Deadvlei translates as 'dead marsh' and is a clay pan characterized by eerie, dead Vachellia erioloba (camel thorn) trees contrasted against the red hues of the dunes.

The pan was formed when the Tsauchab River flooded and the abundance of water allowed the trees to grow. However, the climate changed and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area.

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