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 sea fog covers the town. However, on wind free 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 seen here.
C/O BANHOF AND BISMARK STREET HARTMAN MANSION GROUND FLOOR ROOM 1
Delivery / Collection: Yes
Open on Public Holidays: Yes
Operating Hours
Monday 08h00 - 17h00
Tuesday 08h00 - 17h00
Wednesday 08h00 - 17h00
Thursday 08h00 - 17h00
Friday 08h00 - 17h00
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Public Holidays
01 January, 21 March, 01 May, 03 May, 25 May, 26 August, 10 December, 25 December, 26 December |
