Latest news with #desert
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Pilgrims come together in Mecca under scorching desert heat
More than a million Muslim pilgrims poured into the holy city of Mecca ahead of the annual hajj, with authorities vowing to hold a safer pilgrimage amid searing desert heat and a massive crackdown on illegal visitors. Temperatures were forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) this week as one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings officially commences on Wednesday. The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means. As of Friday, more than 1.3 million pilgrims had arrived in Saudi Arabia for the multi-day pilgrimage, according to officials. This year, authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials, doubling their efforts to mitigate heat-related risks following a lethal heatwave in 2024 that left hundreds dead. Shaded areas have been expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres), thousands more medics will be on standby, and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed for the duration of the hajj, Saudi Arabia's hajj minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP last week. The latest artificial intelligence software will also help monitor the flood of information and footage, including video from a new fleet of drones, from across Mecca to better manage the mammoth crowds. Despite the punishing heat, pilgrims were overjoyed as they arrived in Mecca. - 'A blessing' - "This is really a blessing from Allah," Abdul Majid Ati, a Filipino lawyer and Sharia counsellor, told AFP near the Grand Mosque. "We feel so peaceful and safe in this place." Abdulhamid from Nigeria, said he was "very happy" to be performing his second pilgrimage in a row at just 27 years old. But the young man said he never walks out without his sunglasses, describing the temperatures in Mecca as "very, very, very hot". The rites in the holy city and its surroundings fall again this year during the hot month of June. Last year, 1,301 pilgrims, most of them unregistered and lacking access to air-conditioned tents and buses, died as temperatures soared to 51.8 degrees Celsius. "They were caught by surprise because the intensity of the heat was so high that their adaptation measures failed," said Fahad Saeed of Climate Analytics, a think tank based in Germany. In the run-up to this year's hajj, Saudi authorities launched a widespread crackdown on unregistered worshippers -- relying on frequent raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts focused on rooting out unauthorised visitors hoping to sneak into Mecca. Hajj permits are allocated to countries on a quota system and distributed to individuals by lottery. - Arrest and deportation - But even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs prompt many to attempt the hajj without a permit -- though they risk arrest and deportation if caught. Along with hefty fines, those found illegally entering Mecca during the hajj face a potential 10-year ban from the kingdom. Large crowds at the hajj have proved hazardous in the past, most recently in 2015 when a stampede during the "stoning the devil" ritual in Mina, near Mecca, killed up to 2,300 people in the deadliest hajj disaster. Saudi Arabia, which is home to Islam's holiest sanctuaries in Mecca and Medina, earns billions of dollars each year from the hajj and from pilgrimages known as Umrah, undertaken at other times of the year. They also enhance the prestige of the Saudi monarch, who is known as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina. For Mariama, a 52-year-old pilgrim from Senegal, the journey to Mecca for the hajj has fulfilled a life-long dream. "I was dreaming about it, thinking about it every time to come here to do the hajj," she said. aya-sar-ds/csp/ysm
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Wealthy philanthropist who spent fortune supporting Namibian desert lions is killed by one after leaving his tent to use the loo
A wealthy philanthropist who spent large sums of money supporting the Namibian desert lions has been killed by one of the predators after leaving his tent to use the toilet. Businessman Bernd Kebbel, 59, was asleep with his wife Conny, 57, on a wildlife expedition at a camp in the north of the country, blissfully unaware that a hungry lioness was stalking him. As the father-of-two climbed down a ladder from the safety of his rooftop tent, mounted on the top of a 4 x 4, the man-eating beast was lying in wait in the dark and attacked him. His desperate screams woke up the rest of the shocked camp who rushed to his rescue in the darkness and bravely chased off the lioness before it could devour its victim. However the Namibian police, investigating the case, said that nothing could be done to save the keen outdoorsman who was killed almost instantly in the savage lightning fast attack. His blood-soaked body was covered up until the authorities could arrive and it is feared that the lioness, named by locals as Charlie, may be hunted and shot dead. The tragedy happened when Mr Kebbel got up in the early hours of Friday morning, unaware that the watching lioness had creeped into the sleeping camp. According to initial reports, Mr Kebbel climbed down a ladder from the tent on the roof and was then attacked and dragged away by the lioness whose jaws tore into his neck and throat. A Namibian lion expert who spoke on the agreement of anonymity said: 'Thankfully it would have been quick as a human is no match for a lioness that is in its prime. 