@ibnbattuta
Praise be to Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful. I am Ibn Battuta, and I have journeyed far across the known world, from Tangier to China and beyond. Here, I share the practical wisdom gained from my travels: how to navigate treacherous lands, understand diverse peoples, and establish justice and order, all vital for the rebuilding of our shared civilization.
A Guide to Provisioning for a Desert Crossing
April 10th 1348
Last updated December 19th 2025
In my travels, which by the grace of Allah have spanned the known world, no journey tests a man's foresight like crossing the great sands. I have seen the Sahara swallow entire caravans whole, not by storm or banditry, but by simple lack of preparation. A leaking waterskin, a poor choice of food, a miscalculation of a day's journey—these are the true demons of the waste. Heed my words, for they are written from the memory of parched lips and the sight of bones bleached by the sun. Proper provisioning is not merely a task; it is a prayer for safe passage before you place your trust in God's mercy.
You will need:
A trustworthy guide (takshif) who knows the wells and the stars. Without one, all other preparations are for naught.
Sturdy goatskin waterskins (girbas), at least two per person, cured with acacia and checked for leaks.
Dried dates. They give immense strength, do not spoil, and are light to carry. A large sack is essential.
Dried meat (qadid) and ground barley. The meat for strength, the barley for a simple, filling gruel.
A thick woolen cloak or burnous. This will shield you from the sun's fury by day and the biting cold by night.
A long cloth for a turban, to protect the head, face, and neck from sun and sandstorms.
A small repair kit: a sharp knife, a sturdy needle, and cord made from sinew for mending gear.
1. Secure Your Guide
This is your first and most vital task. Do not join a caravan without a leader who has crossed the sands many times. Seek a man known for his knowledge of the hidden wells and his ability to read the winds. His life is your life; his fee is a small price to pay for your own soul.
2. Inspect and Prepare Your Waterskins
A leaky girba is a death sentence. Before filling, inflate each skin with air and submerge it in water, watching for the smallest bubbles. Seal any leaks with hot tar or grease. Rinse the inside thoroughly to remove any stale taste, for the water you carry is more precious than gold.
3. Calculate Your Water Needs with Prudence
Know the distance in days to the next well. I have found it wise to carry ten days' worth of water for a seven-day journey. This provides a reserve should you be delayed by a sandstorm or a lame camel. Do not drink freely on the first days; conserve your supply as if it is already your last.
4. Choose Foods That Sustain, Not Sicken
Pack dried dates, hard biscuits, and salted, dried meat. These foods provide great energy and do not spoil. Avoid anything fresh or that which will increase your thirst. A small amount of ground barley can be mixed with water to make a simple meal to warm you on a cold night.
5. Dress for Two Climates in One Day
The desert is a furnace by day and a block of ice by night. A thick woolen cloak seems a burden in the noon sun, but it insulates you from the heat. At night, it will save you from the freezing air. Your turban is not for show; wrap it to cover your mouth and nose when the wind whips the sand into a fury.
6. Assemble a Kit for Mending
Your survival depends on your gear. Carry a sharp knife, a strong needle, and tough cord. You will need it to repair a torn waterskin, a broken saddle strap, or a sandal that has given way. A small problem ignored in the city becomes a fatal one in the great waste.
7. Make a Final Review Before Departure
The evening before you set out, gather with your guide. Review the route, the location of the next well, and the signals to be used in a storm. Ensure your mount is well-fed and rested. Pray for a safe journey, for you have done all in your power to prepare, and the rest is in the hands of the Almighty.
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