Kolmanskop Accommodation

Kolmanskop is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town located in the Karas Region of Namibia, near the port town of Lüderitz. Once a thriving diamond mining settlement, it is now a popular tourist attraction known for its abandoned houses partially buried by desert sands, offering a unique glimpse into Namibia's history.

History: Kolmanskop was established in 1908 during a diamond rush sparked by the discovery of diamonds in the Namib Desert. German settlers quickly developed the town, constructing grand homes and infrastructure that mirrored European standards, including a hospital, ballroom, ice factory, school, and even a tramway. At its peak, Kolmanskop was one of the wealthiest communities in Africa.

However, after larger diamond deposits were discovered further south at Oranjemund in the 1920s, Kolmanskop's fortunes declined. By 1956, the settlement was completely abandoned as residents moved elsewhere in search of better opportunities.

The Abandoned Houses: Kolmanskop’s abandoned homes, now overtaken by the desert, are its most iconic feature. The shifting sands of the Namib have filled many of the once-luxurious houses, creating an eerie yet stunning atmosphere. Visitors can wander through rooms where sand dunes spill through broken windows and doorways, offering a surreal juxtaposition of human construction and nature's reclamation.

The houses showcase German architectural styles, a stark contrast to their rugged desert surroundings. Despite their decay, the buildings evoke the prosperity and ambition of Kolmanskop's heyday.

Visiting Kolmanskop: Kolmanskop is now a protected area and managed as a tourist destination. Guided tours are available to explore the town's history, including its diamond mining legacy and the lifestyle of its former inhabitants. Photographers are particularly drawn to the site for its dramatic interplay of light, architecture, and sand.

Tips for Visiting:
Morning tours provide the best light for photography.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as visitors traverse sandy terrain.
Permits are required to enter the ghost town, available through tour operators.