'There are only about 60 desert lions in this region of Kunane where the attack happened and in this particular area around the Hoanib Camp maybe a dozen at the very most. 'The desert lions have adapted to the harsh and burning desert environment and have become extremely adept night-time hunters as there is no cover for them during the day. 'They are quick and fast and extremely strong and do not get much opportunity to hunt so can become very hungry – hungry enough to risk attacking a feared human.' It is understood that Mr Kebbel and Conny's two children, Dieter and Heidi, both in their late twenties, are now flying home to comfort their devastated mother at their home in the Namibian capital, Windhoek. For many years, Mr Kebbel owned the Off-Road-Centre in Namibia's main city Windhoek which bought and sold 4 x 4 safari vehicles and also sold the accessories required in the wild. A Namibian lion expert who spoke on the agreement of anonymity said: 'The desert lions are quick and fast and extremely strong and do not get much opportunity to hunt so can become very hungry – hungry enough to risk attacking a feared human' (file image) Lion expert Izak Smit said that the nation's most famous expert in the field, Dr Philip 'Flip' Stander had even named an adult male Kebbel in his honour. Mr Smith said it was to recognise the large sums of money Mr Kebbel had paid into looking after lions but, tragically, Kebbel had become a 'problem animal' after allegedly killing the local wildlife. A big game hunting firm had even offered a £50,000 licence to rich hunters in order to kill the predator, but before the offer was taken up the magnificent solitary male was poisoned by the local farmers. There are about 38,000 free roaming lions left in Africa, mostly in conservation areas, with the Namibian Ministry of the Environment & Tourist estimating they have just 800. The majority are in the Etosha National Park, with about 110 in the North-West including the Kunene Region where Mr Kebbel was killed while on one of his many wild safaris. Weighing 170kgs, the desert lionesses can run at up to 50mph and measure two metres long, not including the tail. Meanwhile, their powerful jaws have teeth up to four inches long. With very little water in the desert areas along the Skeleton Coast and in the mountains, inland the lions get their liquid from the bodies of prey like ostrich and antelope and seals. But, as villages move further and further into lion territory, creating increased human/lion conflict, the predators often attack livestock and villagers reply by shooting, snaring or poisoning them. The violent death of Mr Kebbel was confirmed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Namibian Police who said that it happened near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. A Namibian police spokesman said: 'There were brave efforts by fellow campers who drove the animal away but it was too late to save him from the fatal injuries inflicted to his neck' Mr Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for the tourism ministry, confirmed that officials had been dispatched to the site, adding: 'We can confirm that Mr Kebbel was killed. Our team is on the ground investigating'. He added, however, that it was too early to make a decision on what would happen to the lioness and they would rely on an experts report. Close friend Sharon Baines said on social media: 'What a shock Bernd & Conny as you were just settling in to enjoy the best years of life and everyone is just devastated right now. 'Gentle Bernd your smile and humility will be remember and you made the world a better place. Conny, Heidi and Dieter, there are no words, but we wish you strength and love'. Another post from Marius Burger read: 'Desert lions adapted to survive in the harshest of terrain so are very dangerous as they can be starving and just desperate to find fresh prey. 'Sadly this lioness has tasted human blood and flesh and will have lost its natural fear of a human. There will be little choice than to hunt it down and euthanise it'.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Wealthy philanthropist who spend fortunes supporting Namibian desert lions is killed by one after leaving his tent to use the loo
A wealthy philanthropist who spent large sums of money supporting the Namibian desert lions has been killed by one of the predators after leaving his tent to use the toilet. Businessman Bernd Kebbel, 59, was asleep with his wife Conny, 57, on a wildlife expedition at a camp in the north of the country, blissfully unaware that a hungry lioness was stalking him. As the father-of-two climbed down a ladder from the safety of his rooftop tent, mounted on the top of a 4 x 4, the man-eating beast was lying in wait in the dark and attacked him. His desperate screams woke up the rest of the shocked camp who rushed to his rescue in the darkness and bravely chased off the lioness before it could devour its victim. However the Namibian police, investigating the case, said that nothing could be done to save the keen outdoorsman who was killed almost instantly in the savage lightning fast attack. His blood-soaked body was covered up until the authorities could arrive and it is feared that the lioness, named by locals as Charlie, may be hunted and shot dead. The tragedy happened when Mr Kebbel got up in the early hours of Friday morning, unaware that the watching lioness had creeped into the sleeping camp. According to initial reports, Mr Kebbel climbed down a ladder from the tent on the roof and was then attacked and dragged away by the lioness whose jaws tore into his neck and throat. A Namibian lion expert who spoke on the agreement of anonymity said: 'Thankfully it would have been quick as a human is no match for a lioness that is in its prime. 