skellig Michael is a unique and remarkable place with a rich history, and it should definitely be added to any traveler’s list of must-visit destinations while in Ireland.
The Snake Island
One of the most hazardous locations on the earth is Snake Island, which is off the coast of Brazil. As the name suggests, the island is home to a large number of deadly snakes, specifically the golden lancehead viper, which is known to be one of the most venomous snake species in the world. Research suggests that the island has approximately five snakes per square meter, with some snakes so venomous that they can melt human flesh. The golden lancehead viper, which is found only on this island, is the most venomous snake in the world.
Due to the extremely high risk posed to tourists and the black market demand for lancehead venom, the Brazilian government has strictly prohibited visits to Snake Island. It is a place where even setting foot could be a fatal mistake.
Volcano Tours in Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is not just a peaceful place with beautiful beaches and fresh air; it is also one of the world’s dangerous tourist destinations. Hawaii offers a unique experience where tourists can witness active volcanoes up close. The Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii is home to the last active volcano, Mount Kilauea, which has been erupting since 1983. Additionally, Hawaii is home to the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, which is 13,680 feet above sea level. The National Park offers lava boat tours that take tourists through red-hot flowing lava rivers, volcanic formations, lava waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and other geological formations. However, the park has reported numerous casualties and deaths in the past due to lava haze, and tourists can also encounter dangers such as flying rocks and scalding ocean water.
Death Valley
Death Valley is a place of extremes. It is the lowest point in North America and holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, reaching a scorching 134 °F at Furnace Creek. Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives in Death Valley due to carelessness and the extreme temperatures. The land is eroded with hills, craters and rattlesnakes are another hazard in the area.
Despite the dangers, Death Valley remains a popular tourist attraction. It is known for being one of the most ominous valleys in the world, with eerie features such as rocks weighing up to 700 pounds that move on their own and singing sand. The dark night skies in the area are another attraction. Additionally, the area is called Devil’s Golf Course, as it is believed that only the devil could play golf in such an arid and eerie place. If you find yourself there, it is essential to stick to the roads, take plenty of water to avoid dehydration and heatstroke, and stay alert of potential hazards.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. What places on the list frightened you the most? Would you be willing to visit any of them?