Hey there! This site utilizes ads to pay the bills so that we can continue bringing you free travel advice. We are also part of several affiliate programs, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for reading and supporting Live Like it’s the Weekend!
Wondering what the deal is with Kolmanskop, Namibia and how you can visit for yourself? Well, I’m here to share everything you need to know.
As a photographer, Kolmanskop, Namibia had been on my radar for years, but it wasn’t until recently that I finally got to check this incredible destination off my bucket list during a 10 day road trip through Namibia.
Namibia on its own is a stunning country that is home to otherworldly landscapes, exotic wildlife, and some of the kindest people I have ever met on my travels. But there’s one place in Namibia that stands out as entirely unique from anywhere else I’ve visited on Earth, and that place is Kolmanskop.
Though a bit off-the-beaten path, Kolmanskop is a top tourist attraction in Namibia, and it was once a rich diamond mining town that has now been abandoned since the 1950s. Over the years since its final decline, the desert has been slowly reclaiming it, turning dilapidated homes into buried treasure under the sand.
It isn’t necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a photographer or just like visiting places that are totally bizarre and unique to anything else you’ve seen, then a visit to Kolmanskop, Namibia is absolutely for you.
In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about visiting Kolmanskop, Namibia as well as share my personal experience of exploring this Namibian ghost town so you can decide if it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Short on Time? Here’s my quick guide to visiting Kolmanskop, Namibia:
- What is Kolmanskop: Kolmanskop is an abandoned diamond mining town in Namibia where the desert has slowly been burying the buildings in sand since the 1950s.
- Location: It’s located about 15 minutes from the coastal town of Lüderitz in Southwestern Namibia, which is where you’ll want to base yourself if visiting Kolmanskop.
- Daily Hours: Kolmanskop is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Entry Requirements: You have to obtain a permit to enter and there are two types: a standard ticket that gets you in during the normal operating hours or a photography permit which allows you access outside of the regular hours. Standard permits can be purchased right at the gate (I’ll get into the photography permits more below).
- Ticket Cost: A standard ticket costs N$180 and the photography permit is N$400.
- What to See at Kolmanskop: On site there are 32 abandoned buildings, a museum, souvenir shop, and a cafe.
- How Much Time Do You Need? I would plan to spend 2-4 hours at Kolmanskop, depending on how thorough you want to get exploring all of the abandoned buildings. If you’re really interested in photography, you’ll probably want to spend even longer.
- Guided Tours: The Kolmanskop visitor center offers free guided tours daily that are about 45 minutes long. It’s very informative and definitely worth your while!
- Where to Stay Near Kolmanskop: It’s best to base yourself in the town of Luderitz. I would recommend staying at one of these hotels near Kolmanskop in Luderitz: Cormorant House ($), Shark Island Guesthouse ($), Alte Villa Boutique Hotel ($$), Luderitz Nest Hotel ($$$).
Plus, don’t miss my other Namibia guides to help you plan your trip:
- 10 day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
- Sossusvlei Dunes Namibia Guide
- Zannier Omaanda Luxury Safari Lodge Review
- Bucket List Stay at Zannier Sonop Namibia
- Gmundner Lodge Namibia Review
- Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Namibia
A Complete Guide to Visiting Kolmanskop, Namibia
Why Is Kolmanskop, Namibia Abandoned?
As a photographer, I was originally drawn to Kolmanskop because of the dramatic images I had seen of dozens of dilapidated buildings filled with sand, but I truthfully didn’t know a whole lot about the town’s history and why it was abandoned in the first place until I visited.
Turns out the history of Kolmanskop is fascinating.
In the early 1900s, it was the richest town in the world because of the huge number of diamonds that were found there. A railway worker named Zacharias Lewala was the first person to stumble upon what he thought might be a diamond. He showed the unusual stone to his boss August Stauch and the area’s diamond rush began.
At the time, Namibia was known as German South West Africa. And once the German colonists figured out the fortune they could make at Kolmanskop, they got right to work diamond mining.
Kolmanskop’s heyday only lasted about 50 years though. And after the first world war the diamond reserves began running low and mining efforts slowed down. The last resident left the town in 1954.
At its peak, the town had about 350 residents. And in total, around 5 million carats of diamonds were found there!
And now…it’s only open as a tourist attraction.
Where Is Kolmanskop, Namibia?
Kolmanskop is about 15 minutes inland from Lüderitz, which is a coastal town in the southwestern part of the country.
