A quick guide to the South

A quick guide to

the South

From the Autumn 2025 issue

KOLMANSKOP: A GLIMPSE INTO NAMIBIA’S DIAMOND MINING PAST

Kolmanskop, Namibia’s most iconic ghost town, offers a captivating window into the past. Once a bustling diamond mining hub in the early 20th century, it now stands as a silent testament to a bygone era. Guided tours, either in person or via an app, lead visitors through the town’s once opulent world – a place where wealth and luxury once thrived. The eerie emptiness, enhanced by the desert sands slowly reclaiming the buildings, provides photographers with endless opportunities to capture striking, otherworldly shots. A visit to Kolmanskop is sure to linger in your memory long after you have left this hauntingly beautiful corner of Namibia.

LÜDERITZ: A COASTAL TOWN STEEPED IN HISTORY

Lüderitz, a charming coastal town, was once the epicentre of Namibia’s diamond rush in the early 1900s. Today, it offers a fascinating blend of history and modern-day revival. Nestled between the desert and the ocean, Lüderitz boasts well- preserved colonial architecture that tells the story of a place where wealth came and went in waves. Visitors can explore its heritage buildings, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take in the stunning coastal views.

For a deeper dive into the region’s history, make your way to Dias Point. In 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias sailed into what we now know as Lüderitz Bay during his momentous voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. To mark his visit, Dias placed an engraved stone and a cross on a rocky outcrop that still stands today, defying the gale-force winds and crashing surf.

Make sure to stop in at Namibia’s first Maritime Museum, housed in the historic Lüderitz Old Power Station on Dias Street. This world-class museum spans five floors and brings the town’s deep maritime history to life, from tales of adventure and survival to the pressing challenges of modern marine conservation. It is a captivating journey through time, shedding light on the seafaring heritage that shaped Lüderitz’s past.

For a different perspective on Lüderitz’s stunning coastal landscape, why not embark on a catamaran cruise? Glide along the waters to see dramatic bays and islands, home to abundant wildlife, including the Heaviside’s dolphin and the African penguin. This serene boat ride offers an entirely fresh view of the untouched beauty of Lüderitz’s coastline and is the perfect way to take in the area’s natural splendour.

FISH RIVER CANYON: ONE OF AFRICA’S NATURAL WONDERS

The Fish River Canyon is a must-see for any traveller to southern Namibia. Its sheer size and the interplay of light and shadow on the rugged rocks create a breathtaking visual spectacle. Stretching over 160 km long, 27 km wide, and reaching depths of up to 550 metres, it is the second-largest canyon in the world.

Formed millions of years ago, the canyon offers stunning views and a variety of hiking opportunities. Whether you opt for a day hike or a multi-day trek, you are bound to explore deep gorges and striking rock formations.

TSAU //KHAEB NATIONAL PARK: A VAST AND UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS

Tsau //Khaeb National Park (formerly known as Sperrgebiet National Park) was proclaimed in 2008 and covers 26,000 km² of semi-desert terrain, making it one of the world’s top 35 biodiversity hotspots. Part of the Succulent Karoo biome, which stretches into South Africa, this area is rich in endemic succulent species – many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Despite being largely undeveloped, sections of the park can be explored with registered concession holders.

The Sperrgebiet, or “forbidden territory”, has been off-limits to the public for nearly a century due to its diamond wealth, preserving its unique and pristine landscape. The park now protects 90% of the remaining Succulent Karoo habitat, home to over 2,400 endemic plant species.

Visitors can experience this untouched wilderness through guided tours, which include the ghost towns of Elizabeth Bay and Pomona, the Bogenfels Rock Arch, and Märchental, the “Fairy Tale Valley” where diamonds were once so abundant they could be picked up by the handful.

Other highlights include day and overnight trips to Dagger Rocks, Douglas Bay and the meteorite impact crater at Roter Kamm, as well as 4×4 dune driving, sandboarding and kayaking in the adventure zone of Oranjemund. Lüderitz serves as the starting point for guided 4×4 excursions into the Namib-Naukluft National Park, with options to visit Saddle Hill, Conception Bay and other historic sites.

SOSSUSVLEI AND THE NAMIB-NAUKLUFT PARK: A DESERT MASTERPIECE

No journey to southern Namibia is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft Park. Renowned for its towering dunes and stark desert vistas, this region offers a glimpse into one of the planet’s most ancient and pristine landscapes. The dunes at Sossusvlei, some of which reach heights of over 300 metres, are among the tallest in the world. Climbing them at sunrise rewards visitors with breathtaking views as the golden light dances across the rippling sands.

The Namib-Naukluft Park, which encompasses Sossusvlei, is a haven for diverse wildlife adapted to the desert’s harsh conditions. From gemsbok and springbok to the elusive desert- adapted brown hyena, life here is a testament to resilience. Whether hiking the Sesriem Canyon, exploring the shimmering salt pans, or marvelling at the vastness of the Namib Desert, this region embodies the raw beauty and grandeur of the south. TN

THE NAMIB SAND SEA: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Stretching across vast swathes of the Namib Desert, the Namib Sand Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a truly unique natural phenomenon. It is one of the only places on Earth where fog sustains a thriving desert ecosystem, supporting life in an otherwise arid environment.

This incredible expanse of ever-shifting dunes, sculpted over millions of years, is a geological masterpiece. The interplay of light and shadow on the dunes creates mesmerising patterns, captivating photographers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore the Namib Sand Sea through guided 4×4 excursions or scenic flights that reveal its vast scale and intricate beauty from above.

The Namib Sand Sea is not only a visual spectacle but also a reminder of the delicate balance of life in the desert, making it a must-see for anyone exploring the wonders of southern Namibia.

Facebook
X-Platform
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Read full issue online