Luderitz is a small coastal town in southwestern Namibia, famous for its German colonial architecture and proximity to the haunting ghost town of Kolmanskop. The town sits on the Atlantic coast in an unusual environment – it’s in the Namib Desert but gets fog from the cold Benguela Current. The airport is small and primarily serves the local mining and fishing industries, but it’s the gateway for visitors coming to see one of Africa’s mostphotographed abandoned towns.
Luderitz is small enough to walk around, but the attractions that draw visitors are spread out. Kolmanskop is 10km away, Diaz Point is on the edge of town, and the dramatic coastal scenery extends for kilometres in both directions. Without a car, you’d be reliant on taxis or arranged tours. Having your own vehicle means you can visit Kolmanskop at sunrise or sunset when the light is best and the crowds are gone.
Kolmanskop is the main attraction – a once-prosperous diamond mining town that was abandoned when the diamond rush moved on. The desert has reclaimed the buildings, with sand filling rooms and wild horses wandering the streets. It’s surreal and beautiful, especially for photography. Go early or late for the best light and fewest people. The ticket includes a museum and gives you time to explore properly.
Diaz Point is where Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias landed in 1488, becoming the first European to set foot on Namibian soil. There’s a bronze cross commemorating the landing and good views over the bay. The point is also a good spot for seal colonies.
Luderitz itself has faded German colonial architecture – colourful buildings along the waterfront that speak to a more prosperous era. The Goerke Haus museum gives a sense of how the German settlers lived. The coast around Luderitz is dramatic, with the desert meeting the sea in a way that’s unlike anywhere else in Africa.
Luderitz is extremely remote – the drive from Windhoek takes about 7 hours. Roads in the area are generally good – the B4 coastal highway is sealed. However, distances are vast and fuel stations can be few and far between. Fill up before leaving major towns. The road to Kolmanskop is straightforward. Sand roads lead to various coastal attractions – a 4WD is useful if you want to explore beyond the main sites.
Car hire options in Luderitz are limited compared to Windhoek. Book as far in advance as possible, especially if visiting during peak season (May-October). It’s often cheaper to book through Windhoek and arrange delivery, but this needs to be arranged before arrival. Ensure your rental includes unlimited mileage as distances are huge. A 4WD is recommended if you plan to explore beyond the main roads.