Namibia
Published by Venture Publications
P. O. Box 25193,
Windhoek, Namibia
[email protected]
First published in 2015
Copyright © Venture Publications
2015
John Meinert Printing, Windhoek
Managing Editor
Rieth van Schalkwyk
Production Manager
Elzanne Erasmus
Main Contributor
Bruno de Comarmond
Text compiled by
Marita van Rooyen
Design and Layout
Vicky Human
Photography
Brian McMorrow
Paul van Schalkwyk
Roland Graf
Brad Wood
Dr. Justine Braby
Dr. Jessica Kemper
Dr. Ingrid Wiesel
Ulf Grünewald
Available online
as PDF Download from:
www.travelnewsnamibia.com
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may
be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means without
prior written permission from the
publisher.
foreword
By Dr. Sem T. Shikongo
Director of Tourism, Ministry of Environment & Tourism
I grew up in Lüderitz and have fond
memories of this place where one
can smell the ocean, is forced to
taste the ancient sand of the Namib
and hear the roar of the engine that
keeps Namibia’s rich marine resources
flowing. I am a Buchter, as we call
ourselves, one of those inhabitants
who have transcended racial, tribal
and linguistic barriers and boundaries
and yet remained firm in our traditional
values.
We know Lüderitz is a
special place and we want
to share it with the world.
It is a place where you will
experience ancient, recent
and modern history.
Take your time to read this book and
discover the treasures of one of the
southern-most towns in Namibia,
situated in one of the most interesting
natural biomes. Once you know what
you are looking at, and know what to
look for, the treasures you may uncover
will make the visit worth your journey.
Tourism has opened up the town and
brought much needed development.
Hotels, guest houses, restaurants and
tourism operators compliment the
thriving fishing industry, which became
the backbone of the town’s economy
at the end of the diamond era.
Day trips into Namibia’s most remote
national park, the Tsau//Khaeb Park,
is an amazing adventure available
to few. Tasting oysters from some of
the cleanest and richest waters of the
Atlantic Ocean, and sharing a crayfish
as close to the source as you can get
is sure to leave a lasting memory with
all discerning travellers.
Foreword
1
..
WELCOME TO LÜDERITZ
On the south-western edges of the Namib Sand Sea lies a little bay
that once attracted renowned explorer Bartolomeu Diaz to plant his
stone cross and entice others to follow suit.
Situated on a rocky shore bordering a harsh desert
environment, Lüderitz is one of Namibia’s truly
unique destinations. And the town’s history is just
as tumultuous as its coastline. Colourful early 20th
century German colonial buildings, dusty alleyways,
and the charming fishing harbour evoke feelings of
nostalgia. The surroundings are characterised by
large stretches of unspoiled beach, rare succulent
flora, exclusive animal species, agates and desert
roses, and remnants of a rush for diamonds that
officially put the area on the map.
Today, Lüderitz is especially famous for its
delicious fresh seafood, including crayfish, oysters,
2
Welcome to Lüderitz
abalone, and of course fish, all celebrated at the
annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival. The Waterfront
developments and the establishment of a Maritime
Museum are additional drawing cards and offer
opportunities to engage in the area’s history from a
modern setting.
If Lüderitz is already on your itinerary we wish
you a most enjoyable visit to our wonderful,
uncrowded and wild environment. If you are
thinking of including Lüderitz in your visit to
Namibia, we hope that our information book
will entice you to come and enjoy all that this
eccentric and quaint coastal town has to offer.
3
contents
History .................................. 6
Architecture & Heritage ........ 8
Attractions ............................10
Diaz Point
Marks the spot where the
first action at the bay was
recorded as Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu
Diaz planted his stone cross back in 1488.
Halifax Island
Home to Namibia’s second largest colony
of African penguins, monitored by the
African Penguin Conservation Project.
Activities ...............................14
Wildlife ..................................18
Culinary ................................ 22
Accommodation .................. 24
The Lüderitz Community ..... 26
General Information ............ 28
4
Welcome to Lüderitz
Lüderitz Speed Challenge
The fastest and most extreme speed
sailing event on earth draws crowds
to the small town over October/November. Since 2007, 75 national and 12
world-speed sailing records have been
broken on Lüderitz’ waters.
Namib Naukluft Park
N
Must-do's:
Protected Area
Dunes
Seal Island
Shark Island
Agate Beach
A reminder of the town’s past and home to a
number of noteworthy memorials, including
those commemorating Captain Cornelius
Fredericks and Adolf Lüderitz.
