6. Sossusvlei

It was a long drive from Luderitz to Sossusvlei, and there was ample opportunity to photograph birds and animals along the way.

Sossusvlei is located in the heart of the Namib Desert and has some of the highest sand dunes in the world. They come in stunning colours, from soft, pale creams to deep, burnt oranges and reds. It was a joy to photograph them.

The environment is dramatic and sometimes breathtaking as the sun illuminates the towering sand dunes, casting long shadows stretching across the desert floor.

Daytime ranged from frosty dawns with soft pinks and purples to hot, dry afternoons, which cooled down quickly at sunset with displays of deep orange.

Within Sossusvlei is Deadvlei, a barren clay pan surrounded by towering red sand dunes. The name "Deadvlei" translates to "dead marsh" in Afrikaans.

The striking trees that dot the pan are over 900 years old, and their black skeletons create a stark and eerie contrast against the white clay pan and the deep blue sky.

The history of how Deadvlei was formed is fascinating. It is believed that the area was once a lush river valley, and the trees that now stand dead and petrified were once part of a thriving forest. But around 700 years ago, the climate in the area began to change, and the once-flowing river began to dry up. The dunes began to encroach on the valley, and eventually, the sand became so high that it cut off the river's flow completely. The trees died but remained standing, preserved by the dry desert air.