Lüderitz, Namibia

Kolmanskop—Ghost Town of the Namib

Explore the Once Prosperous Diamond Town Prepare to be captivated as we explore this crumbling ghost town, which is being slowly devoured by the desert. Grand houses once stood side by side with shops, a hospital and a community center in this formerly diamond-rich village. These same structures are now eerily quiet. The mines have dried up and families have left, abandoning everything in their wake. Wander around derelict buildings and see how the desert is relentlessly reclaiming its territory. Some buildings have been partially restored, and a wealth of interesting artifacts can be seen in the old schoolroom, the dentist office and the pharmacy. Listen to the wind whistling through the empty windows and doorways, and in houses that once welcomed a vibrant community. The vast and lonely landscape dwarfs these German-influenced buildings, making it hard to believe that this village was once one of the world’s wealthiest. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.