Lüderitz

As day breaks, the first tender heads to shore across the glassy water. Lüderitz was founded by a German adventurer from Bremen in the late 1800’s and became a part of German Southwest Africa, today‘s Namibia. 

It quickly grew as a port to support the nearby diamond mines, with houses built in the Wilhelmina style. 

The rugged, rocky landscape is not particularly welcoming. Lüderitz lies at the southern end of the Namib desert, a strip 100 km wide extending over 500 kilometers to the north. 

During the Herero Wars of 1904 to 1908 the German State, supporting its colonial ambitions, brutally subdued the native peoples, who had fought to reclaim some of their land. Shark Island was the site of a large concentration camp, where 1000’s of Herero’s were held. The site’s use today as a recreational area is controversial, and under revue. 

In 1910 South Africa laid claim to the German colony. In 1990, Namibia claimed its independence from South Africa.

Lüderitz today has about 15,000 inhabitants. The town is well maintained. Off the beaten path, it offers a few basic touristic amenities. The desert and marine areas are major natural attractions.