One of Namibia’s most well-known tourist attractions, and a place you’ve likely come across in your research, is the abandoned mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where time and sand dunes have reclaimed the landscape.
It’s famous for its surreal, eerie, sand-filled abandoned buildings that you can walk through and explore. Kolmanskop has also been featured in popular media, including Amazon's hit series Fallout and Tame Impala's album cover, both personal favorites of mine.
If you're planning to visit this ghost town but aren't sure where to start, you've come to the right place! This complete travel guide to Kolmanskop has all the information you need to plan the perfect trip.
- Kolmanskop Points of Interest Map
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8 Best Places to Visit in Kolmanskop
- Visit the Kolmanskop Museum
- Check Out the Old Bowling Alley, Kegelbanh
- Explore the Museum Pieces of Kolmanskop
- Visit the eerie old hospital, Krankenhaus
- Take Photos of the Colorful Rooms of Kolmanskop
- Enjoy the View from Quartiermeisterhaus's Balcony
- Visit the Iconic Building Featured in Amazon's Hit Series Fallout
- Get A Glimpse of What Life Was Like at Direktorenhaus
- Where to Stay near Kolmanskop?
- What's the Story Behind Kolmanskop?
- When to Visit Kolmanskop?
- How to Get to Kolmanskop?
- How to Get Around Kolmanskop?
- Kolmanskop's Entrance Fee and Opening Hours?
- How Long to Spend in Kolmanskop?
- Further Reading for Namibia
Kolmanskop Points of Interest Map
8 Best Places to Visit in Kolmanskop
1. Visit the Kolmanskop Museum
One of the first things I recommend checking out is the Kolmanskop Museum, located just a short walk from the parking lot. Housed in an old gymnasium, the museum provides excellent background information on Kolmanskop, making your visit even more immersive.
As you enter, you'll find yourself in an old gymnasium, with the museum section on your right. Before heading into the museum, be sure to check out the second floor for a view of the gym from above. Inside the museum, you’ll find several display boards showcasing old photographs of Kolmanskop in its heyday.
You can read the entire history of Kolmanskop from this museum, starting from the discovery to the gold rush to eventually its downfall. The museum also highlights the problems of smugglers and workers trying to smuggle diamonds out of the mine, which I found very interesting.
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I remember seeing a display about how one of the managers tried to smuggle diamonds out by using a makeshift pair of shoes with a front pocket to hide them as he attempted to exit through the manager's exit. He didn't get past his own security, though, and was eventually caught and sentenced. How fascinating is that!
I really loved the museum, it provides great background information, making your visit to the abandoned ghost town even more impactful. If you want to learn more about the history of Kolmanskop, be sure to visit the museum first.
2. Check Out the Old Bowling Alley, Kegelbanh
Next, you can walk south from the museum and enter the café next door, where you'll find an old bowling alley (or Kegelbahn in German), made of wood and housed inside what looks like an old bar. This shows that Kolmanskop wasn’t just about work, but also about play, though I suspect it was built more for the officials to unwind, rather than the workers.
According to the sign inside, the bowling alley was built in 1927 and has been preserved in its original condition ever since. Even the bowling pins are made of wood, which I think is pretty cool. It's a small space, so it's a great spot to visit first before continuing your exploration of Kolmanskop proper.
3. Explore the Museum Pieces of Kolmanskop
Despite its crumbling appearance on the outside, some parts of Kolmanskop are dedicated to preserving the look and feel of the town in its heyday. These are housed in the Bäckerei, Metzgerei, and Eisfabrik, located just behind the parking area.
In these buildings, you'll find renovated interiors showcasing the functions of these spaces, with old artifacts and possessions of the people who once lived here, as well as medical equipment like an x-ray station that was among the first to be available in the southern hemisphere, all on display for you to see.
From a clinic to an old mechanic shop, these buildings truly bring the place to life and showcase how bustling it was back in the day. Be sure to walk around these buildings before venturing into the abandoned part of town.
4. Visit the eerie old hospital, Krankenhaus
After you're done here, head to the southern end of the non-restricted area to visit the Krankenhaus, an abandoned hospital, and capture stunning photos of sun rays streaming through the patient room windows.
I recommend visiting this first, as the beautiful morning light doesn't last long, and the rooms with glass windows are perfect for capturing stunning sunrise photos. It is quite a walk from the parking lot, though, especially with all the sand dunes you have to walk on, so be sure to spare some time.
There are several rooms here, with the glass-windowed rooms at the far end of the building, where I recommend you start. From there, you can slowly make your way up, visiting all the other fascinating buildings in between.