'There are only about 60 desert lions in this region of Kunane where the attack happened and in this particular area around the Hoanib Camp maybe a dozen at the very most. 'The desert lions have adapted to the harsh and burning desert environment and have become extremely adept night-time hunters as there is no cover for them during the day. 'They are quick and fast and extremely strong and do not get much opportunity to hunt so can become very hungry – hungry enough to risk attacking a feared human.' It is understood that Mr Kebbel and Conny's two children, Dieter and Heidi, both in their late twenties, are now flying home to comfort their devastated mother at their home in the Namibian capital, Windhoek. For many years, Mr Kebbel owned the Off-Road-Centre in Namibia's main city Windhoek which bought and sold 4 x 4 safari vehicles and also sold the accessories required in the wild. Lion expert Izak Smit said that the nation's most famous expert in the field, Dr Philip 'Flip' Stander had even named an adult male Kebbel in his honour. Mr Smith said it was to recognise the large sums of money Mr Kebbel had paid into looking after lions but, tragically, Kebbel had become a 'problem animal' after allegedly killing the local wildlife. A big game hunting firm had even offered a £50,000 licence to rich hunters in order to kill the predator, but before the offer was taken up the magnificent solitary male was poisoned by the local farmers. There are about 38,000 free roaming lions left in Africa, mostly in conservation areas, with the Namibian Ministry of the Environment & Tourist estimating they have just 800. The majority are in the Etosha National Park, with about 110 in the North-West including the Kunene Region where Mr Kebbel was killed while on one of his many wild safaris. Weighing 170kgs, the desert lionesses can run at up to 50mph and measure two metres long, not including the tail. Meanwhile, their powerful jaws have teeth up to four inches long. With very little water in the desert areas along the Skeleton Coast and in the mountains, inland the lions get their liquid from the bodies of prey like ostrich and antelope and seals. But, as villages move further and further into lion territory creating increased human/lion conflict, the predators often attack livestock and villagers reply by shooting, snaring or poisoning them. The violent death of Mr Kebbel was confirmed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Namibian Police who said that it happened near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. A Namibian police spokesman said: 'There were brave efforts by fellow campers who drove the animal away but it was too late to save him from the fatal injuries inflicted to his neck' Mr Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for the tourism ministry, confirmed that officials had been dispatched to the site, adding: 'We can confirm that Mr Kebbel was killed. Our team is on the ground investigating'. He added, however, that it was too early to make a decision on what would happen to the lioness and they would rely on an experts report. Close friend Sharon Baines said on social media: 'What a shock Bernd & Conny as you were just settling in to enjoy the best years of life and everyone is just devastated right now. 'Gentle Bernd your smile and humility will be remember and you made the world a better place. Conny, Heidi and Dieter, there are no words, but we wish you strength and love'. Another post from Marius Burger read: 'Desert lions adapted to survive in the harshest of terrain so are very dangerous as they can be starving and just desperate to find fresh prey. 'Sadly this lioness has tasted human blood and flesh and will have lost its natural fear of a human. There will be little choice than to hunt it down and euthanise it'.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
The Ultimate Egypt Packing List, According to a Cairo Resident
