When it comes to the safaris within the African desert, you have always hoped to see the surreal beauty in the desert, traveling to Deadvlei must certainly be on your list. Deadvlei is a very special and alien destination, and it remains the same that leaves a strong impact on any tourist visiting Namibia, particularly the Namib Desert that forms the center of it. The Deadvlei visit will be an experience that will last a lifetime because of the spectacular scenery, magnificent dunes of sands, and the decomposing trees that are estimated to be thousands of years old and create a completely desolate atmosphere.
This grand guide will bring you to know all about visiting Deadvlei and everything that started with facts of this place with its geological, historical values and practical information on how to visit the wonderful Deadvlei. Going to Deadvlei will be like no other adventure whether you are a photographer, love nature or just in need of an adventure trip to enjoy.
What is Deadvlei?
Deadvlei, meaning Dead Marsh, is a white clay pan that had been dried up and is found in Namibia, Namib-Naukluft National Park. It is located in the legendary Sossusvlei region and is surrounded with the largest sand dunes all over the planet and one of them is the world-renowned Dune 45. This significantly spooky beautiful landscape is predominantly composed of the charcoaled and contorted stack of lost camelthorn trees cast within sharp juxtaposition of the white clay break underneath it and the orange red dunes that surround the region.
The trees in Deadvlei are believed to be approximately 900 years old, and they have been maintained by the dry climate and the absence of any moisture, which makes the landscape look almost as the one of the eerie and time-telescope quality. The reason behind the name “Deadvlei” is that though these trees used to grow in this area, the river supplying them has since dried up long ago and the trees could no longer be sustained in a waterless and barren land.
Geology and History of Deadvlei.
Millions of years ago, Deadvlei was a highly prosperous and fertile section of the desert system. In the early life of Namib desert, there was a system of rivers that fed the economy supplying life giving water to the region where vegetation and trees thrived. The river shifted its path with the course of time leaving the region without any source of water.
The camelthorn trees which previously proliferated in Deadvlei were abandoned and left to perish in 900 years ago when the river changed its path and the area became more and more dry. Although the trees died, the remains of their skeletons were well preserved by the dry conditions in the desert, leaving the resulting impressive and the creepy forest that today characterizes Deadvlei.
The contrast between the brightly colored dunes and the stark white clay pan, and the old dead trees is one of the most exciting elements of the Deadvlei sightseeing as it creates an impression of a foreign planet landscape. The view is haunting and breathtaking hence it has one of the most special and photo-genic places on the continent of Africa.
How to Reach Deadvlei
To get to Deadvlei, one has to make certain efforts, yet it is a tour worth taking. The nearest town that is nearDeadvlei is Sesriem and is positioned approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away. A majority of the tourists visit Deadvlei by lodging in Sesriem region or in the adjacent Sossusvlei region and then allow it as a day outing to the pan.
Deadvlei can be approached in two major ways by road Modes of transport Deadvlei is approached by road in two major ways (Deadvlei) Deadvlei, 50 km north of Sesriem.
1. Self-Drive
Assuming that you are a good driver, then you can opt to take a self drive holiday to Deadvlei. Out of the Sesriem gate, you will have to drive through a gravel road and that will lead to the Sossusvlei parking area. It is where one will walk or use the shuttle service to Deadvlei. The road itself is a fairly easy one although it may be undulating and therefore it is worthwhile to have a 4x 4 vehicle to go through the road particularly when you are on the roads during the rainy season.
2. Guided Tours
Guided tours are numerous in the case one simply does not wish to travel through the desert by themselves. These tours do not only cover the transport to and back the Sesriem but also an experienced guide who would give details about the history, geology and wildlife of the region. A visit to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei are a part of most guided tours, and it may be considered an opportunity to learn more about the dunes near the place.
Best Time to Visit Deadvlei
Although Deadvlei is an amazing place to visit, any season of the year, the time of the year that best suits to visit is greatly determined by the nature of experience we wish to get.
