Exploring Lüderitz: History, Ghost Towns & Day Tours

Tucked between the barren Namib Desert and the cold Atlantic Ocean, Lüderitz is one of Namibia’s most intriguing destinations. With its German colonial architecture, ghostly diamond towns, and windswept bays, it feels frozen in time. Once a hub of the diamond rush, today Lüderitz offers travellers a mix of history, culture, and unforgettable excursions. Here’s your guide to the top attractions and day tours.

Day Tours & Excursions

1. Elizabeth Bay Tour 

Step into Namibia’s diamond past with a tour of the abandoned settlement at Elizabeth Bay. Explore the haunting ruins of this once-thriving mining town and visit Atlas Bay, home to a lively Cape Fur Seal colony. A fascinating mix of history and nature.

2. Bogenfels Adventure Tour

For a truly off-the-beaten-track adventure, embark on a full-day 4x4 excursion into the restricted Sperrgebiet (Prohibited Diamond Area). Highlights include:

• The dramatic Bogenfels rock arch, a 55-metre-high limestone formation where desert meets ocean.
• The ghost town of Pomona and remnants of early diamond mining stations.
• Views of abandoned villages and relics from Namibia’s diamond rush era.

Advance bookings are essential as special permits are required for access.

3. Sedina Boat Trip
   

Sail into Lüderitz Bay aboard the Sedina, a beautifully rigged schooner. The cruise takes you past Diaz Point to Halifax Island, where a colony of African Penguins (locally called Jackass Penguins) waddles along the shore. Along the way, look out for Heaviside’s dolphins riding the waves and Cape Fur seals basking on the rocks.

• Departs: Daily (weather permitting) at 08:00 from the harbour jetty.
• Duration: ±2.5 hours (returns around 10:30).
• Tip: Dress warmly - the Atlantic breeze can be icy. Advance booking recommended.

4. Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Just 15 km inland lies Kolmanskop, Namibia’s most famous ghost town. Once a wealthy diamond settlement, today the desert is slowly reclaiming its abandoned houses, with sand filling doorways and halls - a photographer’s dream.

• Tours: Monday - Saturday at 09:30 & 10:45; Sundays at 10:00 only.
• Access: Located in the Sperrgebiet, so a permit is required (included in tour ticket).
• Photography: Dedicated permits are available for full-day photo access (sunrise to sunset).

A Brief History of Lüderitz

Archaeological finds show that the Khoisan people knew this coast centuries before Europeans. In 1488, Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias landed at Angra Pequena (Little Bay). Centuries later, in 1883, German merchant Adolf Lüderitz purchased the land from local chiefs. By 1884, Germany declared it part of its protectorate, Deutsch-Südwest-Afrika (German South West Africa).

Lüderitz grew into a bustling colonial town, later booming with the diamond rush of the early 1900s. Today, it retains its old-world charm with brightly painted colonial buildings, historic churches, and a rugged coastline rich in stories.

Top Attractions in Lüderitz

Goerke Haus

Perched on Diamond Hill, Goerke Haus is one of Namibia’s architectural gems. Built in 1910, it features ornate interiors and antique furnishings. Now owned by Namdeb, it is occasionally closed for VIP use but usually open for visitors.

• Visiting hours: Mon–Fri (14:00–15:00), Sat–Sun (16:00–17:00).
• Entry: Donation appreciated.

Felsenkirche (Church on the Rocks)

Built in 1912, this Lutheran church overlooks the town from a rocky hilltop. The stained-glass windows, gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II, are especially striking at sunset.

• Visiting hours: Summer (18:00–19:00), Winter (17:00–18:00).

Diaz Point

A short coastal drive takes you past Radford Bay and Sturmvogelbucht to Diaz Point. Here stands a replica of the stone cross erected by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, marking one of the earliest European landings on Namibia’s coast. The dramatic views of the Atlantic crashing against rocky cliffs are worth the trip.

Why Visit Lüderitz?

Lüderitz is more than just a stop on the way to Kolmanskop. It’s a living museum of Namibia’s layered history - from Khoisan origins and Portuguese exploration to German colonial rule and the diamond era. Add to that penguins, dolphins, seals, and a windswept coastline, and you’ve got one of Namibia’s most unique travel experiences.