Tips for visiting Fish River Canyon
November 11, 2024
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Lüderitz, a cozy seaside town, is an interesting place to add to your tour of Namibia. Especially if you love nature and history. So what can you see and do in Lüderitz? It is a city with beautiful sights and also a place where you feel like you are in a totally different world. From colonial buildings to houses incorporated by sand dunes, Lüderitz is worth exploring. Make the most of your visit with the following tips and to do's!
The German settlement of Lüderitz
When Adolf Lüderitz landed in Namibia in the 19th century, he settled in the coastal town named after him. As a German entrepreneur, he bought land here and established a trading post. He asked Germany for protection since other African countries were under colonial rule. This was the beginning of German influence in Namibia.
Although the harsh Namibian desert did not at first seem like a logical place to settle, that changed in 1908. A railroad worker found a diamond that could simply be seen with a naked eye. What transpired was that there were an awful lot of diamonds for the taking in this area. The diamond industry was born and the area around Lüderitz was declared the Sperrgebiet. An area that until today you are not allowed to enter without permission.
What to do in Lüderitz? 5 tips!
Upon arriving in Lüderitz, it may seem like there is not much to do in the city, but that is definitely not the case. Although the two best activities to do in Lüderitz do not take place in the city center, you can have a great time here as well.
1. Drive around the peninsula: Lüderitz Peninsula
One of the fun trips you can take from Lüderitz is driving across Lüderitz Peninsula. The peninsula is known for its many bays, lagoons and pristine beaches. You can spot fur seals, many different bird species and even a colony of black-footed penguins at Halifax Point. The bird you will undoubtedly see is the flamingo, as there are an incredible number of them on the peninsula.
All roads running across the peninsula are unpaved and some only accessible by 4WD. Keep that in mind when driving around the peninsula. The landscape of the peninsula is truly otherworldly, which makes you imagine yourself in a completely different world. No trees grow and there is no grass. All you see are vast plains of stone and sand. It is particularly rugged environment.
The most famous point on the island is Diaz Point where in 1487 Bartolomeu Dias, a Portuguese sailor, landed. At the spot where he arrived, he placed a stone cross. By means of a collapsed wooden bridge and some zigzagging between rocks and water currents, you can get to the stone cross. The views from here over the Atlantic Ocean and across the peninsula are breathtaking. By the way, it can be extremely windy here.
2. Explore the abandoned and dilapidated diamond town of Kolmanskop
Our absolute highlight in Lüderitz was our visit to the ghost town Kolmanskop. A visit to the abandoned and dilapidated diamond town takes you back to the 1950s. It is hard to imagine how people lived here in the desert, but the information you get during the tour convinces you of the comfort and luxury in Kolmanskop. Since Kolmanskop was abandoned, the houses, as well as the auditorium, bowling alley and many other interesting buildings are being absorbed bit by bit by the desert.
3. Stay in one of the ocean-view rooms at Kairos Cottage
In Lüderitz you will find a number of campsites where you can pitch your 4×4 jeep, but because of the ruggedness on the peninsula and wind gusts that are common here, camping here is not recommended. We therefore opted for a more luxurious overnight stay in one of the sea view rooms at Kairos Cottage on Shark Island. And we must honestly admit that after those first few nights sleeping in a tent, a good mattress was so comfortable. In addition, we must also admit that breakfast at Kairos Cottage was very well taken care of!
4. Eating out in the harbor at Essenzeit
Since Lüderitz is a coastal town, you will find numerous restaurants known for their fresh seafood. One tip we received is the hotspot Essenzeit in the Lüderitz harbor. The restaurant with a typical German atmosphere is beautifully located on the waterfront overlooking the harbor. On hot summer days, the terrace is also open. Booking in time is definitely recommended then.
5. Admire colonial architecture in Lüderitz
When you take a walk through the city you will come across the most beautiful colonial architectural styles. Some impressive buildings not to be missed are:
The 1907 Deutsche Africa Bank. The building is the most important colonial building in Lüderitz and also a national monument.
The Felsenkirche, also called Rock Church, can be found on Diamond Hill and was built in 1912, but only recognized as a national monument since 1978.
Another building recognized as a national monument is the 1911 Goerkehaus. Here lived Hans Goerke who at the time was a manager at a diamond company.
Finally, you have the 1909 Kreplinhaus and the 1904 train station. Both are national monuments.
Useful tips for your tour of Namibia
Lüderitz is a destination in Namibia that not every traveler visits. You are therefore in a unique place in the country. Are you going to drive around on your own? Then we'd like to share some handy tips for Namibia with you. Think tips on driving independently in Namibia, money matters and much more. It's always nice to be well prepared on the road!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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