LÜDERITZ
Springbok
Penguin Island
Lighthouse
Diaz
Cross
Aeroplane
Beach
Catamaran Tours
Pan
Old Airfield
Griffith
Bay
Black Ridge
Knochen Bucht
D 701
Damara Tern
Witmuur (Breeding Area)
Essy Bay
Stadium
Lüderitz
Nest Hotel
Waterfront
Mesem
Radford Bay
Bay
Oyster
Farm
Second
Lagoon
B4
Oyster
Farm
Desert Succulents
Ra
D 702
ilw
ay
Lüderitz Speed Channel
D 701
Brown Hyena
(Strandwolf)
Fjord
D 733
Kleiner Fjord
Kleiner
Bogenfels
Damara Tern
(Breeding Area)
Grosse
Bucht
(www.luderitz-speed.com)
Ts
a
(S u/
pe /K
rr ha
ge eb
bi P
et ar
) k
Eberlanz
Höhle
The Waterfront Development is an
additional drawing card, and offers
opportunities to engage in the area’s
history from a modern setting.
Airport
Bogenfels
100 Km South
Namibia’s most famous ghost town
is located about 10 km inland from
Lüderitz. In its heyday it was a bustling
little centre that housed the first x-ray
machine in the southern hemisphere.
To: Keetmanshoop
Diamond Area
LÜDERITZ PENINSULA ROUTE (2x2 vehicles)
LÜDERITZ PENINSULA ROUTE (4x4 vehicles only)
LÜDERITZ HERITAGE ROUTE
AGATE BEACH ROUTE
Copyright protected Lüderitz Nest Hotel
Kolmanskop
Kolmanskop
Ghost Town
Wild Horses
of Garub
GRAF DESIGN
Halifax Point
Guano
Bay
Robert
Harbour
Kartoffel
Bucht
Lüderitz is renowned for its
old-world charm and distinctly
German colonial architecture.
Oryx
Fish
Factories
Shark
Island
Sturmvogel
Bucht
Shearwater Bay
Distinctive Architecture
Nautilus Hill
Angra Point
Halifax
Island
Abalone
Farm
Wild Horses
The unspoilt natural environment surrounding Lüderitz is
5
home to a herd of mysterious
desert horses.
LOOKING BACK
A brief look into Lüderitz's history
1488: The bay is first recorded by
Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Diaz
who erects a stone cross there and names
the wind-swept shores Angra Pequena
(Little Bay). He continues his sea voyage
to find a passage to India, but has to return
prematurely, and for many years nobody
else is brave enough to land at the bay’s
treacherous coastline.
1904: Economic development
of Lüderitzbucht is hampered by
environmental factors such as strong
winds and encroaching sand (still
typical of the town), and lack of materials needed to survive. It is only
with the Nama/Herero uprisings
that the struggling settlement is
finally brought to civic status.
1922: Management of the town and diamond
interests change hands shortly after the onslaught of
WWI. Industries continue to strive under the South
West Africa Administration, and in the same year four
rock lobster factories open their doors, marking the
beginnings of another promising economic sector.
6
Welcome to Lüderitz
1842: The discovery of guano deposits
on the offshore islands attracts the first
entrepreneurs. They make the most of
the opportunity to exploit the precious
fertiliser which at the time is known as
‘white gold’. Three years later sources had
been exhausted and the bay was once again
abandoned.
1907: When peace returns
to the colony, the harbour town
boasts upgraded port facilities and a
railway line linking it to the interior.
Lüderitzbucht is officially recognised
as an independent district.
1908: Despite preceding
events, it is a small sparkling stone,
picked up by railway worker Zacha­
rias Lewala, which sparks development on a grand scale in the wake
of the diamond rush. News of the
find spreads like wildfire and fortune
seekers converge on the bay in their
masses (see page 8 for more info).
1928: Diamonds are discovered at the Orange River
mouth and operations are moved further south. The
fortunes of the local economy start to shift and it
becomes stuck in a rut for several decades.
1983: Celebrating a centenary since Adolf
Lüderitz proclaimed his territory, conservation
etiquette is agreed upon in an effort to protect the
town’s historical buildings from demolition.
1861: New interest in the
offshore islands is triggered by
their annexation to the Cape
Colony, which sees businessman Aaron de Pass set up a
private settlement, trading
post and small fish processing
station at Radford Bay.
1883: German involvement reaches the
unclaimed coastline with the arrival of
Bremen merchant Adolf Lüderitz and his
entourage. They negotiate a deal with local
chief Josef Fredericks and obtain the bay
and surrounding land to establish a trading post – and a foothold for the German
Empire.
1884: Lüderitz sells his rights
to the Empire, and the land
he had purchased is officially
declared a German Protectorate. Upon his passing two years
later, Little Bay was renamed
Lüderitzbucht in his honour.
