6Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namib Desert, located along the southwestern coast of Africa, is one of the oldest deserts in the world, with some areas thought to be at least 55 million years old. Its most iconic feature is the red-orange sand dunes of Sossusvlei, which are among the tallest in the world, some standing over 300 meters (984 feet) high. The contrast between the rich colors of the dunes and the white salt pans below creates an otherworldly landscape.
The Namib is also home to unique wildlife that has adapted to the harsh desert environment, including oryx, springbok, and desert elephants. Deadvlei, a white clay pan with ancient, dried-out trees set against a backdrop of red dunes and blue skies, is a photographer’s paradise.
