If you left Windhoek, Namibia’s vibrant capital, and pointed your wheels south on the B1 highway, you’d embark on a 700-kilometer journey through some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
The road would swiftly take you across the Tropic of Capricorn—the most southern latitude on the Earth—and into the edge of the Kalahari, where semi-arid savannas give way to the harsh beauty of the Namib Desert.
As the journey continues, vast plains stretch into the horizons interrupted only by dunes petrified into stone by time. Soon, you encounter the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world, its rugged cliffs carved by millennia of erosion into deep valleys.
Bird-eye view of the Fish River Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the world.
Further south, quiver trees guide you towards the historic railway town of Aus. Here, feral desert horses, believed to be descendants of World War I military mounts, roam free.
Driving onward into the Sperrgebiet National Park, a forbidden diamond zone, you discover Kolmanskop, a ghost town reclaimed by the desert. Its abandoned buildings, half-submerged in waves of sand, whisper tales of a fleeting diamond boom. Not far beyond, three lone wind turbines twirl—silent witnesses, bidding farewell to an era of extraction, and welcoming a future of renewal, where wild winds become the next great treasure.
And then, suddenly—Lüderitz. A colonial time capsule resting between the windswept Atlantic coast and the vast Namib Desert, just in time for the 18th Crayfish festival.
Lüderitz: diamond, dust and blood
Founded in 1883 by the ill-fated German trader Adolf Lüderitz, the town became Germany’s first colonial settlement in what was then called South West Africa—a region that would remain under colonial rule for more than a century before becoming modern-day Namibia.
Lüderitz secured land through controversial treaties with local Nama leaders, ultimately paving the way for German colonial expansion. However, his venture was plagued by logistical challenges, financial ruin, and personal tragedy; he disappeared under mysterious circumstances while on an expedition along the Orange River in 1886, presumed drowned. Despite his fate, the town that bears his name went on to play a pivotal role in the colonial and economic history of the region.
In the early 1900s, it became the epicentre of Namibia’s diamond rush, with wealth so vast that miners sifted gems from the sand with sieves.
Perched on rocky shores, the coastal town charms visitors with its distinct German colonial architecture, colourful Art Nouveau buildings, and hauntingly beautiful setting.
German colonial architecture in Lüderitz, Namibia.
18th Annual Lüderitz Crayfish festival 2025
Last week, Lüderitz pulsed with life as it celebrated another treasure—the West Coast rock lobster—with its bustling annual Crayfish Festival.
The usually serene desert harbour transformed into a buzzing hive of culinary delights, cultural festivities, and maritime charm. More than 60 lively stalls lined the dock, filling the air with tantalising aromas of grilled crayfish, prawns drizzled with garlic butter, freshly shucked oysters, succulent abalone, and black mussels. Local chefs passionately showcase their seafood delicacies, perfectly paired with ice-cold beers and breathtaking views of the harbour.
Seafood delights at the Lüderitz Crayfish festival 2025
Beyond seafood indulgence, the festival thrived as a vibrant celebration of community spirit and cultural diversity. Honouring Lüderitz’s fishing legacy, it promotes economic growth, tourism, and intercultural exchange. SMEs proudly display their products, creating opportunities for local economic empowerment.
This year’s festival carried a powerful message under the theme "Safeguarding Our Ocean Riches," advocating for sustainable marine conservation and responsible ocean resource management. It highlights critical issues such overfishing, pollution, and climate change, igniting important conversations on sustainable practices, educating youth, and reinforcing collective accountability as custodians of marine ecosystems.
Lively stalls line the dock in Lüderitz’, Namibia.
Local and international visitors revelled in the jubilant atmosphere, enjoying live performances by celebrated Namibian artists such as Yeezer, Tate Buti, DJ Castro, and South African headline act Murumba Pitch. Amid the music and festivities, children and adults alike rediscover joy bouncing around on inflatable castles—unleashing their playful spirits.
South African artist Murumba Pitch headlines at the Lüderitz’s Crayfish Festival
Perfectly timed for May Day and Cassinga Day weekend, Lüderitz’s Crayfish Festival beautifully embodied Namibia’s vibrant cultural heritage and maritime legacy. It was a celebration that created lasting memories as precious as the diamonds once scattered across its sands.
For an unforgettable stay amid these rugged landscapes, our Klein-Aus Vista properties offers a serene desert retreat — the perfect starting points to explore the wild horses of Garub and the mysteries of Kolmanskop.
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