1909: Official
building regulations
are introduced and the
town starts to take on a
quaint, well-ordered look
with distinct German
architecture.
1989: Fishing
continued to be the
backbone of the
town until mining
operations are re-introduced at Elizabeth
Bay, and the economy
is suddenly injected
with a new spark.
2000: Tourism proved to
be another substantial contributor to the local economy, and the
ground-breaking of the Lüderitz
Waterfront Project paves the way
for renewed prospects for the
town.
1911: A trolley system, known as Stadtbahn, provides efficient transport in town
and to the surrounding areas.
2012: The Church on the Rock, the
Felsenkirche, commemorates its 100th year
as a beacon of survival and bringer of hope
throughout the town’s turbulent history.
Despite economic and development challenges, Lüderitz continues to entice visitors,
explorers and Buchters (as the locals call themselves) with its distinct coastal charm.
History
7
LÜDERITZ & NAMIBIA’S DIAMONDS
The Story
Zacharias Lewala, the first man to happen upon a diamond in the Namib,
was part of a team of railway labourers who maintained the railway line
between Aus and Lüderitz. Railway inspector August Stauch, besides
telling the workers to keep the tracks clear of sand, also instructed them
to look out for “remarkable stones”. The discovery of the first shiny gem
was followed by a massive rush and the establishment of the mining
settlements of Kolmanskuppe, Idatal, Stauchslager, Charlottental,
Bogenfels and, two years later, Elisabethbucht. The largest of these,
Kolmanskuppe, soon became a bustling little centre featuring a
butchery, bakery, furniture factory, soda-water and lemonade plant, ice
factory, four-pin skittle alley, public playground, and a large seawater
swimming pool. Kolmanskuppe boasted the first X-ray machine in the
southern hemisphere as well as the first tram in Africa.
In order to protect diamond mining interests, the first conservation
laws in Namibia were passed in 1909, which in effect gave the
Deutsche Kolonialgesellschaft (DKG) the sole right to prospect and
mine minerals in the Lüderitzbucht area. The diamond area became
known as the Sperrgebiet or “forbidden territory”.
8
Welcome to Lüderitz
Diamond mining largely stopped when the Great War broke out in
Europe in early August 1914. By that time an estimated 4 million carats
of diamonds had been produced. In September the Union of South
Africa sent troops into German South West Africa and 2 000 soldiers
occupied Lüderitzbucht.
In February 1920, after Union proclamations cancelled all previous
mineral concessions, Ernest Oppenheimer (later Sir Ernest), founder &
CEO of Anglo American Corporation, gained control over the German
mining companies and amalgamated them to form one company,
which became known as the Consolidated Diamond Mines of South
West Africa (CDM). Under the Halbscheid Agreement of 1923, CDM
obtained mining rights for 50 years in the Sperrgebiet. These rights
were later extended to 2010.
CDM and the Namibian Government now have equal shares in the rebranded company NAMDEB, and continue to play a significant role in
contributing to the social economic development of Namibia.
MY LIFE AT KOLMANSKUPPE
by Margaret Mozny (née Nennig)
Diamond Facts:
• Diamonds have been recovered
from the Namibian coast since 1908
• The first diamond in Namibia
was discovered near Kolmanskuppe
• Namibian deposits have yielded a
total of approximately 100 million
carats
• The largest diamond so far weighed
246 carats
“My name is Margaret Mozny (née Nennig) and
I was born at Kolmanskuppe Hospital on March
28th, 1931. My father came to Kolmanskuppe
from Germany to work for the diamond mine
because there was no work in Germany after
World War I. This was in the year 1929. We were
very poor and the only 'fun' I had was sliding down
the sand dunes. But we had electricity and I was
able to read books. I attended the Kolmanskuppe
Schule and I do remember two teachers from my
school, Miss Buchsieb and Miss Cesar (both
German). My parents and I left Kolmanskuppe
in 1938 because CDM (Consolidated Diamond
Mines), the mining company, dismissed most
of the German workers. My parents and I left for
Windhoek in 1938 and I am still living there with
my husband today (2015). The old images of
Kolmanskuppe and Elizabeth Bay that you see
here are from my own album.”
Editor: I am delighted that I was able to trace
Margaret (one of the very few remaining
Kolmanskuppe ex-residents) –
“Danke, Margaret, for providing us with your
firsthand account”.
9
architecture & heritage
Dating back to the early 1900s, Lüderitz has an old-world appeal that is
characterised by its German colonial architecture. The brightly coloured
buildings with their gables, winding stairwells, verandas, balconies and
lookout towers have a distinctive character that contrasts starkly with the
sandy surroundings of the town.
