Kolmanskop abandoned building buried in sand

The sandy ghost town of Kolmanskop

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Lüderitz - Kolmanskop - Tiras Mountains
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 254.- per person (excluding flights)
Transport:
Self-drive
Highlights:
✔ Learn the fascinating history of Kolmanskop
✔ Discover abandoned buildings buried in the sand
✔ Stay overnight in a beachfront hotel in Lüderitz
✔ Drive through the rugged Tiras Mountains

Day 1 – Arrival in Lüderitz

This bite-sized trip follows in the footsteps of German colonial history in southern Namibia. Your first stop is the coastal town of Lüderitz. En-route you may spot some of the wild horses that live in the area. They are believed to be descendants of the German calvary horses and have adapted to the desert’s harsh environment.

When you arrive in Lüderitz, check into your comfortable beachfront accommodation that has direct access to a private beach and jetty, unique to Namibia. From your hotel, the main sights in Lüderitz are only a few minutes walk away. Explore the colonial buildings, the rock church and the beautifully renovated Goerke House.

Day 2 – Explore the sandy ghost town of Kolmanskop

This morning, drive to the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop. The discovery of diamonds in the area in 1908 led to the rapid development of this town known as the ‘diamond rush’. Amenities such as a hospital, ballroom, power station, theatre and school were built quickly before diamond resources dwindled and the town was abandoned in the 1950s. Since then the sand has rolled in and half buried the empty buildings. It’s a bizarre sight, to discover traces of the original inhabitants as you climb over the mounds of sand inside the houses.

After exploring the site, it’s time to drive to a valley in the nearby Tiras Mountains, where your authentic farm-style lodge awaits. You’ll spend the night here, soaking up the serenity and the stunning mountain views. After dinner, don’t miss the incredible sunset and clear starry skies above.

Day 3 – Departure from the Tiras Mountains

Continue your Namibia adventure. If you’re travelling to the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei, you can stop en-route at Duwisib Castle. This striking fortress was built on the orders of a German aristocratic officer and many of the materials needed for the construction at that time were delivered from Germany. It’s an interesting sight to see a medieval castle in the middle of nowhere.