Showing posts with label Bogenfels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bogenfels. Show all posts

Sunday, 11 August 2024

Namibia: Profiling Luderitz - harbour town in southern Africa

Profiling Luderitz, Namibia

Lüderitz is a town located in the ǁKaras Region of southern Namibia. It is situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its German colonial architecture, fishing industry, and proximity to the Namib Desert.

Here are some key points about Lüderitz:

1. History: The town was founded in 1883 when Heinrich Vogelsang purchased Angra Pequena and some land from the local Nama chief. It was named after Adolf Lüderitz, a German merchant and colonialist. Lüderitz became an important trading port and the center of diamond mining in the early 20th century.

2. Architecture: Lüderitz is known for its well-preserved German colonial architecture, with colorful buildings lining its streets. The most famous building is the Goerke Haus, a grand mansion built in 1910 that now houses a museum.

3. Economy: The economy of Lüderitz is largely based on fishing, diamond mining and tourism. The town is a major fishing port, and the surrounding waters are rich in marine life. Tourism is also an important industry, with visitors attracted to the town's historical sites and the nearby Namib Desert.

4. Attractions: Lüderitz offers several attractions for visitors, including Shark Island, a popular camping and picnic spot with views of the ocean; the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a former diamond mining town abandoned in the 1950s; and the nearby Bogenfels rock arch, a natural landmark on the coast.

5. Climate: Lüderitz has a cool desert climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year due to the influence of the cold Benguela Current. Fog is common in the mornings, providing moisture to the region's plant and animal life.

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Wednesday, 31 January 2024

Namibia: The Northern Diamond Fields

The Northern Diamond Fields

When in October 1908 prohibitive restrictions were placed on the pegging of claims south of the 26° latitude in the southern diamond fields (Kolmanskuppe, Bogenfels, Elizabeth Bay) many a prospector left the area for the less popular northern diamond fields (Spencer Bay, Saddle Hill, Oyster Cliffs, Meob Bay, Conception Bay), in the hope of some good finds.

In 1909 after about 5,000 claims had been occupied, it was found that these fields were much poorer than those in the south as well as having a lot more obstacles standing in the way of their development, including the vast distances and transportation difficulties. Nevertheless, there was no shortage of optimistic prospectors as they came from all walks of life wanting to try their luck at diamond mining and surely many dreamed of overnight riches.

Today when entering this remote area, it is not difficult to imagine the hardship man, beast and machine had to endure. Harsh desert conditions, with the cold, fog and the ever-blowing cold southerly winds.  The area is difficult to describe as there is an abundance and vastness of nothingness and yet so much beauty.

Hats off to those early pioneers and migrant workers who entered into this way of life making a tremendous contribution to the economic success of the diamond industry.









Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com
Telegram: ExploringNamibia