Luderitz Tours and sights guidebook

Lincoln
Luderitz Tours and sights guidebook

Luderitz Area Sightseeing

Sight Seeing, Historic Attractions, Buildings and Architecture, Information, Sperrgebiet, Kolmanskop Ghost town, Pamona, Bogenfels,
Kolmanskop tours are during the morning hours. Tour can be arranged at the gate, on arrival, or booked in advance. In 1906 the railway line was complete from Lüderitz to Aus and was later extended to Keetmanshoop. Herr August Stauch was appointed railway supervisor in May 1907. Part of his responsibility was to keep the railway line clear. He was very interested in his surroundings and instructed his workers to bring forward whatever they found of interest, while they were cleaning the lines. In April 1908 Zacharias Lewala presented him with a pretty stone. This tuned out to be a diamond. Before the find was confirmed by the state geologist Dr. Range and whilst rumour and specticism abounded, Stauch obtained a prospecting license from the Deutsche Kolonial Gesellschaft. Official confirmation immediately triggered off a diamond rush of monumental proportions, centered around the present site of Kolmanskop. It pulsed with excitement, violence, mystery and greed, sparkling with the lure of fabulous wealth waiting to be had from scratching in the sand. So rich were the deposits in some areas that diamonds could be picked up freely by enthusiastic miners, crawling along on their hands and knees. Fortunes were made and lost and remade, stones were gambled and used as currency. Services facilities grow to support the miners and steadily more durable structures emerged from the sand and gave birth to the tow. Soon after the discovery of diamonds, the German government realized the need for some control. In September 1908 the “Sperrgebiet” was proclaimed. This “forbidden territory” extending from the Orange River northwards 300 km. General prospecting was prohibited in this area and those people who already had mining rights had to form companies. In addition it soon became apparent that diamonds sales should be carries out through one channel and in February 1909 the “Diamant Regie” was formed (the Diamant Regie des südwestafrikanischen schutzgebietes). “There is no other commodity with such irresistible fascination as a Diamond/. People will risk their lives for them. They will betray, cheat, lie, deceive and murder. They will suffer privitations and danger… for diamonds makes dreams a reality…” Olga Levinson. It was this fascination that sparked the beginning and sustained the life of Kolmanskop.
Kolmanskop
Kolmanskop tours are during the morning hours. Tour can be arranged at the gate, on arrival, or booked in advance. In 1906 the railway line was complete from Lüderitz to Aus and was later extended to Keetmanshoop. Herr August Stauch was appointed railway supervisor in May 1907. Part of his responsibility was to keep the railway line clear. He was very interested in his surroundings and instructed his workers to bring forward whatever they found of interest, while they were cleaning the lines. In April 1908 Zacharias Lewala presented him with a pretty stone. This tuned out to be a diamond. Before the find was confirmed by the state geologist Dr. Range and whilst rumour and specticism abounded, Stauch obtained a prospecting license from the Deutsche Kolonial Gesellschaft. Official confirmation immediately triggered off a diamond rush of monumental proportions, centered around the present site of Kolmanskop. It pulsed with excitement, violence, mystery and greed, sparkling with the lure of fabulous wealth waiting to be had from scratching in the sand. So rich were the deposits in some areas that diamonds could be picked up freely by enthusiastic miners, crawling along on their hands and knees. Fortunes were made and lost and remade, stones were gambled and used as currency. Services facilities grow to support the miners and steadily more durable structures emerged from the sand and gave birth to the tow. Soon after the discovery of diamonds, the German government realized the need for some control. In September 1908 the “Sperrgebiet” was proclaimed. This “forbidden territory” extending from the Orange River northwards 300 km. General prospecting was prohibited in this area and those people who already had mining rights had to form companies. In addition it soon became apparent that diamonds sales should be carries out through one channel and in February 1909 the “Diamant Regie” was formed (the Diamant Regie des südwestafrikanischen schutzgebietes). “There is no other commodity with such irresistible fascination as a Diamond/. People will risk their lives for them. They will betray, cheat, lie, deceive and murder. They will suffer privitations and danger… for diamonds makes dreams a reality…” Olga Levinson. It was this fascination that sparked the beginning and sustained the life of Kolmanskop.
