The perfect holiday destination for those who love photography and beautiful scenery, Namibia homes some of the most amazing landscapes on planet earth. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei, the salt pan of Etosha, and the geological wonders of Damaraland are just a few points worth mentioning, but it is Deadvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park that really captures the imagination.

A white clay pan that formed hundreds of years ago when the Tsauchab River diverted its course, Deadvlei was once home to an abundance of thriving Acacia trees. Today, all that is left is their petrified remains that have been scorched by the sun and blasted by the world’s highest sand dunes for the past 900 years.

A highlight of any Namibian Self-Drive Adventure, Deadvlei is easily accessible by 4×4, but if you want to avoid the crowds and view it in all its glory, the best way to do so is from the top of Big Daddy – one of Sossusvlei’s highest sand dunes. From the top of the 325m dune, you have spectacular views over Deadvlei, and if you are feeling adventurous, you can run down the side of Big Daddy directly into the pure white clay pan below.

While we expected Deadvlei to be eerie and somewhat ghostly, it is the most beautiful ‘dead place’ you are ever likely to see, and while the clouds prevented us from capturing the true beauty of Namibia’s hidden gem, the pictures below will give you some idea of what to expect when you visit Deadvlei for yourself…