Namibia's most famous ghost town, Kolmanskop, is situated in the Sperrgebiet about 10km inland from Luderitz. In 1908 the railway worker Zacharias Lewala found a sparkling stone amongst the sand he was shovelling away from the railway line near Kolmanskop. August Stauch, his supervisor, was convinced it was a diamond. When this was confirmed, the news spread like wildfire, sparking a frantic diamond rush and causing fortune hunters to converge in droves on Kolmanskop. It soon became a bustling little centre with all the amenities of a European town - butcher, bakery, furniture factory, soda water and lemonade plant, four skittle alley (which you can have a go at bowling), a public play ground and even a swimming pool.

The development of Kolmanskop reached its pinnacle in the twenties. The lifestyles, modes of dress and social attitudes of its inhabitants reflected those of Europeans in that era. At this time approximately 300 German adults, 40 children and 800 Owambo contract workers lived in the town. In spite of, or probably because of, the isolation and bleakness of the surrounding desert, Kolmanskop developed into a lively little haven of German culture, offering entertainment and recreation to suit the requirements of the affluent colonialists.

Large, elegant houses were built, and the well-equipped hospital boasted Southern Africa's first X-ray machine. However, when richer diamond deposits were discovered further south, operations were moved to Oranjemund. Within a span of 40 years Kolmanskop lived, flourished and died. Today the ghost town's crumbling ruins bear little resemblance to its former glory. The stately homes, their grandeur now scoured and demolished by the wind, are gradually becoming enveloped by encroaching sand dunes. In 1980 the mining company restored a number of buildings and established and interesting museum which has now become a tourist attraction.

After obtaining your permit at Luderitz Tours and Safaris, you can drive out to Kolmanskop and join a guided tour, which provides all the information about its history and the diamond industry today. After a short introduction and visit to the important buildings, you are allowed to explore Kolmanskop on your own.

Most of the guided safaris which visit Luderitz include an excursion to Kolmanskop, if you are self driving in Namibia and spend any time in Luderitz a visit to Kolmanskop should be on your itinerary.

Includes:

Entrance Fees

Kolmanskop Ghost Town

visit the Kolmanskop Ghost town near Luderitz

Schooner Trips

Two and a half hour schooner trip from Luderitz harbour

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