Elizabeth Bay Ghost Town
Elisabethbucht
An abandoned mining town inside the diamond restricted area, even more desolate than Kolmanskop, which can only be entered with a licensed tour.
Elizabeth Bay lies inside the Sperrgebiet (diamond restricted area), about 30 km south of Lüderitz. The town was founded for diamond mining in 1926 and abandoned in the early 1930s. Its surviving hospital, houses and factory buildings are gradually collapsing under the wind and shifting sand, and the scene is even more desolate than Kolmanskop. Entry is only possible on a licensed tour departing from Kolmanskop. Bookings must be made several days in advance, and you must submit your passport details. The tour takes about three to four hours. Taking any stones from within the restricted area is strictly prohibited.
Opening hours
With tour group (reservation required)
Nearby sights
- Lüderitz Peninsula Drive & Grosse Bucht
- Kolmanskop
- Goerke Haus
- Felsenkirche
- Lüderitz Old Town & Railway Station
- Lüderitz Museum
- Lüderitz Waterfront
- Shark Island