Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dunes and mountains that appear dramatically stark but represent one of 25 outstanding
global 'hotspots' of unique biodiversity.
The Sperggebiet originally consisted of two private concessions: Diamond Area 1 and
Diamond Area 2. The latter, home to the Kolmanskop ghost town and Elizabeth Bay, has
been open to the public for some time now. Since 2004 parts of the former have also been
opened up to specialist conservation groups, though given the diamond industry's security
concerns, access has been carefully controlled.
GHOSTLY GOINGS-ON
Kolmanskop Ghost Tours
(tour adult/child incl permit fee N$55/35)
can be organised in Lüderitz. Unfortunately
the cafe and gift shop and often large tourist numbers dampen the potential eerie effect of this old town. If there
are a lot of tourists around (likely) then you're better off skipping the organised tour part of the trip here and fo-
cusing instead on wandering around the decrepit buildings and piles of sand, getting a bit of a taste for this old
deserted town. Kolmanskop is only a 15-minute drive from Lüderitz, just off the main B4 highway. Tour agencies
sell tours to Kolmanskop, or you can drive yourself, as long as you have arranged the permit beforehand .
At the time of research, it appeared that disagreement between internal government de-
partments was holding back further development and access for tourists in the park. Hope-
fully, once this has been resolved, more of this unique area will be open to visitors.
History
The 'Forbidden Zone' was established in 1908 following the discovery of diamonds near
Lüderitz. Although mining operations were localised along the coast, a huge swath of
Southern Namibia was sectioned off in the interest of security.
As a diamond mining concession, the Sperrgebiet has been off limits to the public and
scientists for most of the last century, and the tight restrictions on access have helped to
keep much of the area pristine. De Beers Centenary, a partner in De Beers Consolidated
Diamond Mines, continues to control the entire area until the MET establishes a manage-
ment plan for the park.
Wildlife & Conservation
Forty per cent of the park is desert, and 30% is grassland; the rest is rocks, granite moun-
tains and moonscape. Though the area has yet to be fully explored, initial scientific as-
sessments have discovered 776 plant species, 230 of which are thought to be unique to the