Be sure to spend some time exploring the eerie hallway and thoroughly checking out the rooms, you might discover some creepy graffiti and murals that people have left behind.
5. Take Photos of the Colorful Rooms of Kolmanskop
Right next to the hospital, you will find a row of buildings consisting of Junggesellenhaus, Single Men's Quarters, and Doktorenhaus. These are some of the most colorful and sand-covered buildings here, which makes for a great spot to take those iconic and surreal photos of rooms filled with sand dunes.
Some of the buildings are so submerged in sand that you may need to get creative to see the inside. If the entrance is blocked, you can often enter through a half-covered window at the back of the building, just be mindful of your head when doing so.
If you’re a fan of the famous psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, this area is where you might capture an epic photo similar to the cover of their album, The Slow Rush. If you enjoy rock music but haven’t heard of them, you might want to check them out! Gosh, I love their unique sound! 😁
6. Enjoy the View from Quartiermeisterhaus's Balcony
As you make your way north, you’ll notice that the houses get larger and larger, these are the official residences. The first one you’ll encounter is the Quartiermeisterhaus, or the quartermaster house, which I assume belonged to the official who was responsible for overseeing supplies, logistics, and other operational needs for the town.
If you've ever visited a town built by European colonial powers around the world, you’ll often find a two-story building like this, typically located higher up in town with a balcony overlooking the area. This design was probably intended to project control over the people below and provide a vantage point to observe what was happening.
Nowadays, it’s an amazing spot to visit if you want to see Kolmanskop in its entirety from above. The house is located right at the corner of the town, offering a sweeping, unobstructed view of the entire area, perfect for a great photo opportunity. Be sure to make your way here when you're in Kolmanskop.
7. Visit the Iconic Building Featured in Amazon's Hit Series Fallout
If you're a fan of Amazon's hit series Fallout, you might be surprised to recognize a familiar building as you walk past the Buchhalterhaus (Accountant's House). I didn’t realize that the *Fallout* series was filmed here until I walked up to the building, and one of the scenes from the show rushed back to me.
The building was used as the dwelling of the first person above ground that Lucy MacLean, the protagonist, meets as she ventures out of her vault into the world of the nuclear apocalypse that the Fallout series is centered around. It was pretty surreal to stand right where Lucy stood, looking up at the familiar exterior.
Back to reality, from what I gathered, this building was the residence of the town’s accountant or bookkeeper, typically an official with important administrative duties. However, it wasn’t as significant as the other buildings around it, which housed the town’s quartermasters and directors. One of those buildings is the Direktorenhaus, which is where we’ll be heading next.
8. Get A Glimpse of What Life Was Like at Direktorenhaus
Located at the northern end of Kolmanskop, you'll find the Direktorenhaus, the residence of the director of the entire mining town. It is one of the newer-looking buildings here, with much of the decoration, tiles, and walls still intact, unlike the other crumbling houses.
I really like this building because of how new everything seems, which allows us to get a glimpse of what life must have been like for the director here. Right from the outside, you will find that much of the building's exterior is still intact, including the paints.
Even the tiles on its porch look almost new! Once inside, the room’s paint is still mostly intact. The wooden floor, though squeaky when you walk, still feels modern and fresh, while the window frames are as good as new.
I believe it was being renovated for something, maybe a hotel, at some point, but it was abandoned again shortly after. The view from the balcony is also very nice, so be sure to check it out while you are here.
Where to Stay near Kolmanskop?
Since Kolmanskop is in the middle of the desert and remains in a restricted area, you'll need to stay in Luderitz, the closest city to Kolmanskop. From the city, it's only about a 10-minute drive to reach the site, making it a great base for exploring the area.
What's the Story Behind Kolmanskop?
One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Namibia, and a place you've likely come across while researching, is the abandoned mining ghost town of Kolmanskop, where the sand dunes of time have taken over.
The story of Kolmanskop began in 1908 when a railway worker discovered a diamond while working on the nearby railway line. This find sparked a diamond rush, attracting German miners to the area.
The German Empire soon declared a vast expanse as a restricted area to control diamond mining activities. The resulting wealth led to the rapid development of Kolmanskop, which was modeled after a traditional German town.
Back then, the settlement had a population of over 1,300, and you could find a hospital, ballroom, power station, school, theater, casino, and even the first x-ray station in the southern hemisphere here. It was also home to Africa’s first tram system, used to transport people and goods throughout the town.
At its peak, it produced 11.7% of the total world production of diamonds, but that was not supposed to last. The town's decline began during World War I as diamond resources dwindled. The discovery of richer diamond deposits near the Orange River in 1928 further accelerated its abandonment. By 1956, Kolmanskop was completely deserted, leaving behind well-preserved structures slowly being reclaimed by the desert sands.
