Deadvlei and Sossusvlei
Deadvlei and Sossusvlei may be names not immediately recognised by everyone, but there is a high probability that you may have seen one or more of the fantastic images from those locations.
Many, many years ago the Tsauchab river flooded, creating a number of temporary, shallow pools allowing the formation of a clay pan. The abundance of water retained by the pan allowed camel thorn trees to grow.
Subsequently though, the climate altered leading to drought hitting. As the area dried out, sand dunes encroached across the pan. Eventually, these dunes blocked the river and diverted the waters away from the area. The camel thorn trees died over time and the dryness of the atmosphere preserved their forms in the iconic shapes seen today.
To have the best chance to create impactful images of the dead trees in Deadvlei it required that we were in place just as the sun was starting to rise.
This meant required us to be at the park gates before opening, then a fast drive along the park road toward the coast followed by a long walk over soft sand which, along with shingle, are my bête noire!
Many, many years ago the Tsauchab river flooded, creating a number of temporary, shallow pools allowing the formation of a clay pan. The abundance of water retained by the pan allowed camel thorn trees to grow.
Subsequently though, the climate altered leading to drought hitting. As the area dried out, sand dunes encroached across the pan. Eventually, these dunes blocked the river and diverted the waters away from the area. The camel thorn trees died over time and the dryness of the atmosphere preserved their forms in the iconic shapes seen today.
To have the best chance to create impactful images of the dead trees in Deadvlei it required that we were in place just as the sun was starting to rise.
This meant required us to be at the park gates before opening, then a fast drive along the park road toward the coast followed by a long walk over soft sand which, along with shingle, are my bête noire!
