Home to the famous abandoned ghost mining town of Kolmanskop, where sand dunes have taken over and steeped in a long and rich colonial history, Lüderitz is a port town whose charm shines through its colorful colonial buildings, unique tourist attractions, and more despite being located on one of the least hospitable coasts in Africa.
It is an awesome place to visit as you explore the south of Namibia. In this guide, I will highlight all the coolest things to do in Lüderitz and provide you with all the information you need for a fantastic trip. So, without further ado, here is a complete travel guide to Lüderitz:
- Luderitz Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Luderitz?
-
9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz
- Explore the Abandoned Mining Town of Kolmanskop
- Visit Felsenkirche
- Stroll Around Shark Island
- Take Photos of the Painted Ladies of Lüderitz
- Admire the Colonial Buildings in Luderitz
- Check Out Lüderitz Museum
- Hang Out at Robert Harbour
- Drive to Dias Cross
- Have Lunch at Diaz Coffee Shop and Restaurant
- How to Get to Luderitz?
- How to Get Around Luderitz?
- What to Pack for Luderitz?
- Further Reading for Namibia
Luderitz Things to Do Map
9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz
1. Explore the Abandoned Mining Town of 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. This iconic site has been featured multiple times in mainstream media, from the Fallout series on Amazon to the album cover of one of my favorite psychedelic rock bands, Tame Impala.
The ghost town is about 10 km inland from Luderitz and makes for a great half-day trip to explore all the abandoned houses here. 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.
- Element Riders Place Backpackers (Budget)
- Kairos Cottage B&B (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Lüderitz Nest Hotel (High-End)
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 around the once-grand buildings partially filled with sand and get a glimpse of what life must have been like back then.
Here, you'll find an eerie old hospital, the grand quartermaster houses, and even a preserved bar with a wooden bowling alley. If you’re a fan of the Fallout series, be sure to track down the building where Lucy MacLean, the protagonist, encounters her first above-ground person searching for water 😉. I didn’t realize it was filmed here until I arrived, right where Lucy stood 😂, and I recognized it immediately. It was pretty surreal.
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.
Where to Stay in Luderitz?
2. Visit Felsenkirche
The Felsenkirche, or 'Church on the Rock,' is one of the most prominent landmarks in Lüderitz, thanks to its position atop a hill that offers panoramic views of the entire city. Built between 1911 and 1912 for the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation, the church is famous for its unique architectural style, which beautifully blends Gothic and Moorish elements.
Its construction was a significant undertaking, which goes to show just how prosperous the German settlers in Lüderitz were at the time. Today, the church symbolizes the lasting German influence that can still be felt around Lüderitz and is a great place to stop by for a nice view over the city.
The church is bizarrely open for only a brief window, from 5 PM to 6 PM every day except Sundays. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see the inside as I arrived outside that one-hour window. However, the view of the city and the coast from the church made the drive up worth it.
3. Stroll Around Shark Island
One of my favorite areas to explore in Luderitz is Shark Island, a historically significant site that only the Germans seem to know about. I only learned of its significance when I met a few German tourists who told me about the dark and bloody history of this seemingly peaceful island just off the coast of Luderitz.
Between 1905 and 1907, during the German colonial era, Shark Island served as a concentration camp where thousands of Herero and Nama people were detained under harsh conditions. Estimates of the death toll vary, with reports suggesting that between 1,032 and 3,000 individuals perished due to the severe environment and treatment.
Historians have claimed that the concentration camp here, along with all the other atrocities committed against the Herero and Nama people, served as the blueprint for what would become the worst human atrocity in modern history: the Holocaust of World War II, where Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered around six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, about two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population.
Today, Shark Island is part of the Shark Island Resort, managed by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. The resort offers accommodations and camping facilities, as well as beautiful coastal walking paths where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning coastline.
I really enjoyed walking around here, as it feels like you’re miles away from the city. You can enjoy the sea breeze while walking in solitude. You can drive all the way to the viewpoint or park outside and walk. If you're not staying overnight on the island, you'll need to pay an entrance fee, which is about 25 NAD per person.
4. Take Photos of the Painted Ladies of Lüderitz
Lüderitz is best known for its beautiful and colorful colonial houses, and the most colorful of them are the Painted Ladies of Lüderitz. They resemble the row of Victorian houses in San Francisco, but with a more German colonial style and in a less photogenic location 😅.
There are around 4 to 5 colorful houses all in a row, located on the road leading up to the Felsenkirche Church. The houses are not antique-looking with a long, rich history, as they were clearly built more recently. Still, it's quite an awesome place to take photos, so don't forget to check it out while you're here.
