Our first stop along the Namibian road trip was nothing short of breathtaking. Even by Africa standards, which are about as high as they come, since nearly everything you see here is stunning.

Upon arrival, we were struck not only by the beauty but the heat. At 40 degrees celsius, it was sweltering. Luckily Desert Quiver Camp has a cold swimming pool and even colder keg in the poolside bar.

On our only full day, we went into the park.

Sossusvlei is a 63km-long paved road that leads to Deadvlei. We drove along, taking time to marvel at animals near and far (we saw oryx, springbok, an ostrich and a jackal) and stopping briefly to hike Dune 45, essentially a pile of 5-million-year-old sand over 170m tall.

Finally, we arrived at Deadvlei. Once a shallow pool of water, it transformed into a white clay pan after drought hit and sand dunes encroached, blocking the river. The remaining tree skeletons are believed to have died 600-700 years ago. Though not petrified, the wood does not decompose because it is so dry.

Temperatures were climbing and a sand storm was rolling in but it didn't matter, we still got some fantastic photos.

...But honestly, we don't even need them. Deadvlei is unforgettable.