Elizabeth Bay Ghost Town Tour from Lüderitz

A Unique Activity in Lüderitz

Looking for unforgettable activities in Lüderitz? The Elizabeth Bay Ghost Town Tour takes you deep into Namibia’s diamond history. From the comfort of Lüderitz, embark on a guided excursion into the Tsau //Khaeb National Park (Sperrgebiet National Park), a diamond-restricted area that few visitors ever get to see.

This is a perfect option for travelers, history lovers, and cruise ship passengers looking for a memorable shore excursion in Lüderitz, Namibia.

Highlights of the Elizabeth Bay Tour

• Scenic desert drive from Lüderitz to the coast of Elizabeth Bay.
• Explore the abandoned mining town founded in 1911, where the first diamonds were discovered.
• Step inside historic ruins and compare the contrasting living conditions of miners and workers.
• On a clear day, see Possession Island offshore — once the hub of guano mining in the 1840s.
• Optional visit to a massive Cape fur seal colony at nearby Atlas Bay (≈ 80,000 seals).
• Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the Namib Desert coast, a true photographers’ paradise.

The Story of Elizabeth Bay

The diamond rush in this region began shortly after 1908, when a railway worker named Zacharias Lewala discovered diamonds near Kolmanskop, east of Lüderitz.

Shortly thereafter, operations at Elizabeth Bay Mine began (circa 1911) under German colonial administration. These early operations were interrupted by World War I and later by the Great Depression.

In the German period, Elizabeth Bay was developed into a substantial settlement: German engineers built housing (more comfortable accommodations for colonial staff), infrastructure for desalination of sea water (to serve the settlement), processing machinery, etc. Meanwhile local workers were housed under far harsher, more crowded, utilitarian conditions.

By around 1924-1926, Elizabeth Bay was fully established, with essential infrastructure including power, water, rail links, desalination plants, and social amenities like an entertainment hall and casino overlooking the ocean. It was a place with contrasts: both modern German engineering and colonial segregation of living conditions.

However, the economic shocks of the early 1930s (especially the global depression) caused mining to cease around 1930-1931, leading many of the facilities and settlements to be abandoned. The residential areas emptied by the 1940s.

Dormancy, Revival, and Modern Phases (1991-2018)

After a long dormant period, Elizabeth Bay was revived in 1991 under NamDeb (a joint venture of De Beers and the Namibian government) as part of expansion of diamond mining in the land-based and coastal zones.

The mine operated with modern treatment facilities, extracting diamonds from sand, gravel and other shallow deposits. It provided employment, contributed significant economic benefit to Lüderitz and the Karas region, and access to infrastructure. Production varied and was often driven by how cost-effective extraction was, market diamond prices, and challenges such as ore quality and separation of materials.

In 2009 the mine was placed on care and maintenance due to economic conditions (falling profitability, cost pressures). It reopened in 2011 under an optimization project. That project was expected to last a few years, but technological improvements and continuous investment allowed operations to continue beyond original projections.

Sale, Ownership Changes, & Status Since 2018

By 2018 Namdeb signaled that Elizabeth Bay no longer fit its long-term strategic profile, placing the mine under care and maintenance and seeking a buyer.

In 2020, the mine was sold to Sperrgebiet Diamond Mining (SDM), a subsidiary of Lewcor Group, a Namibian-owned consortium. The deal included marine mining assets and was valued around N$120 million (approx U$8 million at the time).

Following the acquisition, there have been plans and attempts to restart or expand operations under new ownership. However, the mine has also faced challenges: financial losses, under-performance relative to production targets, disputes among stakeholders (notably between Lewcor and equity investor RioZim Murowa), legal challenges concerning asset stripping, and intermittent operation/shutdown of power supply.

As of the latest reports, some of the restart efforts have been stalled or compromised. There’s ongoing uncertainty surrounding the mine’s viability, mainly due to production shortfalls and financial losses.

Geological & Operational Details

The deposit consists of unconsolidated diamondiferous sands and gravels, interspersed with cemented and clay-rich ore, usually in shallow surficial layers (overburden of aeolian sand 5-16 m thick in modern operations).

The treatment plant (modern phases) includes screening, crushing, dense medium separation, and sometimes X-ray separation and hand sorting. Some ore demands wet processing, dealing with cemented material or clay, which increases complexity.

Social & Cultural Aspects

In its early days the town had a strong German colonial imprint: German style housing, infrastructure, social amenities (casino, entertainment hall), a desalination plant, etc. The built environment showcased distinction between colonial settlers/workers and local African workers, especially in housing quality and living conditions.

Local workers often were housed in overcrowded dormitory-style accommodation, with minimal private space and more restrictive conditions. The contrast with the European staff’s housing is stark, and many ruins left reflect this colonial social structure.

Over time the ghost town started to decay: coastal weather, fog, wind, shifting sands have weathered the structures heavily. Buildings deteriorated, some collapsed, many half-ruined; much of the settlement is being reclaimed by nature.

Ideal for Cruiseliner Passengers

Convenient half-day tour with transfers to and from Lüderitz port.

Fully guided with permits arranged in advance — access is only possible with accredited operators.

Return to port well in time for ship departure.

A mix of history, culture, and wildlife — ideal for travelers who want more than a simple town walk.

Tour Information

• Departure: Lüderitz (pick-up from port or accommodation)
• Duration: 4–6 hours (with optional Atlas Bay extension)
• Inclusions: guided tour, permits, transfers
• What to bring: hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, camera, water, light jacket

Why Book the Elizabeth Bay Excursion?

Among all things to do in Lüderitz, the Elizabeth Bay Ghost Town tour stands out because:

• It offers access to a restricted diamond zone rarely open to visitors.
• You’ll explore a ghost town with real historic depth, not just empty ruins.
• Wildlife and landscapes add variety for photographers and nature lovers.
• It’s perfectly timed and structured for cruise passengers or short-stay visitors.

Book Your Elizabeth Bay Adventure Today

Join us for one of the most unique activities in Lüderitz and uncover Namibia’s fascinating diamond history at Elizabeth Bay. Whether you’re traveling independently or arriving by cruise ship, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure into Namibia’s past.