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The oldest desert in the world where it hasn't rained for 200 million years is not the Sahara

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 24/01/2025 às 23:38
The oldest desert in the world where it hasn't rained for 200 million years is not the Sahara
It doesn't rain in the desert because the climate is extremely dry and the giant dunes block the humid winds that could bring rain. Evaporation is very fast due to the intense heat, preventing the formation of rain clouds.

In the world's oldest desert, located in Namibia, less than 10 mm of rain falls per year, and blackened trees over a thousand years old remain preserved by the extreme climate.

When we think of deserts, the Sahara is the one that comes to mind, right? But surprisingly, the Sahara is not the oldest desert in the world. That title belongs to Namib, in Namibia, home to the mysterious and impressive Dead Vlei. A place where time seems to have stopped and rain is an event that only happened millions of years ago.

Let's explore this almost surreal setting and discover why Dead Vlei, besides being a natural wonder, is one of the destinations most intriguing on the planet.

The Dead Vlei: the heart of the world's oldest desert

It has rained in the past, thousands of years ago, when the climate in the region was wetter and Dead Vlei was a vegetated wetland. Over time, climate change diverted the rivers and left the area completely dry, making rain virtually non-existent today.
It has rained in the past in this desert, thousands of years ago, when the climate in the region was more humid and the Dead Vlei was a vegetated swamp. Over time, climate change diverted the rivers and left the area completely dry, making rain virtually non-existent today.

At the heart of Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park lies Dead Vlei, a valley that combines beauty and mystery in one place. The name, which means “dead marsh,” tells the story of a very different past. More than a thousand years ago, this area was a vibrant wetland, irrigated by the Tsauchab River. However, climate change has changed the course of the river, leaving the region dry and arid.

Sand dunes, some of the tallest in the world, have surrounded the site, blocking any possible water source. The white clay ground, cracked by the heat, is a reminder of the swamp that once existed here. With less than 10 mm of rain per year, Dead Vlei is literally one of the driest and most inhospitable places on Earth.

The landscape frozen in time

If you’ve ever seen a photo of black trees surrounded by orange dunes and a deep blue sky, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of Dead Vlei. These blackened, hauntingly beautiful trees are over a thousand years old. They died centuries ago in this desert, but they’re so well preserved that they seem frozen in time.

The reason? The extremely dry climate prevents decomposition. Here, nature has become an artist: the combination of dead trees, white soil and orange dunes creates a visual spectacle that is unique in the world.

Why is Dead Vlei a unique destination?

Have you ever imagined yourself in a place that seems to have come from another planet? That is exactly the feeling that Dead Vlei conveys. The contrast between the vibrant colors of the dunes and the darkness of the trees creates an almost unreal setting in this desert.

It’s no wonder that Dead Vlei is a photographer’s dream. The light of sunrise and sunset transforms the area, bringing out its vibrant colors even more. And for nature lovers, it’s a chance to witness a landscape that defies time and extreme conditions.

Tips for exploring Dead Vlei

If you’re planning to visit Dead Vlei, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Summer temperatures can reach over 50°C during the day, so the best time to explore the area is early morning or late afternoon. During the winter, temperatures are milder, between 20°C and 25°C, but the weather still requires light clothing, water and sun protection.

For those looking for an unforgettable experience, climbing the dunes around Dead Vlei is an unmissable adventure. Dune 45 and the “Crazy Dune”, which reaches 400 meters high, offer spectacular views from the entire region.

The story of the oldest desert in the world

The Namib Desert is not only the driest desert in the world, but also the oldest. It began to form around 200 million years ago, when the Earth was dominated by dinosaurs. Since then, it has witnessed extreme climate change, species adaptations and the evolution of the planet.

This advanced age is what gives the desert its unique character. Unlike other “younger” deserts, the Namib has an ecosystem perfectly adapted to extreme conditions, including species such as Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that can live for more than 1.000 years.

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Barbara Azevedo
Barbara Azevedo
25/01/2025 10:08

Absolutely wonderful ❤️

Luciana
Luciana
25/01/2025 11:03

Nature is amazing 😍

Sergio
Sergio
25/01/2025 11:08

I couldn't find out from the report whether the desert is 200 million, a few thousand or just over a thousand years old!

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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