Dead Vlei

Vlei means approximately "shallow lake" in Afrikaans. About six centuries ago the shifting sands of these dunes -- some of the largest in the world -- blocked the access of these trees to river water and they died. Their scorched skeletons have remained perfectly preserved in the very dry heat for all this time. The orange colour of the dunes is due to the high iron oxide content of the sand. Photographed just after dawn.

160520 047-2

 

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