Among the most striking architectural attractions are
the Goerkehaus and Felsenkirche. Both adorn the
slopes of Diamond Mountain. The church with its
beautiful stained-glass windows is truly unique, as
all building materials – even the sand - were shipped
from Germany.
In the ‘old town’ are the houses of former mining
magnates and prominent businessmen, including
Kreplin House and Troost House. The Krabbenhöft &
Lampe Building was erected for a trading business
during the period of economic prosperity that
followed the discovery of diamonds. The Deutsche
Afrika Bank is part of the historic street view of
Bismarck Street, one of the oldest roads in town.
In Berg Street, in the historic core of the town, is
a complex of residences built during the diamond
boom. Other noteworthy structures are the old post
10
Welcome to Lüderitz
office, the former German school, the Lesehalle and
the Turnhalle.
Shark Island, a little distance from the centre,
is a reminder of the town’s tragic past with a
number of noteworthy memorials, including those
commemorating Captain Cornelius Fredericks and
Adolf Lüderitz. Another one, which was unveiled
in 1903 to mark 20 years of German colonisation,
originally stood in the old Nautilus cemetery on the
site of the first surveyor’s beacon but was moved in
1976, as were the graves of German soldiers.
Further afield the remains of an old Norwegian
whaling station are found, while at Diaz Point a
replica of Bartolomeu Diaz’ padrão (stone cross) can
be seen. The small Lüderitz Museum on Diaz Street
is another fascinating stop to learn about the town’s
history and heritage.
ROBERT HARBOUR
Tr
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Hospital
Zeepard
Boat Trips
Ring
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Bremer
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Lüderitz Heritage Route
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Diam
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Bisma
4
3
B
Bism
Kelp Gull: the most common gull on Namibia’s coast
nests in large numbers on Halifax, Penguin and Seal islands between November and February and is regularly
seen on the beaches around Lüderitz.
nt
Hafen
Fish Shop
Maritime
Museum
University
Hartlaub’s Gull: this small and boisterous gull with
the red beak and red legs is very common around
Lüderitz. It breeds on the nearby islands, often together
with the Swift Terns.
erfro
Ha
lsan
Cape Fur Seal: a small colony of these marine mammals can be observed on a rock next to the cross at
Dias Point; larger colonies exist at Wolf Bay and Atlas
Bay, about 18 km south of Lüderitz.
Tal
e
Vog
African Penguin: about 800 pairs breed on Halifax
Island, where they are protected from predators and
human disturbance. The island is part of the Namibian
Islands’ Marine Protected Area.
Wa t
of
6
Felsenkirche
Goerke Haus
Haus Grünewald
Museum
Turnhalle & Lesehalle
Railway Station
Ba
ark
yR
oa
Black-backed Jackal: this elegant, dog-like carnivore is occasionally seen on the Lüderitz Peninsula,
usually singly but sometimes in pairs or small groups,
especially around dawn and dusk.
Brown Hyena: by and large nocturnal, this shy hyena
with the long fur regularly patrols the beaches along
the Namib Desert coast. Although it is primarily a scavenger, it also actively hunts Cape Fur Seals.
tz
re n
eri
Bu
Lüd
en
Wa
g
Lüderitz Nest Hotel
ba
ue
r
d
is page ©J Kemper
Fishing
Permits
Bahnh
: this strikingly beautiful bird
round Lüderitz. It is often obgroups, feeding on mussels
shores.
Lesser Flamingo: slightly smaller than the Greater
Flamingo and with a dark beak, this flamingo is most
commonly encountered at the pan on the way to Agate
beach.
t
rS
he
Ho
of several cormorant species
endangered species can often
flocks or flying in long “strings”
Greater Flamingo: this charismatic bird can be seen
throughout much of the year at various bays on
the Lüderitz Peninsula, particularly at Second Lagoon, where it feeds on microscopic organisms.
Insel
his small, playful dolphin only
f Namibia and western South
observed at Shearwater Bay,
y.
To: Agate Beach
Camping Site
Monument
Diaz
l tern can often be seen fishing
o Bay, hovering like a butterfly
g in head-first. Small numbers
insula.
Shark
Island
To Lüderitz Airport,
Kolmanskop,
Aus & Keetmanshoop
B4
To Diaz Point,
Grosse Bucht
11
12
Welcome to Lüderitz
ATTRACTIONS
Lüderitz and its surroundings boast a number of unique attractions - from bays, lagoons and
unspoilt beaches such as Große Bucht, Sturmvogelbucht and Agate Beach to rare wildlife and the
flora of the Succulent Karoo Biome, one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. Among the special
plants of this area are the attractive Bushman candle with its vivid pink flowers and dwarf
succulents such as the intriguing lithops.
