Kolmanskop

About Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop or Kolmanskuppe is a ghost town in the Namib Desert not far from the small port of Lüderitz. Namibia's first diamonds were discovered here in 1909.

In its day Kolmanskop was a very rich little town boasting a skittle alley, theater, casino, ice factory, Africa’s first tram and the first X-ray station in the southern hemisphere. After the diamond field became exhausted, the town was abandoned in 1954. The desert has since taken over, offering visitors a knee-deep exploration in the sand.

Today, Kolmanskop is popular with photographers for the surreal juxtaposition of 19th Century German buildings disappearing into the desert landscape. Due to its location within the restricted Sperrgebiet, tourists need a permit to enter the town. Daily tours for guests leave from Luderitz Nest Hotel – pre-booking is necessary.