There are many dangers to be found in the Nile river. There are deadly snakes and spiders, huge aggressive animals and crocodiles, as well as unfriendly native people. There are diseases, illnesses as well as the dangers of fatigue and dehydration (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.)
Crocodiles
One of the possible dangers that one may encounter in the Nile is the crocodile. The crocodiles of the Nile are known to view people as prey and known to attack them. These creatures are found in large groups, can grow up to 20 feet long, and can move at about 30 miles an hour, on land (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d). They are responsible for the death of approximately 200 people a year, lest you think they are cold-hearted animals, it is important that you know that they are exceptionally attentive to their young (Hoyt, 2008).
Hippopotamuses
Another huge danger that one could possibly encounter in the Nile is the hippopotamus. Hippopotamuses are viewed by many people as dumb, cute, and adorable animals. However, they are really vicious and aggressive animals, kill more people than lions, and are viewed by many experts as the most dangerous animal in Africa (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.). They have been known to attack boats and turn them upside down (Hoyt, 2008). Often depicted in ancient Egyptian religion and art, hippopotamuses were believed to possess spiritual powers; however they no longer live in Egypt, calling east central Africa and sub-Sahara home (Hoyt, 2008).
Snakes
While traveling through the Nile, local inhabitants and visitors are at risk of encountering more than 10 different kinds of venomous snakes, including the Black Mamba and the Egyptian Cobra (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.) These snakes are extremely threatening and deadly.
Mosquitoes and other insects
Mosquitoes, though tiny, are one of the largest dangers of the Nile. Some of them the carry parasites that are responsible for over 500 million people to become sick each year. Malaria from mosquitoes is one of the leading causes of deaths in some parts of the world, but these tiny insects also carry the West Nile Virus and can cause fever and dysentery (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.).
Female sandflies are also tiny, yet dangerous to humans. They can carry parasites that cause Leishmaniasis. This disease causes skin sores, and can cause damage to the spleen and liver (Zink, 2006).
Natives
Another cause for concern for those traveling the Nile is the encounter with some of the Natives. Many of these people distrust outsiders and other tribes, perhaps a legacy of the struggle for the Nile. There is a lot of internal strife in the countries of the Nile, and the history of Western colonization to add to their anger and distrust. Throw in knowledge of the British Treaty of 1929 giving 80% of the Nile’s capacity to Egypt and Sudan, and it is not difficult to understand their distrust.
The Nile Itself
The River Nile itself can be dangerous. It contains treacherous rapids, and large rocks that make traveling dangerous for visitors (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.) The oppressive heat can lead to dehydration and fatigue; when combined with a lack of drinkable water, people can be in danger of overheating, or losing too much salt, which can be fatal (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.). While careful planning can minimize the dangers of the Nile, it is not possible to eliminate the risks that one will find as he travels.
Crocodiles
One of the possible dangers that one may encounter in the Nile is the crocodile. The crocodiles of the Nile are known to view people as prey and known to attack them. These creatures are found in large groups, can grow up to 20 feet long, and can move at about 30 miles an hour, on land (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d). They are responsible for the death of approximately 200 people a year, lest you think they are cold-hearted animals, it is important that you know that they are exceptionally attentive to their young (Hoyt, 2008).
Hippopotamuses
Another huge danger that one could possibly encounter in the Nile is the hippopotamus. Hippopotamuses are viewed by many people as dumb, cute, and adorable animals. However, they are really vicious and aggressive animals, kill more people than lions, and are viewed by many experts as the most dangerous animal in Africa (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.). They have been known to attack boats and turn them upside down (Hoyt, 2008). Often depicted in ancient Egyptian religion and art, hippopotamuses were believed to possess spiritual powers; however they no longer live in Egypt, calling east central Africa and sub-Sahara home (Hoyt, 2008).
Snakes
While traveling through the Nile, local inhabitants and visitors are at risk of encountering more than 10 different kinds of venomous snakes, including the Black Mamba and the Egyptian Cobra (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.) These snakes are extremely threatening and deadly.
Mosquitoes and other insects
Mosquitoes, though tiny, are one of the largest dangers of the Nile. Some of them the carry parasites that are responsible for over 500 million people to become sick each year. Malaria from mosquitoes is one of the leading causes of deaths in some parts of the world, but these tiny insects also carry the West Nile Virus and can cause fever and dysentery (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.).
Female sandflies are also tiny, yet dangerous to humans. They can carry parasites that cause Leishmaniasis. This disease causes skin sores, and can cause damage to the spleen and liver (Zink, 2006).
Natives
Another cause for concern for those traveling the Nile is the encounter with some of the Natives. Many of these people distrust outsiders and other tribes, perhaps a legacy of the struggle for the Nile. There is a lot of internal strife in the countries of the Nile, and the history of Western colonization to add to their anger and distrust. Throw in knowledge of the British Treaty of 1929 giving 80% of the Nile’s capacity to Egypt and Sudan, and it is not difficult to understand their distrust.
The Nile Itself
The River Nile itself can be dangerous. It contains treacherous rapids, and large rocks that make traveling dangerous for visitors (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.) The oppressive heat can lead to dehydration and fatigue; when combined with a lack of drinkable water, people can be in danger of overheating, or losing too much salt, which can be fatal (The Abundance of Dangers, n.d.). While careful planning can minimize the dangers of the Nile, it is not possible to eliminate the risks that one will find as he travels.