Desert Horses
The unspoilt natural environment further inland is home to a herd
of desert horses. About 100 km east of Lüderitz, a signpost
indicates the turn-off to Garub, a maintained water point where
the wild horses can be observed and photographed as they come
to drink.
There are several theories regarding their origin. One is that they are
descendants of the horse stud of Baron von Wolf, who built Duwisib
Castle 160 km northeast of Garub. Another is that they are descendants
of horses left behind when the German Schutztruppe abandoned Aus
during the South West African Campaign in 1915, and yet another
that they are descended from some 6 000 horses belonging to South
African soldiers who camped at the borehole at Garub in 1915. There
was also the nearby Kubub stud where Emil Kreplin (mayor of Lüderitz
from 1909–1914) bred workhorses for the mines as well as racehorses.
It is thought that the Kubub horses added to the evolvement of the
famous desert horses of Aus.
Kolmanskop
About 10 km inland from Lüderitz, in the Tsau//Khaeb Park, are the
remains of Namibia’s most famous ghost town, Kolmanskop. It was
named after transport driver Johnny Coleman, who lived in the tiny
settlement of Aus at the turn of the century. During a fierce sandstorm
he was forced to abandon his ox wagon on the small incline from
where Kolmanskop can be seen. It stood there for a while, giving rise
to the name Colemanshügel, which eventually became Kolmanskop.
The development of the town reached its climax in the 1920s, and in
spite of, or probably because of, the isolation and bleakness of the
surrounding desert, Kolmanskop developed into a lively little haven of
German culture. It provided entertainment and recreation to suit the
requirements of the affluent, for whom large, elegant houses were built.
However, when richer diamond deposits were discovered further
south, operations were moved, and today the crumbling ruins of the
ghost town bear little resemblance to its former glory.
Attractions
13
A number of the buildings at Kolmanskop are restored and open to
tourists. Permits can be obtained at the entrance gate or the tourist
office in town or at Lüderitz Safaris & Tours in the town centre.
Lüderitz Waterfront Development
A number of exciting modern developments have taken place in the
centre of Lüderitz. One of them is the Lüderitz Waterfront Development
which currently includes the harbour square that hosts the annual Crayfish
Festival. The harbour square consists of shops, restaurants and coffee
shops, offices and flats. The Yacht Club is also at the Waterfront. The
second phase of the development, currently underway, is the upgrading
and renovation of the historic power station located directly on Lüderitz Bay.
Future developments that will put the bay on the map include the country’s
first shopping centre with sea views, luxury apartments, a four-star hotel,
indoor and outdoor sports facilities, a modern satellite campus for the
Polytechnic of Namibia, and Africa’s largest Maritime Museum.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum will display Namibia’s maritime history, geology
and rich marine fauna and flora, while at the same time communicating
aspects of off-shore diamond mining and showing the world what the
Skeleton Coast has done to ships. Cafés, restaurants, an outdoor arena,
a jetty for yachts and large promenades will provide additional relaxation
opportunities for visitors. The scheduled date for completion is 2017.
Other interesting places to see are Diaz Point and Shark Island, for
their historical appeal – and magnificent coastlines. Or take a boat cruise
past Halifax Island, which boasts Namibia’s second largest African
penguin colony.
14
Welcome to Lüderitz
15
activities
4x4 Camping Tours and Boat Trips
Excursions into the environment vary from 4x4 camping tours to experience
the natural surroundings – dunes, vast open plains, black mountains, and
magnificent desert night skies – to boat trips around Lüderitz Bay and the
outlying islands. Attractions en route include a colony of Cape fur seals,
an abandoned whaling station, WWI entrenchments, an old foghorn
and lighthouse, African penguins, Heaviside's dolphins and, in season,
Humpback and Southern Right whales. Sunset cruises, deep-sea fishing,
and private charters are further possibilities, as well as bird watching, whale
watching and exploring the many bays and beaches.
Sports
The large Lüderitz second lagoon, with strong winds coming from the
surrounding Namib Desert, offers windsurfers and kite surfers exciting
sailing opportunities throughout the year – this is a real sailing paradise with
16
Welcome to Lüderitz
no crowds and plenty of opportunity to test your skills
Festivals
The annual Crayfish Festival is celebrated in April/May, a Snoek Derby
normally takes place during the long weekend in May, and in September
the bi-annual Lüderitz Karneval is held according to German traditions.
Lüderitz Speed Challenge
Windsurfing and speed sailing are two activities that draw crowds to
the small town during October/November for the annual Lüderitz Speed
Challenge. Excellent wind conditions and a specially made 1km long
canal attract the world’s best kite surfers and windsurfers to compete for
the top world ranking in speed sailing. A total of 75 national and 12 world
records have been achieved since the first event in 2007 and Lüderitz
has become synonymous with speed sailing records.
