Camelthorn Trees

Deadvlei, Namibia

Deadvlei is a clay pan in the Sossusvlei region.  It is characterized by dark, dead camelthorn trees uniquely contrasted against the white clay pan floor. The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the flood waters allowed these camelthorn trees to grow. But as the desert climate changed, the sand dunes encroached on the pan and blocked the river from providing much needed moisture to the area.  This change eventually killed the trees. The trees are estimated to be approximately 900 years old, they have dried but did not decompose due to the lack of humidity.

Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers. Getting to the pan from the parking lot requires a hike of about 3/4 of a mile over dunes and clay flats.  It is hot and dry so be sure to carry plenty of water.

Vachellia erioloba, the camel thorn, giraffe thorn, or Kameeldoring in Afrikaans, still more commonly known as Acacia erioloba, is a tree of southern Africa in the family Fabaceae. Its preferred habitat is the deep dry sandy soils in parts of South Africa, Botswana, the western areas of Zimbabwe and Namibia. Wikipedia