Lüderitz Namibia, Southern Namibia

Tucked into a rocky harbor along South-West Africa’s inhospitable coast is a town of 18,000 that has learned how to not only survive but thrive in a town of unexpected opposites. Lüderitz, Namibia has captured the attention of Namibia visitors for years due to its magnetic draw as a place that does not belong.

With brightly colored houses placed among decadent Art Nouveau buildings and a smattering of colonial architecture, the town looks as if it belongs in some unknown Germanic backwoods rather than in a South African desert. Lüderitz, Namibia seems to be imbued with magic as this outpost coastal city is reached by traversing dusty roads that nearly disappear in the blowing sands. And being surrounded by striking old diamond settlements only furthers this mystical narrative and provides one of the most visited attractions in this seaside town.

A series of ghost towns surround the lively Lüderitz as testaments to forgotten diamond rushes, Kolmanskop is the most popular and most dramatic of them all. Bright colored walls covered in a light coating of desert sand contrast to their dilapidated surroundings and dune-covered floors as you walk your way through the skeleton of a once-thriving settlement. Kolmanskop was once the producer of a whopping 11.7 percent of the world’s diamonds and the eccentricity of wealth can still be seen today in the remains of this now ghost town.

Back in Lüderitz, there is plenty to see in do in the town and surrounding, stunning, coastal landscape. From watching the colonies of penguins and flamingos live their day-to-day in the rocky harbor to touring the strikingly bright colonial buildings reminiscent of Germany, don’t be quick to dismiss the town of Lüderitz, Namibia. And with a smattering of fresh bakeries, seafood restaurants, and charming cafes, there is never a lack of good cuisine while in Luderitz.

Fascinating is the word that sums up the charming town of Lüderitz. Located along the gorgeous and striking coast of Namibia and with plenty of eccentric features, animals, and characters, you will be entertained every hour you spend in Lüderitz.