From the most extreme conditions on Earth to the risk of natural disasters, there are some places on our planet that have been deemed too dangerous to visit. Even if you’re an experienced traveler, it’s wise to be aware of the potential risks you may face when traveling to certain locations. Below are 10 dangerous places on Earth and why you should avoid them.
1. North Sentinel Island, India
North Sentinel Island, located in the Indian Ocean, is home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe, who are known to be highly resistant to outside influence. The island is also home to an estimated 50 to 400 people and is off-limits to visitors. In 2020, the Indian government declared North Sentinel Island an “exclusion zone” and prohibited anyone from entering the area. The island’s inhabitants are known to be hostile to outsiders and have been known to attack anyone who attempts to step foot on their land.
2. Danakil Desert, Ethiopia
The Danakil Desert in Ethiopia is one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. Located in the Afar Triangle, the desert is home to some of the most extreme temperatures on the planet, reaching up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the extreme heat and lack of resources, the area is largely uninhabited. However, the region is home to a number of active volcanoes, making it a dangerous place to visit.
3. Surtsey Island, Iceland
Surtsey Island is a volcanic island located off the coast of Iceland. The island was created in the 1960s following an explosive volcanic eruption and is now off-limits to visitors. The island is home to a diverse range of wildlife but is also incredibly unstable due to its volcanic nature, making it a dangerous place to visit.
4. Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Mount Merapi is an active volcano located in the central part of Java, Indonesia. The volcano is known to be highly active, with frequent eruptions that can cause significant destruction to the surrounding area. The volcano is also home to a number of hot springs, which can be dangerous due to the presence of toxic gases.
5. Mount Everest, Nepal
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayas of Nepal. Climbing Mount Everest is a popular activity for experienced mountaineers, but the venture is incredibly dangerous due to the extreme conditions and potential for avalanches. The mountain is also home to a number of unpredictable weather conditions, making it an incredibly risky destination for climbers.
6. Congo River, Central Africa
The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and is one of the most dangerous rivers in the world. The river is known to be full of rapids, waterfalls, and whirlpools, making it a dangerous place to navigate. The river is also home to a number of dangerous wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, making it a risky place to explore.
7. Chernobyl, Ukraine
Chernobyl is the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster located in Ukraine. The area was abandoned after the explosion in 1986 and is now a highly contaminated exclusion zone. The radiation levels in the area are still incredibly high, making it a dangerous place to visit.
8. Death Valley, USA
Death Valley is a desert located in California, USA. The desert is known for its extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit. The area is also home to a number of dangerous wildlife, including rattlesnakes and scorpions, making it a risky place to explore.
9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, located in Tanzania. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers, but the journey is incredibly dangerous due to the extreme conditions and potential for avalanches. The mountain is also home to a number of unpredictable weather conditions, making it a risky destination for climbers.
10. Mount Washington, USA
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, located in New Hampshire. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers, but the journey is incredibly dangerous due to the extreme conditions and potential for avalanches. The mountain is also home to a number of unpredictable weather conditions, making it a risky destination for climbers.
These are just 10 of the most dangerous places on Earth and why you should avoid them. No matter where you go, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks you may face when traveling. Be sure to research the area before you go, and always follow safety protocols to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