My husband and I have been living in Cairo, Egypt, for a year and a half, and we also had our first daughter since we moved here. Between the city's summers with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and cooler winter days in the 60s, I've experienced the country's extreme desert climates and dress accordingly, all while navigating motherhood. Additionally, I've developed a list of my must-have items based on some of my favorite things to do here, like playing golf and going to the beach. (Despite being a desert, Egypt has some of the best resort towns I've ever seen.) All in all, don't underestimate the variety of essentials you'll need for your Egyptian adventure. Ahead, you'll find everything I never leave home without—and tell visitors to pack—including sightseeing necessities. Quick Tips It typically takes a while to get checked bags at Cairo International Airport so consider traveling carry-on only, when possible. Pack loose-fitting clothing and layers to deal with heat and modesty considerations. Always stash a pack of wipes as many public bathrooms don't have toilet paper. Packing Checklist for Egypt Clothing Shoes and Accessories Gear and Other Essentials Clothing As a cosmopolitan city, people wear a range of attire; Even though you can get away with shorter silhouettes common at home, I prefer longer lightweight clothing that protects me from the sun's strong rays. When packing, I begin by laying out my suitcase, toiletry bag, and packing cubes. Then, from dresses to socks, I organize my packing cubes based on the items inside them. Before moving here, I stocked up on affordable white and beige-colored linen pieces from cult-favorite brand Quince. Additionally, this Marcella midi-dress became my go-to as you can easily dress it up for brunch at the one-of-a-kind KHUFU's restaurant in front of the pyramids or an afternoon at the underrated Gayer Anderson museum, located right next to the must-visit medieval Ibn Tulun mosque. When out and about, you won't draw attention if your knees are covered. Many people wear sleeveless tops and dresses, especially if it's really hot outside, except at religious sites where you'll be denied entry at a mosque if your knees, shoulders, and head (for women) aren't covered. The only other thing I highly recommend having is sun-protective clothing, or at least investing in a swimsuit with built-in UPF. Shoes and Accessories Between the dust and the lack of sidewalks, your shoes will get dirty. If you love the breezy, all-white monochromatic look like me, this is something I live with when I rock my white Veja sneakers and matching linen set. For the days when I want to switch things up, I break out my comfy Rothy's flats, which I'm not afraid to mess up since the brand is beloved for machine-washable footwear. As noted, a woman will have to cover her head with a scarf, and everyone has to take off their shoes when visiting a mosque, so I suggest wearing shoes with socks. Sometimes the mosque will have plastic covers that look like shower caps you can place over your shoes, or there are cubbies where you can leave your pair behind. If you opt for either, just bring small bills as the attendant will ask you for a tip. To avoid this, you may be able to simply carry your shoes with you as you tour the mosque. Other accessories I finish my looks with are my tan baseball cap that doesn't get dirty easily and my Ray-ban Meta glasses. Between climbing in and out of the pyramids and having to be extra alert when crossing the busy, pedestrian light-free streets, the protective eyewear is a great way to stay hands-free without missing memorable moments as I can take photos with a click of button. Gear and Other Essentials Cairo is a spread-out city with heavy traffic, depending on the time of day, so it's best to have everything you need with you. (The roads are pretty clear early in the morning on the weekends, which are Friday and Saturday, as Egypt follows the Islamic calendar. Keep in mind that this schedule will affect the time sites are open.) All in all, you won't last a full sightseeing day without a water bottle, sunscreen (which is important to consistently reapply), and a portable charger because extreme heat can affect your battery life. I also like to treat myself to a Dior balm that can revitalize and moisturize my hands, body, and lips—plus, it smells fantastic. And since there may not be soap or toilet paper in the public bathrooms, I always have the Aesop rinse-free hand wash and Goodwipes with me. In addition, while Cairo is lined with coffee and dessert shops, there's often no place to grab a quick bite at the major sites outside of the capital city, so I rely on snacks in my bag for a pick-me-up. These must-haves and more all pile into my Dagne Dover backpack that doubles as a diaper bag and comes with a life-saving changing pad, which is something I've only seen once in the bathroom of a restaurant. Finally, I'd recommend you add Egyptian Hieroglyphs for Complete Beginners and Islamic Monuments in Cairo to your cart. The highlight of any Egyptian vacation is the chance to see ancient temples and tombs on a scale like nowhere else in the world. Make the experience even more immersive by learning to read the language the ancient Egyptians left behind. While I'm not yet fluent, there's nothing more thrilling than recognizing a word or phrase in a magnificent temple, thanks to Bill Manley's book. At the same time, there's more to Egypt than its ancient sites, Cairo has an entrancing old city full of medieval mosques and monuments that are nearly 1,000 years old. My husband and I have been following Caroline Williams' book of architectural walking tours for truly off-the-beaten-path experiences. You Might Also Need In addition to a sightseeing stay in Cairo and the surrounding areas, there are other popular activities around the country that are worth a visit. While some require very few packing list adjustments like a luxe Nile cruise, more active endeavors will require planning ahead to reserve precious suitcase space for hiking apparel, beach gear, and other sporty necessities. Golfing: Golfers rejoice! The