Ibn Battuta lived in a time when the Islamic Empire was going through a Golden Age. Baghdad, Cairo, and similar Muslim cities were the entre of world learning.
However, even during these times, deserts were formidable forces of nature and it was not easy to pass through them.
Apart from the harsh climate, the real danger was due to the many looters, dacoits and thieves who used to wander the desserts trying to attack people.
The desert people were very aware of the conditions but the travellers were not.
Ibn Battuta used to travel in large caravans which consisted of hundreds of people and camels. They also included guards and some rich and powerful people who could afford protection.
In this way, he made sure that he could have some form of security while crossing deserts.
