We spent four weeks on our Namibia road trip, a fascinating country, which has earned the number one rank as “Best Landscapes” on our 9-month Cairo to Cape Town journey.
In this article, we will focus on one place in particular, a very unique place in Namibia with a very special story attached – Kolmanskop.
We have done all the work to answer any questions you may have about this Namibian ghost town so you can focus all your energy on enjoying your Namibia road trip feeling knowledgeable and prepared.
Tell me About Kolmanskop Ghost Town
These days Kolmanskop is a ghost town located in the Namib Desert. However, it was once a bustling diamond mining town during the early 20th century.
Following the discovery of diamonds in the area in 1908, the town rapidly developed into a very rich community.
The name “Kolmanskop” came from a transport driver named Johnny Coleman who, as the story goes, abandoned his ox wagon where diamonds were later found.
This small town had its own hospital, school, ballroom, power station, casino, and even the first X-ray machine in the southern hemisphere.
However, by the 1950s, only 40 years later, the diamonds started to deplete, and the people moved away. Eventually, the town was completely abandoned, leaving behind a haunting and surreal landscape of partially buried buildings, engulfed by the Namib desert.
Where is Kolmanskop Ghost Town Located?
Kolmanskop is located in the Namib Desert, in the southern part of Namibia. It’s situated 13 kilometers inland from the coastal town of Lüderitz.
Getting to Kolmanskop?
Getting to Kolmanskop involves making your way to the town of Lüderitz. You can get to Luderitz two ways: take a flight or an epic Namibia road trip.
Flight: You can take a domestic flight from Windhoek (Namibia’s capital) to Lüderitz Airport.
Namibia Road Trip: Who doesn’t love a good road trip?!
Getting to Kolmanskop From Windhoek:
Renting a car in Windhoek is an option to reach Lüderitz. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours by car (700 kilometers), depending on road conditions and stops along the way. The roads from Windhoek to Luderitz are generally good and a 2WD will be fine.
Getting to Kolmanskop From Swakopmund:
Renting a car in Swakopmund is another option for getting to Kolmanskop. The journey takes around 6-7 hours by car (550 kilometers). The roads in Namibia are generally well-maintained, but there might be sections of gravel roads, so it’s good to have a suitable vehicle.
We would suggest at least an SUV for your own comfort. The roads might be long and sometimes challenging, but it can be a scenic way to experience the country. Start making that Spotify road trip playlist!
Make sure you keep an eye out for the wild horses roaming freely on the way to Kolmanskop near Aus.
What is There to Do in Kolmanskop?
Despite being an abandoned ghost town, Kolmanskop is quite interesting and there are several activities and experiences to enjoy:
Guided Tours: Joining a guided tour is one of the best ways to explore Kolmanskop. Knowledgeable guides take you through the abandoned buildings, explaining their original purposes and keeping the otherwise forgotten stories about the town’s past alive.
Photography: Kolmanskop is a paradise for photographers. The abandoned buildings, half-buried in the sand, create a surreal and eerie atmosphere that offers plenty of cool photo opportunities.
Explore: Wander through the deserted streets and buildings. Some areas might be off-limits due to safety concerns, but there are still plenty of areas you can explore.
Museum Visits: There is a small museum in Kolmanskop ghost town that shows the history of the town, its diamond mining past, and the life of the people who lived there. People back then were so ahead of their time, seeing the things they came up with is awe-inspiring!!
Enjoy the Desert Landscape: Just standing in the great Namib Desert is amazing in itself. Take time to appreciate the contrast between the abandoned town and the vast, beautiful desert landscape.
Bird Watching and Wildlife: The area around Kolmanskop can offer opportunities for bird watching and observing some of the desert-adapted wildlife. Keep an eye out for creatures like ostriches, springboks, and various bird species.
Remember to respect any guidelines or restrictions in place for visiting Kolmanskop, as some areas might be unsafe. Additionally, due to the location in the desert, make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for protection from the sun.
What are the Fees for Kolmanskop?
We would recommend joining one of the guided tours which is included in the fee – a tip is appreciated.
These tours last about 1hr 30mins and provide insight into Kolmanskop before and after, offering information into the town’s rise, fall, and the unique stories it holds within its weathered walls.
Working hours – daily, from 9 am to 1 pm
Admission fee – NAD 75/US$5 per person
Where do I Stay in Kolmanskop?
There are many accommodation options in Luderitz, just 13 kilometers from Kolmanskop.
- Budget – Ocean Life | Timo’s guesthouse |
- Middle price – Tranquility Guest House | Kairos Cottage B&B |
- High-end – Alte Villa Gästehaus | Lüderitz Nest Hotel |
When is the Best Time to Visit Kolmanskop?
The best time to visit Kolmanskop is between May and October.
This is the Namibian winter and early spring. During these months, the weather is cooler with sunny, clear skies. Definitely more pleasant for exploring the desert!
Consideration for crowds: The high season for tourism in Namibia is generally from June to August. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting just before or after this peak season.
Enjoy Kolmanskop Ghost Town!
Visiting Kolmanskop is a very unique experience that you may not find elsewhere in the world.
Its hauntingly beautiful landscape blended with the incredible stories of the past makes visiting Kolmanskop a special treat for the heart, brain, and eyes!
Ticking all the boxes of nature, culture, history, photography, exploration, education, and uniqueness – now we think that is a morning well spent and most definitely worth the Namibia road trip!
What do you think?
If you have any questions then leave us a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our socials.
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