Kolmanskop, Namibia

Namibia has an amazing ghost town of Kolmanskop; a walk around it is not for faint-hearted. The town is located right in the middle of the desert. Today many of its ruined houses with broken window frames and doors are covered with sand. The history of town foundation is very amazing. It was built in an area, where small diamonds have been found in sand. For a few years the town's population has increased to several thousand people. In addition to residential buildings, hospitals, schools, sports stadiums, and many other important facilities were constructed.

People moved here hoping for a long prosperity and wealth, but the diamond reserves in sand dried up quickly. Persistent problems with a lack of fresh water and devastating dust storms pushed local residents to leave their homes. Today, virtually all the surviving houses are completely covered with sand and look pretty depressing. You can't step into all the facilities because of the huge amount of sand and debris.

The ghost town of Kolmanskop is an important historical landmark for residents of Namibia. A few years ago some of buildings have been freed from the sand and renovated. Every year the town is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The ghost town founded during the diamond rush is located in the immediate vicinity of Luderitz, so it won't be difficult to get there. Tourists who decide to visit a ghost town, will have an opportunity to look at once the richest and most luxurious residences, visit an old factory producing lemonade, and even a bowling club, where setting is now more like a decoration to a film-catastrophe. Next - Nara Dreamland