1. Peak Season (May to October)
Deadvlei is in its peak season during the dry season in Namibia that is experienced between May and October. Temperatures are also quite comforted during this period and one can conduct outdoor activities such as hiking and photography. The skies are also clear and the conditions are dry which means that taking the beautiful photographs of the sand dunes and the dead trees are also ideal. But prepare in case of cold nights and the early morning particularly during winter months of June to August.
2. Off-Season (November to April)
The off-season is more hot, and it can be sometimes rainy that may introduce another dimension to scenery. Visiting at the time would mean a smaller crowd, which provides a peaceful experience. Nevertheless, one must remember the heat factor because the conditions may get extremely hot, up to more than 40o C (104 o F) during the day. In case of special photo shots, the rare rains in the desert may give way to exquisite contrasts of the green nature and the dry dunes.
Visiting Deadvlei Things to Do.
Deadvlei is worth the visit as it is full of adventure and exploration activities. You can be an adrenaline junkie, a lover of nature or a lover of photography and there is everything in this desert paradise.
1. Climbing the Sand Dunes
Tyron had to climb the tall dunes of sand that cover the pan, and it is probably one of the most typical experiences during the visit to Deadvlei. Sand dunes in this region are the highest in the whole world and some rise up to 300 meters ( 1000 feet). Hiking such dunes may be a tedious task, but it is a task worth doing since you will have an astonishing panoramic view of the surrounding desert, and the vastness of the Namib Desert. Dune 45 and the Big Daddy are the most popular dunes to hike and both areas can be approached through the Sossusvlei car park.
2. Photography
Deadvlei is the dream of a photographer. The juxtaposition of the red-orange sand dunes, the white clay pan and the darkened dead trees render it to be one of the most photographed sites of Africa. Both the amateur and professional photographer will find the landscape dramatic shots endless because of the numerous opportunities available therein. The sunrise and sunset are especially magical periods to see because the dunes and the trees are in the shadow cast by the soft men of gold light and it is a really atmospheric view.
3. Wildlife Spotting
Although Deadvlei is recognised because of its desert structure, it still surprises that wildlife within the space is quite high. Provided you are lucky, you will be able to see oryx, springbok and jackals which roam the desert in search of water. The avian users will also have a chance to view the geckos like the palechanting goshawk and Namib desert gecko which is adapted to the desert. Watch out to the smaller desert animals, i.e. lizards and insects, which survive in this hostile habitat.
4. Stargazing
Stargazing Namib Desert is a region of good stargazing activities as the enhancement of clear skies and absence of light pollution in the desert makes it one of the best in the world. In case you are staying in the vicinity of Sesriem, you should be sure to stop and see the night sky. One can view the Milky Way, the constellations, the shooting stars and all these come out in a way that can never be compared to anything making this a magical experience to the people who appreciate the marvel of the universe.
Some useful Advice in Deadvlei.
The following are some of the practical tips that can be considered to make the trip to Deadvlei safe and enjoyable:
• Bring a Lot of Water: The desert may be blistering hot, more so during summer seasons, and therefore, you will need to get plenty of water to keep you hydrated during your visit.
• Dress Right: It needs to be light and breathable, however, it is growing hot, it is necessary to cover your body with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Get in Early: You better be early in the morning before the heat gets there and the people are around. The morning light is also light-hearted and good in photography.
• Practice the Terrain: Deadvlei terrain can be notorious and in such a case, one should wear good shoes and be willing to have a slight hike to the pan.
Conclusion
One should not leave deadvlei without a memorable moment where he or she visits one of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. On the one hand, the old and lifeless trees show the magnificent picture of power and beauty of the nature, on the other hand, the sand dunes are really high and it is a magnificent view. It can be offered that Deadvlei will leave you in awe whether you are a photographer wishing to get the best shot or you are a nature lover who wants to have an adventure and or maybe just wish to enjoy the serenity of the desert. You cannot pass this magnificent section of Namib Desert as it is one of the most impressive nature wonder in Africa.