Today, Kolmanskop is an incredible and surreal tourist attraction where you can tour the once-grand buildings partially filled with sand and get a glimpse of what life must have been like back then.
When to Visit Kolmanskop?
The best time to visit Kolmanskop is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear, ideal for exploring an outdoor destination like Kolmanskop. However, this is also the peak season, with the highest number of tourists visiting between June and August. To avoid the crowds, I recommend planning your trip in May, September, or October.
Visiting in November is possible, but keep in mind that it can get quite hot from midday onward. I recommend arriving early in the morning, not only to avoid the heat but also to take advantage of the beautiful morning light. As the sun rises in front of the ghost town, you’ll witness the epic sun rays streaming through the abandoned buildings, a sight that photographers dream of capturing.
If you don’t mind paying a little extra, you can opt for a day pass, which grants access to the site during sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its best. The ticket costs around 400 NAD, and depending on the time of year, you may need to arrive quite early to catch the sunrise. For most people, a regular ticket should be more than enough.
How to Get to Kolmanskop?
Like most places in Namibia, the best way to get to Kolmanskop is to either rent a car or fly domestically to Luderitz, the closest city to the ghost town. You can fly into Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, and from there, take a domestic flight to Lüderitz. However, flights are infrequent, so plan accordingly. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Lüderitz. To search for flights, you can use Skyscanner or Expedia.
You can do as I did and visit Kolmanskop as part of a larger trip. I rented a car from Namibia2Go in Windhoek, a company I highly recommend. I drove to Lüderitz, spending a few nights in the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, and Aus before visiting Kolmanskop and Lüderitz as a day trip from Aus. This way, I was able to explore incredible attractions in southern Namibia along the way as well.
For more information on renting a car in Namibia, you can check out my review of Namibia2Go here as well as things I wish I knew before renting and driving a car in Namibia.
How to Get Around Kolmanskop?
Kolmanskop remains within a restricted area, even though mining ceased a long time ago. The only way to explore Kolmanskop in its entirety is on foot. You can drive your car into the ghost town and park in the designated parking area, but from there, you’ll need to walk. With all the sand dunes to navigate, this place is definitely not wheelchair-friendly! Also, bring lots of water as it can get pretty hot during the day.
Kolmanskop's Entrance Fee and Opening Hours?
Since the entire area is still restricted, you'll need to purchase a ticket and book a time slot, which you can do here. There are two types of tickets: the regular ticket, which costs 50 NAD and grants access from 8 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 1 PM on weekends, or the day pass, which costs 400 NAD and gives access from 6 AM to 7 PM.
The regular ticket is great for casual visitors, while the day pass is perfect for photographers wanting to capture the golden hours. The area is quite expansive, so expect to spend around 2 to 3 hours here. There are also free guided tours at 9:30 AM and 11 AM on weekdays, and at 10 AM on weekends if you’d like to learn more about the history of the place.
How Long to Spend in Kolmanskop?
I’d recommend planning to spend at least 2 hours exploring the abandoned houses in Kolmanskop, more if you’re a photographer like me or if you’re looking to join one of the guided walking tours, which run twice a day and offer deeper insights into the town’s history. I suggest dedicating half a day to fully experience Kolmanskop.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Namibia
If you are looking for more articles about Namibia, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- For a complete itinerary to Namibia, check out: 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary.
- Feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning your trip to Namibia? Check out this easy-to-follow guide: Namibia Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Experiences.
- Planning to visit Southern Namibia? You gotta stop by Luderitz! Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz.
- You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
- Out of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund is hands down my favorite. To get the best out of it, be sure to check out: A Guide to Swakopmund: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Want to visit Sandwich Harbor but not sure where to begin? Check this out: A Complete Travel Guide to Sandwich Harbor
- Spitzkoppe is one of the most surreal places to visit in Namibia, and it would be a shame to come all the way to Namibia without seeing it. Here's a complete travel guide to Spitzkoppe.
- Have you ever dreamed of going on a self-drive safari in Africa? Well, you can do that in Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here's A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide to Etosha National Park.
- If you want to see a real authentic Himba village and interact with the Himba people, here's a travel guide for you: Visiting the Himba Tribe: A Complete Guide.
- Planning to rent a car and drive in Namibia? You might wanna check this out: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Namibia.
- Not sure which car rental company to choose in Namibia? Here's my experience with Namibia2Go: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Review.
- To see all articles about Namibia, be sure to check out our Namibia travel guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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