13 Real Places That Look Like Straight Up Fantasy Worlds

11. Camel Thorn Trees, Namibia

It doesn't really matter how many times you see this image, you can never quite wrap your head around the fact that it's an unedited photograph first time around. Looking at it from a different angle helps to break the illusion a bit.

This shot was captured by photographer Frans Lanting whilst on assignment with National Geographic magazine. The effect is created by the intense early morning sunlight falling on the sand dunes that surround the Deadvlei clay flat, whilst the basin in the foreground is still in shadow.

Astonishingly, the image is unprocessed, save for a graduated filter that reduces contrast.