Kolmanskop is a ghost town in the Namib Desert (Namibia).
The abandoned city of Kolmanskop is located in Namibia, 10 km from Luderitz and the Atlantic coast. Keetmanshoop is about 300 kilometers from the B4 motorway.
At the beginning of the 20th century, diamonds were discovered in the sands here. On the spot, it was decided to rebuild a whole town with a school and a hospital. Everyone was counting on long-term prosperity. However, the supply of diamonds dried up very quickly, so after a few years the residents left the city.
Most of the houses are almost entirely covered with sand. However, enterprising Namibians, in their efforts to attract tourists here, have renovated some buildings in recent years and are now trying to keep the city in good condition.
It will not be difficult to inspect the dead city of Kolmanskop on your own. You can also use the services of a guide who will tell you in detail and interestingly about the prosperity and decline of Kolmanskop, about the smugglers and the personal stories of the workers who lived here. The tour lasts about two hours. They are held daily, but due to the frequent strong winds, only in the first half of the day.
Of course, you need to remember about the presence of drinking water, protective cream and headgear.
There is even a souvenir shop and a small cafe, which are also open until 1 pm.
Due to the fact that Kolmanskop ghost town is located in a closed area where the largest diamond mines in Namibia are located, you will need to obtain a special permit to enter this abandoned city. The permit is issued at the tourist offices of Keetmanshoop and Windhoek or directly at the entrance, at the checkpoint on the B4 highway.
