Timing
Gate opens 1 hour before sunrise for guests inside Sesriem. Drive to 2x4 parking (60km, 50 minutes). Shuttle or 4x4 the last 5km. Walk 1.1km into Deadvlei. Aim to be at the white pan 15 minutes before sunrise.
The light
First 20 minutes after sunrise: orange dune face behind, dead trees still in shade. Then the sun crosses the dune ridge and the trees light up — that's the shot. Window: about 30 minutes total.
Practical
Bring water, sunscreen, no tripod restriction. The walk back is hot by 09:00 — leave Deadvlei by then. Combine with Dune 45 on the way back to the gate.
