1st Place, Maroesjka Lavigne, Belgium

Named for its desert, Namibia is one of the least densely populated places on earth, visually defined by rich colors in a barren, yet constantly changing landscape; the vast brown plain of scorched earth, the white surface of the saltpans, the gold tones of the sand dunes. Patience is required to discover Namibia’s subtle scenery. Hours of driving reveal more emptiness; the sight of other people rare and only the strategically located gas stations a reminder of the world beyond. Captivated by delicately washed out landscapes you drive for hours, chaperoned by herds of giraffes or zebra, shadowed by flocks of flamingos, suddenly stumbling upon a family of elephants.