It’s a hike from Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, which is most likely where you’ll be flying into, so you’ll want to work it into your larger trip itinerary and be prepared for a 7–8 hour drive if you’re coming straight from Windhoek.
Speaking of being prepared, it is very important to note that gas stations are few and far between on a lot of the roads in Namibia. So make sure your gas tank is full AND you have extra gas tanks filled (yes, for real, don’t skip this part).
As you might imagine, there isn’t a lot around an abandoned town, so the town of Lüderitz is where you’ll want to base yourself. I can’t say it was my favorite of the towns we visited on our 10 Day Namibia Road Trip. But it’s the closest to Kolmanskop, so it’s an ideal jumping off point for exploring the area.
REad MOre: my complete nAMIBIA itinerary
Is Kolmanskop, Namibia Worth Visiting?
100% yes! If you like unique destinations—especially ones that are incredible to photograph and a little on the eery side, Kolmanskop can’t be beat. Photographers and history buffs will especially enjoy themselves here.
I had a blast exploring all of the abandoned buildings and getting creative with the lighting and angles of the unique sandswept doorways.
That being said, it’s pretty far out of the way of most other things that are probably on your Namibia agenda. So only go if it’s really calling to you. You won’t be disappointed if you do though!
It’s a really special place and has fascinating history that is unlike any other place I’ve visited around the world—and that’s coming from someone who has been to over 50 countries now!
How to Visit Kolmanskop
If you’re staying in Lüderitz, Kolmanskop is only about a 15 minute drive from town. And as you drive up the road to the ghost town you’ll see an entry gate along with a standard parking area. You’ll need a permit to enter (you will see signs about this everywhere), and I’m going to explain each permit option below so you can decide which one is right for you.
Standard Permits:
A standard permit allows visitors entry between normal operating hours from 8 AM – 1 PM. This type of ticket can be purchased right at the gate upon arrival during these times. If you want to buy in advance, you can do so at the Lüderitz Travel Information Centre as well.
As of May 2025, standard permits cost N$180 per person.
Photography Permits:
Photography permits are for those that wish to gain access to Kolmanskop for sunrise or sunset. Keep in mind that no one is allowed on the Kolmanskop premises after dark.
To get photography permits, you need to purchase them a day in advance of your visit if you want to enter at sunrise. You can do this right at the Kolmanskop gate, at the Lüderitz Travel Information Centre or at the Desert Deli Cafe (which is where we purchased ours).
There is some outdated information in other blog posts about Kolmanskop that you can purchase them at Luderitz Safari and Tours, but this is not true (we tried to go there, and it doesn’t actually exist anymore).
As of May 2025, photography permits cost N$400 per person. Make sure to check updated pricing on the Kolmanskuppe website.
Travel Tip: If you can, I would avoid visiting on a Sunday as the gallery, museum, souvenir shop, and cafe are all closed on this day. You can still access all the abandoned buildings, but you won’t have access to the other areas above.
What To Do In Kolmanskop, Namibia
Being that it is a ghost town, Kolmanskop isn’t exactly a hotspot for activities. But if you’re visiting, there are a few things you’ll definitely want to check out.
Note that while Kolmanskop is in the middle of nowhere, the visitor center does have bathrooms and a deli/coffee shop where you can grab a drink and surprisingly decent food. So you don’t have to worry about basic amenities when visiting.
Explore Buildings Buried in Sand
The number one thing you’re going to want to do in Kolmanskop is to walk around and explore the various buildings that have become buried in sand over the years. There are over 30 buildings in the town to peruse, including a hospital, school, ice factory, post office, residences and even a bowling alley.
It’s a haunting experience to walk through them and imagine all the life that was there at one point in time. Seeing how the desert has started to reclaim the town is a truly unforgettable experience.
FYI: As you wander the town, there’s not a lot of signage or direction as to what to see and do first. So you’ll want to allow your curiosity to guide you and give yourself plenty of time to walk through everything.
Some buildings have warning signs on them (like the one below), of safety hazards, so stay aware as you enter each building.
Get Creative Photography Shots
Don’t leave your camera at home for this one! Kolmanskop is a creative’s dreamland and if you’re into photography, I definitely recommend getting the photography permit so you’ll have access to the town outside of peak visiting hours.
We visited in the morning around 7 am before the crowds started arriving and it was great to have that extra hour of softer morning light. Though I’d recommend going even earlier at sunrise if you can.
You’ll get the best light during sunrise and sunset hours.