No permit is required to visit this area, no fee charged for entry. Tours can be arranged. First European visitor to the bay was the Portuguese sea adventurer Bartholomew Diaz who sought protection from a storm in the safe harbour during Christmas of 1487. Named the bay – Angra das Voltas – Bay of Tacks 1488 – he returned from Cape of Good Hope erected a cross in Christian believe, it was recorded that he renamed the bay - Renamed – Angra das Ilhas – Bay of Islands Shortly after that he changed it to Angra Pequena – Small Bay The first proclaimed sovereignty in the area now known as the Sperrgebiet was by the Dutch government operating through the Dutch East India Company in the Cape of Good Hope. In 1793 Captain Duminy was dispatched form Cape Town, in the Ship Meermin, to proclaim dutch hold over the Kleine Bucht and adjacent islands (Lüderitz Bay and Halifax Island). Two years later, after British occupation of the Cape, Captain Alexander, in command of the ship Star, was directed up the west coast with orders to hoist the flag at all landing places as far Angola. He disembarked at Angra Pequena (named by the Protuguese – Little Bay) and after raising the flag, three salvoes were fired. However this act was never proclaimed an official annexation but the British reserved the sole prerogative to hunt seals and whales in the icy waters off the west coast.
Site of Original Dias Cross
No permit is required to visit this area, no fee charged for entry. Tours can be arranged. First European visitor to the bay was the Portuguese sea adventurer Bartholomew Diaz who sought protection from a storm in the safe harbour during Christmas of 1487. Named the bay – Angra das Voltas – Bay of Tacks 1488 – he returned from Cape of Good Hope erected a cross in Christian believe, it was recorded that he renamed the bay - Renamed – Angra das Ilhas – Bay of Islands Shortly after that he changed it to Angra Pequena – Small Bay The first proclaimed sovereignty in the area now known as the Sperrgebiet was by the Dutch government operating through the Dutch East India Company in the Cape of Good Hope. In 1793 Captain Duminy was dispatched form Cape Town, in the Ship Meermin, to proclaim dutch hold over the Kleine Bucht and adjacent islands (Lüderitz Bay and Halifax Island). Two years later, after British occupation of the Cape, Captain Alexander, in command of the ship Star, was directed up the west coast with orders to hoist the flag at all landing places as far Angola. He disembarked at Angra Pequena (named by the Protuguese – Little Bay) and after raising the flag, three salvoes were fired. However this act was never proclaimed an official annexation but the British reserved the sole prerogative to hunt seals and whales in the icy waters off the west coast.
Interesting Book: Novel titled "Du Heiliges Land", By Clara Brockmann set in the time of the Diamond rush in German South-West Afrika. In 1956 the last people left Kolmanskop. After the mining had stopped, Kolmanskop was used as a transport depot and the hospital was still functioning. In 1956 these all closed down, leaving the once flourishing town to the wrath of the elements. It was a very cheap source of doors, windows and Oregon pine flooring etc, for passers-by. In 1979 CDM commissioned and architectural group to assess the potential of the ghost town. They put forward recommendations and in 1980 restoration began and CDM opened it to tourism. In 1989 over 15 000 peopled visited Kolmanskop.
Kolmanskop
Interesting Book: Novel titled "Du Heiliges Land", By Clara Brockmann set in the time of the Diamond rush in German South-West Afrika. In 1956 the last people left Kolmanskop. After the mining had stopped, Kolmanskop was used as a transport depot and the hospital was still functioning. In 1956 these all closed down, leaving the once flourishing town to the wrath of the elements. It was a very cheap source of doors, windows and Oregon pine flooring etc, for passers-by. In 1979 CDM commissioned and architectural group to assess the potential of the ghost town. They put forward recommendations and in 1980 restoration began and CDM opened it to tourism. In 1989 over 15 000 peopled visited Kolmanskop.