The Fastest & Most Extreme Speed Sailing Event on Earth
Lüderitz offers the perfect conditions for speed sailing records:
warm winds gain momentum on their way through the coastal hills
of the Namib Desert and are accelerated to incredibly high speeds by
thermal atmospheric pressure when they reach the cold waters of the
Atlantic Ocean. Statistically the wind blows at 35 knots and more at
least 3 times a week during the event, often reaching 40-45 knots and
sometimes even 50 to 65 knots (119 km/h)!
The first annual Lüderitz Speed Challenge was held in 2007 and im­­
mediately produced the world’s second fastest sail speed at 88.6 km/h.
At the 2008 event, kite surfers officially became the fastest speed
sailors in the world and with 93.5 km/h smashed the mythical 50
knots (92.6 km/h) barrier. In 2009 an astonishing world record of
98 km/h over 500 metres was achieved. After the 2009 event its
founder and organiser Sebastien Cattelan – the first speed sailor
Activities
17
18
Welcome to Lüderitz
to exceed 50 & 55 knots respectively – decided
to build a new canal alongside the existing speed
strip to create shallower water and a better angle
to the wind.
It worked. At the 2012 event, no less than 7
windsurfers broke the 50 knot barrier and a new
world windsurfing speed record of 52.05 knots
was set by Antoine Albeau (France).
If you are in Lüderitz during the annual speed
challenge it is definitely worth your while to see
these world-class speed sailors in action.
www.luderitz-speed.com
Visitors are welcome to the following attractions
and sites:
1. Lüderitz Museum, open Monday to Friday
from 15:30 to 17:00
2. Goerke Haus, open Monday to Friday
from 14:00 to 16:00, Saturday & Sunday
from 16:00 to 17:00
3. Felsenkirche, open Monday to Saturday
Summertime: 17:00 to 18:00,
Wintertime: 16:00 to 17:00
Donations are welcome
4. Shark Island Memorial Site, open daily
between 8:00 and 17:00
A small entrance fee is payable.
Tours and trips:
1. Halifax Island Tours on the Zeepaard
Catamaran depart daily at 8:00 from the
Lüderitz Waterfront, weather permitting.
2. Kolmanskop guided tours Mondays to
Saturdays at 9:30 and 11:00. Sundays and
public holidays at 10:00. Unguided tours from
08:00 to 13:00. Photo shoots (sunrise to
sunset) need to be pre-booked and require
a permit.
3. Bogenfels 4x4 Day Tours to be booked
at least 5 days in advance; permits can only be
obtained by submitting a copy of the
participant’s valid passport.
4. A 4x4 Lüderitz Peninsula Tour includes
visits to Eberlanz Cave, natural rock pools, isolated
beaches, the old whaling station, Diaz Point
and WWI entrenchments. Full day or half-day
tours, refreshments included.
5. Full-day 4x4 Koichab Dunes Tour, to
thoroughly appreciate the unrivalled beauty of
the dunes, the surrounding desert, and the
Dikke Willem, Kirch and Glocken mountains.
Light lunch and refreshments included.
To be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
6. For an alternative type of experience contact
Elements Day Spa for massages and beauty
treat­ments, Tuesdays to Saturdays from
09:00 to 17:00.
Book now
1 & 2
Lüderitz Safaris & Tours
Tel: 063 – 202719
After hours: 081 129 7236
[email protected]
3
Coastways Tours
Tel: 063 202002
Cell: 081 122 9336
[email protected]
4 & 5
Namib Off-Road Excursions
Tel: 063 202956
Cell: 081 128 8050
[email protected]
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Jessica Nel
Tel: 081 611 0356
Activities
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20
Welcome to Lüderitz
WILDLIFE
Apart from a wide variety of sea life, the
Lüderitz area is home to aquatic birds
and specially adapted desert dwellers that
roam the beaches. It is not unusual to see a
jackal trotting along the shore, or a group
of springbok close to the sea.
beaches, but also because
human disturbance is so low.
In order to protect the species
Dr. Ingrid Wiesel initiated
the Brown Hyena Research
Project in 1997, which has
since developed into the most
consulted long-term brown hyena conservation project worldwide.
Flamingos, cormorants, seals and dolphins can be spotted in the
water and seagulls frequent the lagoons in search of salty snacks, and
when sailing in the bay, seals, Heaviside’s and bottlenose dolphins
can be seen playing in the water. Between June and October, the
cold Atlantic brims with life as humpback and southern right whales
make their appearance, and sometimes even fin whales – the second
largest mammal on earth at up to 27.3 metres in length and weighing
nearly 74 tonnes – also stay for a few weeks.
