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Namibia> Places to visit in Namibia |
Luderitz is a quirky town lodged in one of the best harbours on the least hospitable coast in Africa. It was founded in 1883 when Heinrich Vogelsang purchased Angra Pequena and some of the surrounding land on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz, a hanseat from Bremen, from the local Nama chief. It began life as a trading post, fishing and guano-harvesting town, but when diamonds were discovered in 1909 in nearby Kolmanskop, Lüderitz enjoyed a sudden surge of prosperity. Now the diamonds are mostly found elsewhere and offshore, so Lüderitz has reverted to its former self. Its appeal as a town lies in the fact that little has changed since the early 20th century (and in fact it has hardly grown at all).
Unfortunately for Luderitz the harbour has a rock bottom and the shallow depth has meant that modern ships have not been able to use the harbour, this has meant that the main thrust of the Namibian shipping industry is based in Walvis Bay, recently the addition of a new quay has allowed larger fishing vessels to dock at Luderitz. Recently Luderitz has re-styled itself in an attempt to lure tourists to the area, and there is a new waterfront shopping and office area.
Many of our guided safaris visit Luderitz, we can also help arrange a self drive trip around Namibia which includes a visit to this scenic town and even help with booking accommodation in Luderitz.
Some of the best hotels in Namibia, are situated in Luderitz, and the town is a popular holiday destination in Namibia. There is not much public transport from other areas of the country to Luderitz so most people end up visiting the town in there own rental car or on an organised tour through Namibia.
One of Luderitz' main attractions is Kolmanskop Ghost Town. This previously bustling diamond town is now abandoned and fights a constant struggle with the sand dunes of the Namib 
desert. There are tours every morning around Kolmanskop which are very informative, a particular highlight of the tour is a visit to the bowling alley where you are invited to try your hand. After the guided tour you are welcome to explore the town at your leisure. The Kolmanskop tour needs to be booked from the Luderitz info centre which is next door to the Post Office. You will need your own transport from Luderitz to Kolmanskop.
Another activity is the Luderitz boat cruise every morning, although it leaves very early and can be quite cold it is very exciting to see the dolphins and seals swimming with the boat as you head out towards Diaz Point. You will return in time to drive out to Kolmanskop for the start of the ghost town tour.
The drive to Diaz Point and Grusse Bucht (Big Bay) is also a worthwhile activity, the original cross that Batholemeu Diaz planted on his early excursions to Southern Africa is long since gone but a replica still stands. There are numerous small bays and inlets on the rocky coastline many of which have evocative names such as Griffin Bay and Conception Bay.
For those who's thirst for adventure is still not filled there are day tours to Elizabeth Bay, another abandoned Diamond town, and Bogenfells, a gigantic rock arch. These tours are run in 4x4 vehicles and should be booked in advance.
Another point of interest is that Shark Island which now houses the Luderitz campsite was once a concentration camp where thousands of prisoners were kept in under terrible condition leading to an extremely high mortality rate.