Explore the Museum
Housed in the old gymnasium, the museum at Kolmanskop is worth a walkthrough. You’ll get some historical info and witness some relics from the town’s past. It’s a good jumping off point for your visit, especially if you’re not able to join in on the guided tour, which I’ll talk about more below.
Take a Guided Tour
I don’t personally love doing guided tours, but I definitely recommend taking the one at Kolmanskop. As I’ve mentioned, the history of Kolmanskop is super interesting and truly provides fascinating context to the town that helps to bring what you’re seeing to life.
Guided tours are available Monday–Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and Sundays (and public holidays) at 10 a.m. They’re free and only about 45 minutes, so not a huge time commitment. And they’re offered in three languages: German, English, and Afrikaans. Trust me, the knowledge you’ll walk away with is well worth the time investment.
Enjoy a Bite at the Cafe
Listen, Namibia is absolutely not a culinary destination, so keep your expectations low. But even still, we were surprised at how tasty the cafe food was and especially the pastries. If you’re hungry while exploring, don’t be afraid to grab a bite here.
What to Bring With You to Kolmanskop
The most important thing to bring is good protective shoes as there are old construction materials, glass and nails laying around that can be a safety hazard.
I would also recommend sunglasses and a bandana or face covering of some sort. If you hit a windy day, you’ll definitely get a bit whipped by the wind. So it’s nice to have some protection from the elements. Consider bringing protection for your camera too.
Speaking of the elements, you’ll also want to protect yourself from the sun, so consider a hat and sunscreen. Even though most of the exploring is done inside the abandoned buildings, you’ll still have to walk a bit between them and the sun gets incredibly strong in Namibia.
Lastly, don’t forget your camera at home for this adventure. Kolmanskop was one of my favorite things to photograph during our Namibia trip. And if you’re into photography, I promise you’ll have a lot of fun here!
Where to Stay Near Kolmanskop
You’ll want to stay overnight in Luderitz if you’re coming all the way to Kolmanskop.
We personally stayed at the Cormorant House which was basic and affordable but perfectly fine for a short stay—plus it’s right on the water, which made for a lovely location to watch the sunset.
Here are all my top suggestions for where to stay in Luderitz:
- Cormorant House ($)
- Shark Island Guesthouse ($)
- Alte Villa Boutique Hotel ($$)
- Luderitz Nest Hotel ($$$).
Kolmanskop Before And After
While photos of Kolmanskop before it was abandoned are not plentiful, the image on the left is a restored dining room at Kolmanskop that provides a view into what the rooms might have looked like during the town’s booming years.
Kolmanskop, Namibia Tips for Photographers
As I’ve shared, Kolmanskop is a dream destination for photographers. Novices and experienced professionals alike will have a field day here shooting all the abandoned buildings buried in sand.
The various colorful doorways framed by small sand dunes, rooms with chipping paint, and random artifacts from the town’s past scattered throughout the buildings all make for a unique photography experience here.
A few tips for those visiting specifically to take photos:
- You will definitely want to get the photography permit. It costs a little more but it’s 100% worth it and will give you access to the area during sunrise and sunset so you can get the best light.
- Note that commercial photography is not allowed, nor are drones or night photography.
- Best times to shoot are sunrise or sunset.
- It’s hard to avoid footprints in parts of the sand. So you’ll have to find ways to creatively navigate this so it doesn’t interfere with your shots. Or you know, get really good at Photoshop. If you get lucky and come after a really windy night you may luck out and find the wind has created a blank slate for you!
- If you have one, I’d recommend packing a wide angle lens and something with a lower aperture to be able to capture those lower light areas.
My Experience Visiting Kolmanskop
Arriving in Luderitz
I knew Kolmanskop was going to be off the beaten path, but I was intrigued enough by all the photographs I had seen of buildings buried in sand to put this Namibian ghost town on our itinerary anyways. It ended up being our second stop on our 10 day excursion through the southwestern part of the country and required about seven hours of driving to reach.
We arrived in Luderitz the night before our planned visit to Kolmanskop; this coastal city is just 15 minutes from the ghost town and it’s the obvious place to base yourself when visiting here. We knew we wanted to grab a photography permit for the next day, but were unfortunately led astray by some outdated information online as to where to buy one so late in the day.
Luckily, a kind woman pointed us in the direction of the Desert Deli Cafe where we were able to buy one morning of, though we were a bit too late in purchasing to actually make it to Kolmanskop for sunrise.