5. Admire the Colonial Buildings in Luderitz
If you want to see the true colorful colonial buildings in Lüderitz, you should explore the town and track down some of the finest colonial structures scattered across the city. One of the most impressive colonial buildings here is the Lüderitz Train Station, a large and beautiful European-style building with a greenish-yellow exterior and a rusty green roof. Now, this is a real old colonial building with a history you'll love, unlike the Painted Ladies of Luderitz.
Right next to the train station, you will also find Haus Hartmann, an old building constructed in 1909 as a private residence. It has since been converted into retail units on the ground floor, while the rest of the building remains in use as residential apartments. You can still admire its old facade with the building's name and beautiful windows from the outside.
Another building you might want to check out is Woermannhaus, a beautiful German colonial building located behind the train station. The building features a beautiful mix of German colonial and Art Nouveau styles while also offering an awesome view of the railroads and the city. You can see the Felsenkirche Church from here.
I'm sure there are more beautiful colonial buildings in Lüderitz that I didn't see, so if you have some time in town, be sure to keep an eye out for other buildings and let me know about them in the comments!
6. Check Out Lüderitz Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of Luderitz, its natural heritage, indigenous cultures, and the diamond-mining industry, you might want to check out Lüderitz Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving every aspect of this coastal town where you will find displays of local flora and fauna, indigenous artifacts, and an overview of all the restricted mining areas in this part of Namibia.
The museum typically operates in the afternoons, opening from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. However, it's advisable to confirm the current schedule before planning your visit, as the hours may vary. Unfortunately, I happened to be there when it was closed, so if you're lucky enough to visit when it's open, be sure to check it out.
7. Hang Out at Robert Harbour
One of the most popular hangout spots in Lüderitz is Robert Harbour, the town's primary commercial port. There are several viewpoints and walking paths where you can enjoy views of the harbor and the surrounding coastal landscape, as well as amenities and facilities like restaurants, shops, and more.
From the main road, you’ll find a pedestrian walkway that leads to the harbor, lined with rows of shops and restaurants to enjoy. Alternatively, you can walk all the way to the harbor, where both locals and tourists gather to hang out in the sun while enjoying the sea breeze.
I really like this area. It's beautiful, relaxing, and you actually get to see local people hanging out with one another. Lüderitz is extremely small and very quiet, so it was a nice change to see more people out and about. Be sure to take photos with the Robert Harbour Yellow Frame while you're here.
8. Drive to Dias Cross
Dias Cross is another historic monument commemorating the landing of Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488. This event marked the first European contact with the Namibian coast. The original cross was erected at Dias Point, approximately 20 kilometers from Lüderitz, and was declared a national monument in 1973.
You can reach the site by traveling along a gravel road that meanders through a unique, moon-like landscape, offering a glimpse into the area's natural beauty. You can also spot many flamingoes along the way, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
At the monument, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastal landscape. The coastal area is stunning, with dramatic rock formations where you might spot seals sunbathing and waves crashing against the shore. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Here, you'll also find a lighthouse that you can climb for a great view, a café to enjoy a cup of coffee, and even a campsite if you wish to spend the night by the coast. If you have some time to spare while in Lüderitz, be sure to drive out to Dias Cross and enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.
9. Have Lunch at Diaz Coffee Shop and Restaurant
One of my favorite restaurants and cafes in Luderitz is Diaz Coffee Shop and Restaurant, a lovely local cafe where you can try some of Namibia's finest seafood dishes that are surprisingly affordable, relatively speaking, of course, as well as some of the best coffees you will have here.
For coffee, they offer several blends and beans to choose from, along with a variety of coffee options to suit your taste. As for food and drinks, you can enjoy oysters and wine, grilled seafood dishes, and fast food options like Calamari Burgers and Fish Burgers, both of which are my favorites!
I loved the food here so much that I had to get takeout to avoid paying for an exorbitant buffet-style dinner, which is typically the only option available at lodges in Namibia. The restaurant is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.
How to Get to Luderitz?
Like most places in Namibia, the best way to get around is to either rent a car or fly domestically, and the same applies to Lüderitz. 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 also do as I did and visit Lüderitz as part of a larger trip. I rented a car from Namibia2Go in Windhoek, a company I highly recommend. I drove to Lüderitz while spending a few nights in the Kalahari and Fish River Canyon before arriving. This way, you can explore other amazing attractions in southern Namibia along the way.
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 Luderitz?
Attractions in Lüderitz are quite spread out, and like much of Namibia, public transportation is almost non-existent. The best way to explore is by renting a car and driving around Lüderitz.
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.
What to Pack for Luderitz?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Luderitz, Namibia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
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.
- Who wants to visit an abandoned ghost town in Namibia? Kolmanskop is the famous ghost town often featured in many mainstream media and here is A Complete Guide to Namibia’s Ghost Town.
- 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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