Shark Island was founded in 1795 off the coast of Luderitz, Namibia. Originally named Star Island, mainly used as a concentration camp by the Germans from 1904 to 1908. The land sat amidst immense winds and crashing waters of the Atlantic for a century before being connected to the mainland.
Shark Island
Shark Island was founded in 1795 off the coast of Luderitz, Namibia. Originally named Star Island, mainly used as a concentration camp by the Germans from 1904 to 1908. The land sat amidst immense winds and crashing waters of the Atlantic for a century before being connected to the mainland.
Day visit is free between 17:00 and 18:00. The stain glass windows are beautiful. Vivid colors of light shine through the windows in the afternoon, from the inside. The Church was designed by Albert Bause, who implemented the Victorian influences he’d seen in the Cape. With assistance from private donors in Germany, construction of the church began in late 1911 and was completed the following year. The brilliant stained-glass panel situated over the altar was donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, while the Bible was a gift from his wife.
Felsenkirche
289 Bismarck
Day visit is free between 17:00 and 18:00. The stain glass windows are beautiful. Vivid colors of light shine through the windows in the afternoon, from the inside. The Church was designed by Albert Bause, who implemented the Victorian influences he’d seen in the Cape. With assistance from private donors in Germany, construction of the church began in late 1911 and was completed the following year. The brilliant stained-glass panel situated over the altar was donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, while the Bible was a gift from his wife.
Situated in the Diamond Sperrgebiet and Namdeb restricted zone. Tours and required permits can be arranged. Near the Pamona Ghost town. The Bogenfels arch is a mahestic 55 metre high lime rock formation; looking like a bridge with one leg in the ocean and the other in the desert.
Bogenfels Ghost Town
Situated in the Diamond Sperrgebiet and Namdeb restricted zone. Tours and required permits can be arranged. Near the Pamona Ghost town. The Bogenfels arch is a mahestic 55 metre high lime rock formation; looking like a bridge with one leg in the ocean and the other in the desert.
Pamona Ghost Mining Village, situated in the Sperrgebiet, The village is situated above mine and was established in 1912. At that time approximately 500 people lived here and constructed not only the mining buildings for the systematic mining of diamonds, but also villas, bowling alleys, a doctor’s house, a school and a cemetery. During the peak mining times, the guides explained to us during lunch in the old school ruins, 100kg of diamonds were found annually at Pomona. By 1931, after diamond findings receded more and more, the town was abandoned. In the Sperrgebiet, day tours available, permit required. A day tour may be from 1000 NAD and up per person, depending on the season.
Sperrgebiet
Pamona Ghost Mining Village, situated in the Sperrgebiet, The village is situated above mine and was established in 1912. At that time approximately 500 people lived here and constructed not only the mining buildings for the systematic mining of diamonds, but also villas, bowling alleys, a doctor’s house, a school and a cemetery. During the peak mining times, the guides explained to us during lunch in the old school ruins, 100kg of diamonds were found annually at Pomona. By 1931, after diamond findings receded more and more, the town was abandoned. In the Sperrgebiet, day tours available, permit required. A day tour may be from 1000 NAD and up per person, depending on the season.
Elizabeth Bay hosts both an active mine and a Historic Ghost Mining Village. The mine was operational for 20 years. Building reflected a miniature Germany along the coast of Namibia. Buildings included a large entertainment hall and casino, overlooking the ocean. The town also had desalinating machinery to provide a source of water. The town closed in 1948. In 1991, a new Elizabeth Bay mine was opened and is still in operation today. The remains of the original still stand. The old town of Elizabeth Bay is part of the Sperrgebiet and Namdeb restricted zone. Tours and required permits can be arranged.
Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay hosts both an active mine and a Historic Ghost Mining Village. The mine was operational for 20 years. Building reflected a miniature Germany along the coast of Namibia. Buildings included a large entertainment hall and casino, overlooking the ocean. The town also had desalinating machinery to provide a source of water. The town closed in 1948. In 1991, a new Elizabeth Bay mine was opened and is still in operation today. The remains of the original still stand. The old town of Elizabeth Bay is part of the Sperrgebiet and Namdeb restricted zone. Tours and required permits can be arranged.