expensive sport is very affordable in Cairo and is accessible at many major hotels, including the famed Gezira Sporting Club, Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, which is known for its breathtaking views of the pyramids, and more. My husband and I are even members of the Katameya Heights club, where I sport my fun, printed golf apparel. If you're on the fence about bringing your golf clubs, just know that you can get plenty of use out of them. Golfers rejoice! The expensive sport is very affordable in Cairo and is accessible at many major hotels, including the famed Gezira Sporting Club, Hilton Pyramids Golf Hotel, which is known for its breathtaking views of the pyramids, and more. My husband and I are even members of the Katameya Heights club, where I sport my fun, printed golf apparel. If you're on the fence about bringing your golf clubs, just know that you can get plenty of use out of them. Watersports: Egypt may be a desert, but don't sleep on the watersports available to you, and consider packing necessary gear. Tourists flock to snorkel and scuba dive in the Red Sea for the diverse marine life and extraordinary coral reefs, like those within the Ras Mohammed National Park located in the resort city of Sharm El Sheik. Dahab is another nearby snorkeling destination with the most calm and tranquil atmosphere. Also, if you're visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, consider cooling off at Hurghada's white sand beaches complete with kite surfing, on top of snorkeling and scuba diving. Egypt may be a desert, but don't sleep on the watersports available to you, and consider packing necessary gear. Tourists flock to snorkel and scuba dive in the Red Sea for the diverse marine life and extraordinary coral reefs, like those within the Ras Mohammed National Park located in the resort city of Sharm El Sheik. Dahab is another nearby snorkeling destination with the most calm and tranquil atmosphere. Also, if you're visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, consider cooling off at Hurghada's white sand beaches complete with kite surfing, on top of snorkeling and scuba diving. Cruising: Yes, you should splurge on a luxury cruise along the Nile. It's a surreal and magical experience that's still on my must-do list of things before we leave early next year. According to our friends, cheaping out on a Nile cruise has led many to bad experiences. You should also consider going between October and April when the weather is ideal, so you won't get hit with heat waves and sandstorms. Frequently Asked Questions What items are not allowed in Egypt? According to the Egypt E-Visa site, there's a long list of prohibited items, including 'explosives, drugs, firearms, narcotics, antiques, agriculture, food products, and more.' You should also obtain a permit beforehand to be able to bring a drone into the country. How can I get around Egypt? Even as a full-time resident, I still use my international roaming that's included at no extra cost with my T-Mobile monthly plan. It's fast enough to be able to navigate using Google Maps and call an Uber. You can also get a local SIM via Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, and more at the Cairo airport or once you get to your final destination. Overall, getting around Cairo is extremely affordable, but there are tiers. Walking and even just crossing the street can be stressful because there are no crosswalks, pedestrian lights, and traffic won't slow down for you. Then, there are cheap cabs, but I don't recommend hailing one unless you're able to negotiate prices or are willing to give your driver directions in Arabic. The next option is Uber, which is hit or miss because the app is glitchy, and you may be told to cross a busy highway to be picked up. I always choose Uber Comfort for a higher chance of getting a better driver in a nicer car with air conditioning. Of course, a private driver is the way to go, and most guide services can set this up for you. For a smooth start to your trip, I suggest hiring private transportation and an expeditor who can meet you before customs and whisk you through immigration in no time. There's typically a sea of people asking if you need baggage and transportation services at the airport, so this is a way to avoid being overcharged and bothered. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Isis Briones is a travel writer who has lived in Egypt with her six-month-old daughter and husband, who's a diplomat, for a year and a half. Not only did she bring her baby back from the U.S. to Cairo when she was only two months old, but they've also traveled to and from the desert destination many times since moving. Love a great deal? 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Washington Post
3 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
11 Sudanese migrants killed a car crash in the Libya desert, authorities say
CAIRO — Eleven Sudanese migrants and a Libyan driver were killed Friday in a car crash in the desert in Libya, authorities said, the latest tragedy involving Sudanese fleeing a civil war in their home country. The crash between the migrants' vehicle and a truck happened early Friday in the desert, 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of the Libyan town of Kufra, the town's Ambulance and Emergency Service said in a statement.
