Death Valley, USA
This stunning desert holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded on earth – a staggering 134°F. No matter how tough you think you are, the searing heat from the blazing sun will make you exhausted very quickly. Without water, you will only be able to survive here for as little as 14 hours.
The Danakil Desert, Eritrea
With temperatures that often top 120°F, numerous active volcanoes, and geysers that release toxic gases, it really is hard to imagine a more brutal location than Africa’s Danakil Desert. Most of us would consider this place to be “Hell on Earth”, but it still attracts many brave adventurers from all over the world. Just keep in mind that visiting this desert without an experienced guide is strictly forbidden.
Mount Washington, USA
The fastest winds on the surface of the earth can be found at the summit of Mount Washington. The highest recorded speed here is 231 mph. However, the strong winds are not the only concern in this area – the temperature can drop as low as -48°F, making Mount Washington a very dangerous place. Despite its modest height – 6,289 feet - this is one of the world’s deadliest peaks. The loads that a human body experiences at the top can be compared to the ones it would experience on Mount Everest, which is over five times as high.
Sinabung Volcano, Indonesia
This active volcano is situated on the Indonesian Island of Sumatra. Eruptions occur here very frequently, often leaving thousands without shelter. In 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2015, the nearby towns and villages were completely covered in lava and ash after an eruption. The last time this volcano exploded was February 27th, 2016. That eruption ejected a cloud of deadly volcanic gas and ash rose to a height of 8,200 feet. No one knows when the next eruption will occur.
Iha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island), Brazil
Located somewhere off the coast of Brazil, this island is recognized as one of the most dangerous places on earth. The reason for this is simple – it’s full of extremely deadly pit vipers. Researchers estimate that there are about five snakes per square meter on this island. There are numerous stories of people succumbing to these deadly predators in next to no time. One such story recalls a lighthouse keeper who was attacked by these snakes and died. Since this fatality, the lighthouse has been automated, and tourists are no longer allowed to visit.
Valley of Death, Kamchatka, Russia
The Kamchatka Peninsula, located in the Russian Far East, also has its own Death Valley. The high concentrations of toxic gases found in this area pose a serious threat to all living things: plants and animals die quickly, while people soon start to feel unwell and get a fever.
Bikini Atoll, The Marshall Islands
This island might look like paradise on Earth, but due to numerous nuclear tests, it is actually highly radioactive. The inhabitants were forced to abandon their homes, and even to this day, it is a hazardous place for living organisms. The abnormally high levels of radiation that has been recorded here can cause a wide range of cancers.
Afar Depression, Ethiopia
Erta Ale Volcano, in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. This region is constantly shaken by small earthquakes, forming numerous deep chasms. These earthquakes occur because Erta Ale contains two lava lakes at its summit. The amount of lava in these lakes is constantly changing, causing the Earth’s surface to move up and down.
Lake Natron, Tanzania
The alkaline salt crust that covers this lake is so dangerous that it kills any living creatures that come into contact with it. Therefore, for obvious reasons, swimming in this lake is strictly prohibited, and the strong odor of hydrogen sulfide won’t allow you to admire the stunning scenery for long.
