Kolmanskop Ghost Town
The remains of diamond fever taken over by the desert
Category Ghost Towns
People flocked to what became known as Kolmanskop, Nambia after the discovery of diamonds in the area in 1908. As people arrived with high hopes, houses and buildings were built. The new town, which was German influenced, saw the construction of ballrooms, casinos, theaters, ice factories and hospitals as well as the first x-ray station in the southern hemisphere.
Prior to World War I, over 2000 pounds of diamonds were sifted from the sands of the Namib desert. During the war however, the price of diamonds dropped considerably. On top of this, larger diamonds were later found south of Kolmanskop, in Oranjemund. People picked up and chased after the precious stones. By 1956 the town was completely abandoned.
Today, the eerie ghost town is a popular tourist destination. Guided tours take visitors around the town and through the houses which, today, are filled only with sand.
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- Hours Tours are available at 9:30 am and 10:45 am, daily*
- Address Luderitz, Namibia
*Tickets available at Luederitz Tours & Safaris in Bismarck Street
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