The Quiver Tree Forest
Venturing further into Namibia’s south, we find another marvel for photographers: the Quiver Tree Forest. This is a unique grove of quiver trees (known locally as Kokerboom), located near Keetmanshoop. Quiver trees are not actually trees but giant aloe plants (Aloe dichotoma) that can grow 8-9 meters tall. They have thick, branching trunks and a crown of pointy aloe leaves – looking every bit like something out of a Dr. Seuss illustration or an alien planet. Scattered across a rocky hillside, these quiver trees create a fantastical landscape, especially when paired with Namibia’s intense light by day and its dazzling stars by night.
Why it’s special: The Quiver Tree Forest offers a combination of sculptural flora and open sky that is a dream for creative compositions. By day, the trees themselves are compelling subjects – their bark is pale and cracked, and the way their branches twist can be almost graphical. Late afternoon light turns the scene golden, and you can play with the long shadows cast by the weirdly-shaped trees. By night, this location truly shines (quite literally): this region of Namibia is known for its extremely dark skies. On a clear, moonless night, you can see an astonishing number of stars with the naked eye. The Milky Way arcs from horizon to horizon. Using the quiver trees as foreground elements against that starry backdrop results in images that are both surreal and majestic.
Shooting at sunrise/sunset: In the early morning, you might get some soft pastel colors in the sky which complement the yellow-green of the quiver tree leaves. At sunrise, you can position yourself so that the rising sun is just behind a tree, creating a sunburst effect through the branches (use a small aperture like f/16 to get a nice starburst). In the late afternoon and at sunset, the low sun will bathe the trees in warm light. This is a good time to capture the textures: the quiver tree’s trunk is often covered in a flaky, reflective bark that peels naturally – it can take on a golden glow in slanting light. Also consider backlighting: shooting toward the sun so that the tree is rim-lit. The translucent aloe leaves catch the sunlight, which can outline the crown of the tree in a halo of light.
Compositional ideas: The Quiver Tree Forest isn’t very large, so it’s easy to walk around and find different arrangements of trees. Look for isolated trees you can capture against the sky for simplicity, as well as groupings that show the density of the forest. Use the shapes creatively – for example, align two trees that might mirror each other’s curves, or find a cluster that naturally frames a distant hill or the twilight glow. The ground is strewn with rocks and boulders; these can serve as foreground interest or leading lines. One popular idea is to get low and close to a distinctive rock, using it in the composition with the trees behind.
Night photography in Quiver Tree Forest: This location is one of my absolute favorites for astrophotography. You can easily include multiple trees in a single frame with the Milky Way. Plan your night shoot during a new moon (no moonlight) for the darkest sky. I often set up a composition at twilight, focusing on a tree or group of trees, then wait until the stars emerge. A technique I use is light painting: carefully illuminating a quiver tree with a low-power flashlight or an LED panel for just a few seconds during a long exposure, to give the tree a soft glow against the starry sky. This has to be subtle – too much light and it looks unnatural. If you’re not comfortable with light painting, no problem: silhouettes of the trees against the Milky Way also look fantastic, and they emphasize the natural darkness of the scene. Try doing a vertical composition as well, where a tall quiver tree occupies the bottom half and the Milky Way stretches above it – this orientation can capture the height of the tree and the depth of the sky. And don’t forget to experiment with star trails: by taking a series of 20-30 second exposures over an hour and stacking them (or one ultra-long exposure if your camera can handle it), you can show the circular path of stars around the South Celestial Pole with quiver trees anchored in the foreground.
Tips for Quiver Tree Forest visits:
Tripod & Remote: Absolutely essential for low-light and night shooting. A steady tripod and a remote or intervalometer will help you avoid any camera shake during long exposures.
Warm Clothes: If you’re shooting at night, remember that desert temperatures can drop significantly. Bring a jacket or sweater, and maybe a hat – you’ll be standing still for periods while shooting stars, and it can get chilly even after a hot day.
Composition in Dark: It can be challenging to compose in near darkness. One trick is to use a high ISO test shot (like ISO 12800 for 5-10 seconds) to quickly preview your composition, then adjust as needed, before settling into your proper low-ISO long exposure for final image.
Safety and Etiquette: The Quiver Tree Forest is usually accessed via a private farm or small reserve (there’s a Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp nearby). Be mindful of any entry fees or rules. Don’t break off any branches or damage the trees – they are fragile and slow-growing (some are hundreds of years old). Also watch your step; the ground is rocky and you don’t want to twist an ankle out there, especially in the dark. If you’re with a group, coordinate your movements and lights to avoid ruining each other’s shots (e.g., announce before turning on a flashlight).
The Quiver Tree Forest truly feels like a playground for a photographer’s imagination. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Milky Way over those bizarre tree silhouettes – it was one of those moments where I checked my camera LCD and just grinned, amazed at the image captured. It’s a scene that always brings out the creativity in visitors. Whether you’re capturing the quiet stillness under the stars or the golden glow of sunset, you’ll find that these “trees” lend themselves to artistry. So take your time, wander among them, and enjoy creating photographs that highlight Namibia’s blend of natural wonder and otherworldly charm.
We have also written pages that describe our other favorite locations in Namibia. Please continue reading about some of the other areas that keep us going back to Namibia with small groups.
The Spitzkoppe Region of Namibia - a favourite for landscape and astrophotographer enthusiasts
Our favorite WIldlife areas we like to visit in Namibia
Kolmonskop - a favorite location for people that want to photograph the abandoned mining town being swallowed by the sand
Deadvlei and Sossusvlei - one of the most dramatic landscape photography areas we have ever visited
The Himba Tribe - a fantastic experience to visit these nomadic people in their villages
We have written a section on photography gear suggestions to take to Namibia
Thinking of joining a Namibia photo tour? Learn the skills we teach on our Namibia Photo workshops
Learn what to expect on one of our Namibia photo tours, and what tours we are leading