African Penguins
African penguins breed along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa –
mostly on islands, where they are safe from land-based predators such
as hyenas or jackals. Lüderitz boasts a colony of around 6 000 African
penguins right on its doorstep, at Halifax Island.
Brown Hyenas
A shy and rare species that occurs along the beaches, or on very
rare occassions has been spotted in town in the early hours, is
the brown hyena. This wary, large carnivore is adapted to arid
conditions and survives where other carnivores can’t. Numbering
less than 10 000 in total, the brown hyena is a flagship species of
the Tsau//Khaeb Park where one of the few viable populations in
southern Africa exists. The density of brown hyena around Lüderitz
is high, mainly due to the good availability of food along the
Unfortunately, due to a number of decisive factors, including a
decline in nutrition such as sardines, numbers have been dwindling
at a shocking pace and the species is now listed as endangered.
As a result the African Penguin Conservation Project was initiated
in Lüderitz in 2000, to help improve the conservation status of
African penguins in Namibia. Its activities include the rehabilitation
of oiled, injured or sick penguins, the provision of nest boxes to
boost breeding success, and the regular monitoring of penguin
numbers on Halifax Island. Research on penguin foraging ecology,
conducted in cooperation with the University of Cape Town and
the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, was instrumental
for the design and declaration of the Namibian Islands’ Marine
Wildlife
21
Protected Area (NIMPA). The NIMPA covers one million hectares
of sea area and includes all penguin breeding islands and key
foraging areas in Namibia.
Although the islands are off-limits to tourists in order to protect
the sensitive breeding colonies, penguins can be easily observed
from Guano Bay or on the daily Zeepaard boat tours. The African
penguin project is headed by Dr. Jessica Kemper.
Damara Tern
The shoreline of Lüderitz is also home to the smallest breeding
tern in Africa (and perhaps even in the world). The Damara tern
weighs around 51g and has an average wingspan of only 17.3cm.
This fast-flying tern with its shallow forked tail feeds mainly on
small fish, by plunge diving into the water.
Damara terns are migratory and only arrive in southern Africa
between September and October. The vast majority (90%) breed
in Namibia, along a coastline where the harsh Namib Desert meets
the icy Benguela Current of the Atlantic Ocean. The breeding
habitat of these terns varies from slack between dunes to gravel,
sandy, and stony plains, and from saltpans to dried-up lagoons.
The Damara tern is listed as near-threatened. During breeding
the birds, their eggs and chicks are exceptionally vulnerable to
predators, which include the black-backed jackal and humans in
4x4 vehicles who don’t stay on marked roads.
Off-road driving is prohibited for good reason. Please let the terns
breed in peace, and thank you for keeping our proud heritage alive!
The Damara Tern project is headed by Dr. Justine Braby.
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Welcome to Lüderitz
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24
Welcome to Lüderitz
CULINARY
Crayfish
Lüderitz is world-famous for its Rock Lobster (locally called crayfish, or kreef in Afrikaans), reportedly ranked in the top three in the world.
Lobsters are consumed in their thousands during the Crayfish Festival but can also be enjoyed throughout the year at local restaurants.
Marine aquaculture enterprises produce world renowned abalone and oysters, as well as mussels and
seaweed in the coastal lagoons, while four fishing companies provide fresh fish. Local species served in
Lüderitz' reputable restaurants include kingklip, hake, sole and monkfish.
Restaurants
There is a wide choice of eateries serving seafood. The Lüderitz Nest Hotel has two restaurants: the Penguin Restaurant and Crayfish
Bar & Lounge. Another place to enjoy the local catch is Ritzi’s Restaurant at the Waterfront Harbour.
Culinary alternatives range from home-baked cakes and fresh bread to prime steak and wood-fired pizza.
Culinary
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ACCOMMODATION
Tourists are increasingly enticed by the original and wild appeal of Lüderitz, and
accommodation options provide for every taste and budget, from camping to luxury.
Hotels
The four-star Lüderitz Nest Hotel (www.nesthotel.com) is located
directly on Lüderitz Bay, with its own tidal beach and jetty. All
rooms and suites have sea views, and are equipped with modern
amenities, including free Wi-Fi and extra-long high quality beds.
A swimming pool, sauna, and children’s adventure playground
provide additional opportunity for unwinding.
The Protea Hotel Seaview Zum Sperrgebiet (www.proteahotels.
26
Welcome to Lüderitz
com) offers an indoor swimming pool and sauna.
