It really makes you wonder what attracted the Germans to the area in the first place. Of course it was the diamonds that were found at nearby Kolmanskop, and the fact that there was an actual bay to dock a boat in. But, the town lies on one of the least hospitable coasts in Africa.
Picturing what the area would have looked like to the first settlers, I would have hopped back in the boat and turned around!
Yeah, this looks like a place I'd like to settle down in. Not!
But now, it's actually a nice little town. There's only one way to get there (unless you have a boat!) and it's a pretty dull drive. But once you're there, you could easily spend a couple of days playing tourist. We noticed quite a few self catering style accommodations around, and you can tell the town has been making an effort to be a little more tourist friendly.
They've got a nice new waterfront area in Luderitz.
And a shipping port.
One thing we found odd. Very few restaurants! We found two restaurants, both in the same building, and one above the other. Very strange. And both of them were really busy! If you want a business opportunity, move to Luderitz and open a restaurant!
Here's a map of the area...
We took a drive up to Agate Beach (top right of the map). A few people out enjoying the day. The water is ice cold! It comes up from the antarctic, and doesn't have enough time to warm up by the time it gets here!
Kids don't seem to mind splashing in the cold water.
Then, we took a drive to Diaz Point (left side of the map). This is actually a really neat spot and there's an island just off the coast that is inhabited by a seal colony.
Heading towards Diaz Point.
There's a rickety old walking bridge leading to a viewpoint over the seal colony.
Ruth, going across the bridge. Very slowly!
The seals. They don't smell very good by the way!
Stinky seals. They were interesting to watch though.
Kevin. Just having fun.
On the way back, we stopped to see the wild horses. Nobody is quite sure, perhaps these horses are left overs from some that were brought from Germany before WWI, but over the generations they have adapted themselves to live in the desert. There is a man made waterhole for them, but otherwise they are left to fend for themselves in a very barren area. There are supposed to be around 250 horses living free and wild, but there were only three or four at the area when we stopped by.
It's actually a really interesting story if you're into horses. You can read more about them here...
Another interesting day playing tourist, checking out the sights.
ReplyDeleteEvery day seems interesting, there is just too much to see and do here.
DeleteThe horses look like they are in need of a good feeding! Love your pictures of the water.
ReplyDeleteYes they are, but they are left to fend for themselves just like any other wild animal here and they have adapted over the almost 100 years to this enivornment. Water is the only thing that is given to them by humans. They will start to fatten up again now that the raining season is here and the grass starts growing.
DeleteBeautiful vistas, stinky seals, and yet such a harsh, and treacherous landscape. Amazing! Great post. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's really quite unbelievable to see how some things survive in some of these environments and how beautiful it can be.
DeleteGreat photos, looks like a nice place to relax by the water for sure!
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed wandering around but it really isn't our kind of place to relax, plus it was pretty windy in spots.
DeleteMany, many non-tourist businesses here in southern Africa shut down in December for staff to take their annual holidays. It's possible that those restaurants will be quiet in a week or two after the holiday-makers go back to work.
ReplyDeleteYep that is what we figure happened with any of the other restaurants in town which were few and far between, that they were closed for the holidays. And, probably another reason why those two restaurants were so busy.
Deletehow can such a barren landscape support 2500 horses?
ReplyDeleteUmm. 250 Donna, not 2500.
DeleteThe sea is everything! We love to at least see water. It might not be the seals that smell but rather their, dare i say, poop!!
ReplyDeleteWe love the sea but we love the mountains more. We don't like all the sea salt that gets on you and on our vehicle, but we do love to look out at it. And, yep we are sure that it is their poop that smells!
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