What is today known as Lüderitz was founded in 1487 by Bartolomeu Diaz as Angra Pequena (Portuguese for Small Bay). During the early 19th century it became a trading post and in 1883 Adolf Lüderitz from Germany purchased Angra Pequena from the local Nama chief. When he did not return from an expedition to the Orange River in 1886 Angra Pequena's name was changed to Lüderitzbucht in his honour.

Initially, Lüderitz was a trading post, whale and seal hunting station, fishing village and guano-harvesting town but it enjoyed a temporary surge of prosperity when diamonds were discovered in 1909 in the nearby Kolmanskop. In those days the railway line ran between Keetmanshoop and Lüderitz and the harbour town flourished.

In 1905 German authorities established a concentration camp on Shark Island. The camp operated for two years during the Herero Wars and almost 3 000 Hereros and Namas died here as a result of the tragic conditions of forced labour. Their labour was used for expansion of the town, railway and port and they also worked on the farms of white settlers. A movement to change the town's name back to !Nami#Nûs, its name prior to 1884, has been going on for some time. The appeal of this harbour town lies in the fact that little has changed since the early 20th century. Although this coastline might be inhospitable to people, it is important for coastal seabird breeding.

Lüderitz is a charming town with beautiful colonial architecture and a touristy waterfront. Apart from a few museums
that are worth visiting, Felsenkirche (Church of the Rock) is a well-known attraction. Historical sites worth seeing
are the stone cross erected by Bartolomeu Diaz at Diaz Point, and the lighthouse.
Activities include wind- and kite-surfing during the windy months and boat cruises for an opportunity to see whales, seals, dolphins and penguins as well as other marine life and sea birds. Visitors should note that the wooden walkway to Diaz Cross has been damaged and is no longer in use, but that the cross can still be reached via the path at low tide. One of
the town’s biggest attractions is a visit to the nearby Kolmanskop ghost diamond town. Guided tours into the Namib Desert and to Pomona and Bogenfels ghost diamond towns in the Sperrgebiet, are also available.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Travellers will find everything they need in this town, the local Spar sells good quality meat.

SPERRGEBIET NATIONAL PARK:
At the moment the only way to enter the Sperrgebiet National Park is when travelling with a Ministry of Environment and Tourism concessionaire. Tours with the concessionaires start in Lüderitz. Harbour nearby.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

“'Golfo de Sâo Estevao is a bay 40 km south of Luderitz in Namibia. It was thus named by Bartolomeu Dias in 1487 because he arrived there on 26 December, the day of St Stephen. Subsequently named Elizabeth Bay and Elisabethbucht, it is now the site of the largest ghost town in Namibia.' (SA Place Names)” - Chris Smit, 2024/08/27

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