Namibia Travel > Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop is a ghost town situated on the outskirts of Luderitz
Stunning desert landscapes surround this town and the desert is slowly reclaiming the area
Former mining town which experienced a boom in the early 1900's but suffered from economic collapse by 1926, causing residents to leave the town
Located within the restricted area (Sperrgebiet) of the Namib Desert, and a permit is needed to enter the town
Daily one hour guided tours every morning at 9h30 and 10h45

Kolmanskop Accommodation

Once a thriving mining town in its heyday, Kolmanskop is now a fascinating ghost town on the outskirts of Luderitz. Desert landscapes merge into the town, as knee-high sand builds up around ... Kolmanskop Accommodation

Kolmanskop Tours

In 1908 a worker on the Luderitz-Aus railway line, presented a shiny stone to his superior August Stauch, who obtained a prospecting license before having it officially verified.
... Kolmanskop Tours

Kolmanskop Map

View a detailed map of Kolmanskop with accommodation.
Click on the Kolmanskop map markers to view a detailed description of the accommodations that are available in Kolmanskop.

About Kolmanskop

Desert landscapes merge into the town, as knee-high sand builds up around abandoned buildings that were once signs of a busy town. During its peak in the 1900’s, a range of facilities including hospital, ballroom, power station, school, skittle-alley, theatre and sport-hall, casino, ice factory and the first x-ray-station in this region were built. The mining town eventually fell into economic ruin however after the World War 1, as diamond prices crashed and operations moved to Oranjemund. By 1956 all residents had left – resulting in an empty town in the desert.

This action started the diamond rush at Kolmanskop within the Namib. In 1908 this area was named Sperrgebiet or 'forbidden zone', created to control the mining of the diamonds. In 1909 a central diamond market was established, and the diamond boom hit its peak.

Now a popular destination on Namibian trips, Kolmanskop is a highly interesting attraction and a few good accommodations can be found in this area. Daily tours are conducted for visitors to visit the town and explore its sandy streets, and with a permit guests can enjoy the sights of this ghost town which is located within the restricted Sperrgebiet area of the Namib desert. Photographic opportunities are excellent, with breathtaking views of the surrounding deserts creating a one of a kind contrast again the forlorn empty town.

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