Sossusvlei, set out in the middle of Namibia’s arid interior, is a literal sea of sand. The sand dunes are some of the largest in the world, and the desert is considered the oldest on earth. The sand is ‘burnt’ orange, a result of oxidization from iron in the sand. The older the dune, the brighter the colour.

This is “Dead Vlei”, a hardened clay pan surrounded by some of the tallest dunes in the world. Hundreds of years ago it was formed when the Tsauchab river flooded, allowing the growth of Camel Thorn trees. Over time, the river changed course, and drought set in. These trees are believed to be around 900 years old, but it is so dry that they do not decompose. Their gnarled black branches stand out brilliantly against the cracked, white clay pan, and the incredible orange of the sand dunes. An incredible place to visit, but not one to forget sunscreen or water.