Entering Kolmanskop
Once we got to the ghost town around 7 am, it was pretty quiet on the premises. We booked it for the most interesting looking buildings, letting our curiosity guide us along the hunt for the most unique photographic opportunities. There’s not much direction once you arrive at Kolmanskop suggesting what to see first, so we just hoped for the best.
I personally found the buildings closest to the visitor center the most intriguing and the ones furthest away to be less exciting—but that will all be up to your personal opinion.
Some buildings felt quite tame to walk through, like any old abandoned home, while others required crouching and ducking to get between doorways due to the build up of sand. One thing Kolmanskop absolutely accomplishes is making you feel like a kid again, curiously exploring each new room unsure of what you’ll encounter next. Sometimes it’s a random bathtub, other times it’s walls full of names etched into the windows. Some buildings are so unstable that there are signs out front warning visitors to enter at their own risk.
By 9 AM…
Around 9 am we noticed things start to pick up around Kolmanskop when many more visitors arrived. At that moment we were thankful to have gotten there early enough to be able to enjoy the town in peace. Honestly, the eeriness of the ghost town isn’t quite the same when there’s loads of tourists milling about.
After taking an entire memory card’s worth of photos of doorways, we decided to venture back towards the museum and cafe area and inquired about a guided tour, though that’s not something my husband and I typically love doing on our travels. This time though, we were SO glad we joined in as the history behind Kolmanskop brought an entirely new level of depth to our experience.
All in all, I think we spent about four hours exploring Kolmanskop between our random wanderings and the guided tour. To finish off our time, we ordered some lunch and cake at the cafe before we were set to make a long drive towards Sossusvlei.
FAQ: Visiting Kolmanskop, Namibia
When is the best time of day to visit Kolmanskop?
If you want fewer crowds and the best light for photos, I recommend visiting at sunrise. You will need to purchase the photography permit for this though.
How much does a ticket to Kolmanskop cost?
A standard ticket is N$180 and the photography permit is N$400.
What is the closest town to Kolmanskop?
Lüderitz is the closest town where you can stay and it’s about 10 kilometers away.
Where should I stay near Kolmanskop?
Lüderitz is your best option for a jumping off point for visiting Kolmanskop. Explore all accommodation options in Luderitz here.
What should I bring with me to Kolmanskop?
Luckily there are bathrooms and other guest facilities like a cafe at the visitor center so your basics will be covered, but definitely bring water, sunscreen, your camera, and wear closed-toed shoes because there can be broken glass in the ruins. A face covering like a bandana is also helpful in case you encounter windy weather.
What else should I add to my Namibia itinerary?
After Kolmanskop, some worthwhile stops to add to your Namibia itinerary would be the red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, a visit to Sandwich Harbor, or a bucket list hotel stay at Zannier Sonop.
I hope this post helped you plan your trip to Kolmanskop, Namibia. If I missed any tips that you’d recommend let me know and I’ll be sure to add them to the post!
Explore More Namibia Posts
10 day Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
Sossusvlei Dunes Namibia Guide
Zannier Omaanda Luxury Safari Lodge Review
Bucket List Stay at Zannier Sonop Namibia
Gmundner Lodge Namibia Review
Ultimate Guide to Driving in Namibia
Pin it for Later
Planning a trip right now? Make your life easier with this checklist of my favorite travel resources.
Booking Accommodations:
Over the last decade of travel, Booking.com has consistently been my favorite site for finding great deals on hotels, boutique inns, home rentals and more. Plus, they have an amazing filtering system making it super easy to find the best accommodation that fits your needs.
Booking Flights:
Skyscanner is always the first place I look to compare and contrast routes and find the best flight deals.
Find the Best Tours and Experiences:
Viator is always my go-to when searching for the best experiences around the globe. They have everything from group tours and private experiences, to airport transfers and much more.
Book Car Rentals:
Discover Cars is my favorite site for booking easy and affordable car rentals in any country I visit. They make the process super simple and transparent, so you know you’re getting the best price up front with no surprises later.
Stay Connected:
The days of purchasing physical sim cards are over. Airalo is the best and easiest way to stay connected around the globe with the best international eSim plans. Take 10% off your plan with code MICHELLE10.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:
World Nomads has personally saved me thousands with their flexible travel insurance. Don’t leave for an international trip without this one!
Lastly, wherever you go. Don’t forget to check visa requirements, make sure your passport is up to date and purchase any travel adapters you might need on the ground!
