Luderitz

Steeped in old German architecture, the harbor town of Lüderitz hugs the rough Atlantic Coast in the south of Namibia. The land on which the town rests was bought by Heinrich Vogelsang on behalf of Adolf Lüderitz with the intentions of setting up a trading post, but all that changed with the discovery of diamonds in the area in 1908. The town saw an explosion of bustling mining activities which resulted in a few other towns dotting the surrounding area. As the supply dwindled and other sources were discovered, Lüderitz lost its flair and was reduced to a simple fishing town. The harbor is fairly shallow and does not allow for large vessels to dock. Not to be defeated though, the town still boasts deep history and a host of tourism activities and sights. With dainty German shops and beautiful accommodation establishments, the visitor to Lüderitz will not be disappointed. The coastline is a protected area and recognized by Bird Life for its abundance in various species of birds and for its breeding sites on Halifax Island, Mercury Island and Ichaboe Island. Supporting 96% of the Namibian population of endangered African Penguin, about 80% of the global population of endangered Bank Cormorant as well as around one quarter of the global population of crowned cormorants, the area is of great conservational importance. The Deutsche Afrika Bank, the old post office and the Goerke Haus are just some of the historical buildings in Lüderitz worth a visit. In 1984, Lüderitz regained a little of its lost fame by being the starting point of adventurer Amyr Klink’s rowing attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean. He successfully managed to complete his solo endeavor all the way to the Brazillian coastline.