Namibia Cruises

One of the most famous ghost towns in the world, the former mining town of Kolmanskop flourished and was abandoned in the space of just 40 years after diamond prices crashed following WWI. Today the site is engulfed by sand dunes, adding to its mystique.

Bremen merchant Adolf Lüderitz purchased a huge packet of land here, exploiting definitions of a mile to con the owners out of fair payment. Colonialism ended after WWI. Some fine examples of German architecture are Goerke House and along Bergstrasse.

The historic Namib Desert, its name simply meaning 'vast place', is a sweeping, 31,000-square-mile expanse characterised by geological formations. Despite the arid climate, the desert successfully supports a diverse array of plants and wildlife.

This eerie, fog-shrouded stretch of sand is named for the bones left by whaling and seal hunts but more likely known for the shipwrecks that can be found. Over a thousand litter this coastline. Some locals have dubbed it ‘The land God made in anger’.

Southwest of the town centre, Walvis Bay’s wide lagoon boasts an array of spectacular natural highlights, particularly the sight of one of the largest flocks of flamingos in the whole of Southern Africa. You may also see the rare Damara tern.