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Luederitz
Information
Take a trip with the Sedina and sail to Halifax Island (Penguin colony). You should untertake this 2-hour trip only if you are reasonably fit and the weather conditions are all right. Tel 063-204030.
At Agate Beach, north-east of the town, one can find sandroses from crystalised gypsum. In the past, tourists used to just pick them up off the ground but nowadays, this is forbidden. However, if you would really love a sandrose, you can arrange with local Nature Conservation Office for a ranger to accompany you when you dig one out. Swimming is allowed at Agate Beach, but there are no lifesguards.Luederitz has a beautifully positioned camping ground on Shark Island, where you can also see the Luederitz monument. From here you have a stunning view of the Atlantic, the harbour entrance and the town. Unfortunately, only a few stands are protected from the wind.
Restaurant RecommendationsPenguin Restaurant. At the Nest-Hotel. International kitchen with an emphasis on seafood. Stunning position with seaviews. Tel 063-204000.
Sea-View zum Sperrgebiet Restaurant. At the hotel with the same name in Woermann Street. Nice view of the harbour. Especially for seafood. Tel 063-203411.
Ritzi's Seafood Restaurant. Diaz Street. Seafood, crayfish and mussels. Tel 063-202818.
Accommodation in Luederitz |
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Hansa Haus Pension |
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Haus Sandrose |
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Nest Hotel Lüderitz |
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Sea-View Hotel |
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Bay View Hotel In centre of town; close to Waterfront; en-suite rooms with telephone; restaurant; pool. Tel ++264 (0)63 202288. eMail  |
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Island Cottage |
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AquaGem Guesthouse Fully furnished self-catering holiday home; 2 bedrooms; TV, telephone; garden with BBQ. Parking. Tel ++264 (0)81 1248317. eMail |
Accommodation in Aus |
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Desert Horse Inn |
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Eagle's Nest Lodge |
History of Luederitz |
The bay of Luederitz was discovered in 1488 by the Portuguese seafarer Bartholomeu Diaz who named it Angra Pequeña.
Centuries later, in 1883, Adolf Luederitz, a merchant from Bremen, bought the bay from the Nama chief Joseph Fredericks from Bethanie. The selling price amounted to 10000 German Marks and 260 rifles. Included in the bargain was the area within a 20-mile radius around the bay. Only after this treaty was concluded, did the Nama chief realise, that not the usual English landmile (1 mile = 1.8 kilometres) was meant, but the old German 'geographical mile' (1 mile = 7.5 km). Due to this 'mile fraud', Fredericks lost his entire tribal property.In 1884, the German empire took over the protection of the Luederitz estates and when a small corps of the imperial navy landed in the bay and raised the German flag, the foundations for the colony of German South West Africa were laid.
Adolf Luederitz became bitterly disappointed with his estate. The expected mineral resources (copper, gold and silver) were nowhere to be found and drilling for water turned out to be fruitless. Therefore, drinking water had to be brought in by ship all the way from Cape Town. Finally, when all his funds were exhausted, Luederitz had to sell his little empire to the 'German Colonial Society'. During an expedition in 1886, Adolf Luederitz drowned in the Oranje river.
In the early years, the dreary place of Luederitz expanded very hesitantly. There were no more than a few wooden huts and corrugated iron dwellings. However, when diamonds were found near Luederitz in 1908, hectic building activities suddenly began. The town's wonderful colonial houses date back to this time.
Travel Information for Luederitz |
Climate
Luederitz has a rough, but healthy maritime climate. Gale force winds (under a blue sky) frequently blow, especially between September and February. Often in the mornings, a thick layer of seafog covers the town. However, on windfree days it is wonderful in Luederitz. Rainfall is very low (under 50 mm per year).
Sights
There is a lot to see in and around Luederitz. On a tour of the town you can visit the Lutheran Felsenkirche, also from the inside (Tel 063-202381) and the Goerke Haus with its beautiful sun-dial, only on weekdays from 2 to 3 pm.
A visit to the Luederitz Museum in Diaz Street is a very worthwhile experience. The museum illustrates the history of the town, informs about diamond mining, the indigenous population, about life in the desert as well as on fishing and marine life. Open on weekdays from 10h00 to 12h00 and from 15h30 to 17h00. Entrance fee: 3 N$. Tel 063-203959.The new Luederitz Waterfront is an ambitious project, inspired by the successful Cape Town Waterfront. At present it is still lacking tenants who can afford the rent, and the offers for tourists are limited.
Of great interest is the ghost town of Kolmanskop, which once formed the centre of the diamond industry in Namibia. One-hour guided tours take place only in the mornings at 9h30 and 10h45. Tickets are available from Luederitz Tours & Safaris in Bismarck Street, Tel 063-202719. More information to be found on the Kolmanskop page of this travel guide.
Those who can afford the time, should take a trip around the lagoon, the Sturmvogel Bay and Big Bay to Diaz Point or even further to the Bogenfels. There are many sea birds and flamingos to be sveen here.
Accommodation in Rosh Pinah |
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Amica Guesthouse |
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© HIGHLINE TRAVEL GUIDES |
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