This is Namibia: Lüderitz

One of Namibia’s truly unique destinations is the coastal town of Lüderitz in the socalled Deep South. Originally named Angra Pequena (small bay) by the famous Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias in 1487, the settlement was renamed Lüderitz in honour of its founder Adolf Lüderitz in 1886. Located directly on the shores of Lüderitz Bay facing the Atlantic Ocean, Lüderitz forms a barrier between the towering coastal dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park directly to the north, and the unforgiving rocky coastline to the south. The town has a fishing harbour surrounded by early 20th century German colonial buildings. Ten kilometres to the east the world-renowned ghost town, Kolmanskop, affords you the opportunity to gain a spellbinding insight into what life was once like in this former diamond settlement. Other activities include bird-watching such as at Halifax Island to view Namibia’s largest colony of African Penguins from a boat. Set aside a morning or afternoon to explore the sheltered coves of the Lüderitz Peninsula, Shark Island, Grosse Bucht, Sturmvogel Bucht and Dias Point where the Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias erected a stone cross in July 1488. Lüderitz is especially famous for its delicious fresh seafood: west coast rock lobster (called crayfish locally), oysters and the much sought-after delicacy – abalone (perlemoen variety). The town celebrates its rich seafood culture with an annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival. The Ombepo Wind Farm east of Lüderitz is Namibia’s first wind farm.