The family-run Bayview Hotel (www.luderitzhotel.com) in the centre
of town is within walking distance of the waterfront and other sights.
Guesthouses & Self-catering:
Kratzplatz Guesthouse (www.kratzplatz.info) and the popular
Barrels Restaurant are housed in two historical buildings. A great
place for sharing holiday stories, getting musical on the piano or
guitar, and enjoying sing-a-longs in the pub.
Sandrose Guesthouse (www.haussandrose.com) is situated in
a lush garden in the centre of town, while Hansa House (www.
luderitznamibia.com/hansa-house.htm) is a colonial building
dating back to 1909.
Immerse yourself in the town’s commercial history by staying at the
Krabbenhöft & Lampe Guest House (www.klguesthouse.com),
where the ground floor is still used for trade.
Bed & Breakfast Establishments:
At Kairos Cottage and coffee shop (www.kairoscottage.com),
guests are promised “a lovely breakfast while being serenaded with
a song or two”, served with stunning sea views. Alte Loge (www.
historisches-ferienhaus-namibia.de) was built in 1909 as a safe
house for Freemasons.
Further options are Obelix Village ([email protected]) and
Timo’s Lodge (www.timoslodge.com.na).
Other options in town are the Villelodge (villelodgeaccommodation.
com), Catholic Church (www.rcclud.iway.na/luderitz.htm), Zum
Anker Accommodation (www.zumanker-luderitz.com), and
Island Cottage (www.namibweb.com/islandcottage.htm) as well
as Roubaix Den ([email protected]).
Self-catering, Dormitories & Camping:
Lüderitz
Backpackers
Lodge
(www.luderitznamibia.com/
luderitz-backpackers.htm) and Element Riders (www.elementriders.com) both offer low-key accommodation in self-catering
rooms, dormitories, or on camping sites.
Accommodation
27
..
THE LÜDERITZ COMMUNITY
Although small in number, the
members of the Lüderitz Rotary
Club actively support the local
community, especially children,
the disadvantaged, the elderly
and vulnerable.
Some of their most successful projects recently
included upgrading and construction of children’s
playgrounds in different neighbourhoods, the
renovation and expansion of the Happy Generations
Pre-Primary School, the addition of a bakery and four
classrooms at Diaz Primary School, and the donation of
110 calculators to Angra Pequena Secondary School.
The ongoing Wheelchair Project delivers wheelchairs
to the disadvantaged, while fire brigade equipment
and a fire engine have also been donated to the town
through external funding sources.
Contact long-standing Rotarian of the Lüderitz
Rotary Club, Ulf Grünewald, at [email protected]
if you want to donate or get involved in making a
difference to the lives of local Buchters.
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Welcome to Lüderitz
GENERAL INFORMATION
Getting to Lüderitz
Although relatively far removed from other hubs of civilisation, Lüderitz is easily accessible by good roads from Windhoek, Keetmanshoop and
the Fish River Canyon. TransNamib’s Starline passenger service provides a rail connection from Windhoek or Karasburg to Keetmanshoop, from
where the journey continues by minibus, or rental car. The most convenient and least time consuming option is a direct flight from Windhoek
international airport, either by charter plane, or on one of Air Namibia’s scheduled flights, departing four times a week.
Safety, Security & General Travel Tips
• Take the same precautions as you would anywhere else in the world
• Keep valuable items and documents in a safe place, never leave
them lying where they could attract curious eyes
• Keep your vehicle & hotel room locked at all times
• Never carry large amounts of cash on you and keep your money
hidden in a moneybag or well secured pocket
• Avoid displaying expensive or flashy jewellery
• Avoid exploring alone, especially deserted or poorly lit areas at night
• Adhere to speed limits and obey traffic signs
• Avoid driving beyond municipal boundaries at night as this is when wild
animals are at their most active and accidents are more likely to occur
• To protect sensitive
environments and to avoid
fines, please always stay on
demarcated roads
Ambulance: +264 63 202 446
• Respect local customs and
Fire Brigade: +264 63 202 255
traditions
Hospital: +264 63 202 446
• It is advisable to always
carry your driver’s license/ID,
Police: +264 63 10111
charged mobile phone, and
bottled water with you
• Keep our country clean – put your rubbish in the bins provided
• Remember that Namibia is a desert country, use water sparingly
Emergency
Contact Info
LÜderitz Max/min temperatures (celsius)
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average High Temperature
24
24
24
23
22
22
21
19
20
21
22
23
Average Low Temperature
15
14
15
14
12
11
10
10
11
12
13
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For more information and updates on what's happening in LÜderitz visit any of the following websites
www.namibiatourism.com.na | www.travelnewsnamibia.com | www.tripadvisor.com
General Information
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