Deadvlei and Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are perhaps Namibia’s most iconic landscapes – a must-visit for any photographer seeking dramatic desert scenes. Sossusvlei is a broad salt-and-clay pan surrounded by some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, their hues ranging from apricot to deep red. Nestled among these dunes is Deadvlei, a smaller clay pan famous for its skeletal camelthorn trees that died over 600 years ago. These blackened trees, preserved by the arid climate, stand in stark contrast against the blinding white pan and fiery orange dunes, creating one of the most surreal scenes on the planet.
Photographic allure: The visual appeal of Deadvlei lies in its contrasts and simplicity. Early morning and late afternoon light set the dunes ablaze in rich color, while the pan remains in shadow, offering a natural high-contrast backdrop. This is why sunrise is the most popular time to shoot – as the sun rises, one side of the red dunes lights up while the other remains in deep shadow, often creating a sharp line of light and dark across the sand ridges. The trees in Deadvlei can be photographed as haunting silhouettes against the bright dune behind them. This effect, made famous by a Frans Lanting photograph, almost looks like a painting.
When I first visited Deadvlei, I was so enchanted by the classic composition (dark trees against an orange dune and blue sky) that I, like many photographers, immediately set up for that shot. It’s a must-have image, no doubt. But as I returned on subsequent trips, I learned to explore beyond the obvious. I began to notice how the morning light gradually paints the clay pan and reveals the shapes of smaller dunes. I found beauty in the details: the spiderweb-like patterns of cracked clay at my feet, the textures of the tree bark, and the gentle curves connecting dune to desert floor.
Pro Tips for Deadvlei/Sossusvlei Photography:
Arrive Early: Be at the park gates before sunrise. The best light on the dunes and Deadvlei occurs just after sunrise (roughly between 6–8 AM). After mid-morning, the sun becomes harsh, colors wash out, and the area gets more crowded. Likewise, late afternoon light near sunset can also be beautiful, though access in the evening is limited unless you stay inside the park.
Lens Choices: A wide-angle lens (e.g. 16–35mm) is perfect for capturing the enormity of the dunes and the full scene of Deadvlei. Additionally, a telephoto lens (70–200mm or more) can isolate patterns on distant dunes or pick out a single tree against the backdrop for a more abstract composition. Don’t be afraid to switch lenses to get both grand landscapes and intimate abstracts.
Composition Ideas: Try low angles to emphasize the cracked clay texture in the foreground. Use the rule of thirds – for instance, place a prominent tree or dune curve off-center for balance. Experiment with silhouetting the dead trees by metering for the bright dunes or sky (so the tree turns nearly black against the bright background). Also, consider climbing one of the dunes (such as Big Daddy or Dune 45) for a higher vantage point; from up top you can capture the vast sea of sand extending to the horizon.
Lighting and Filters: During golden hour, the contrast is naturally high – you might bracket exposures for later blending, or use a graduated ND filter to balance the bright sky and darker foreground. A polarizing filter can deepen the blue of the sky and make the colors of the dunes pop, but use it sparingly and carefully (with very wide lenses, polarizers can make the sky’s brightness uneven).
Other Sossusvlei Highlights: Besides Deadvlei, the Sossusvlei area has other pans and famous dunes worth photographing. Sossusvlei pan itself, especially if there’s rare water after rains, offers reflective surface shots. The Dune 45 (a dune near the road) is popular at sunrise – you can photograph climbers as tiny silhouettes on its ridge, showing scale. Also look for oryx (gemsbok) in the dunes; an oryx antelope standing on a ridge with the dunes as backdrop makes for an iconic Namib desert wildlife shot.
Visiting Sossusvlei is an adventure in itself. From the Sesriem gate, you drive about 60 km into the desert valley. If you’re not in a 4x4 vehicle, you’ll park at a 2WD lot and take a shuttle or hike the last 5 km of deep sand to reach Deadvlei. The effort is absolutely worth it. Standing in Deadvlei feels like stepping onto another planet. The silence can be overwhelming – often the only sounds are the whisper of sand in the breeze and your own footsteps. As a photographer, this quiet allows you to really immerse yourself in the scene without distractions.
Remember to respect the fragility of this environment. Stick to the established paths when walking to and from the pan (to avoid disturbing the delicate clay crust). And as tempting as it is, do not climb onto the dead trees or move objects in the pan – we want to preserve this otherworldly place for future generations of photographers. Take only photographs, leave only footprints (and even those, try to leave minimally!).
In summary, Deadvlei and Sossusvlei provide a dreamlike canvas of color and contrast for photographers. With preparation, creative vision, and a little patience for the right light, you’ll capture images here that truly epitomize Namibia’s “land of light and silence.” It’s an experience you’ll never forget – I still get goosebumps every time I return to watch the sunrise bring this ancient landscape to life.
We have also written pages that describe our other favorite locations in Namibia. Please continue reading about some of the other areas that keep us going back to Namibia with small groups.
The Spitzkoppe Region of Namibia - a favourite for landscape and astrophotographer enthusiasts
Our favorite WIldlife areas we like to visit in Namibia
Kolmanskop - the abandoned mining town being taken back by the desert.
The Quiver Trees Forest - a favorite for astrophotographers
The Himba Tribe - a fantastic experience to visit these nomadic people in their villages
We have written a section on photography gear suggestions to take to Namibia
Thinking of joining a Namibia photo tour? Learn the skills we teach on our Namibia Photo workshops
Learn what to expect on one of our Namibia photo tours, and what tours we are leading