SPERRGEBIET 1 & 2 Guided self-drive 4x4 adventure
Explore the former Sperrgebiet No.1 (now the Tsau Kaeb National Park) South of Lüderitz, to experience the rich diamond mining history that began in 1908 with the discovery of the first diamond at Grasplatz, and that led to the building of various settlements and mining operations under harsh conditions. Then, the tour leads us into the former Sperrgebiet No. 2 into the coastal dune belt and spectacular vistas north of Lüderitz up to Hottentotsbay.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Diamond area where the first diamonds were discovered in 1908.
Our guided adventure commences at 07h45 on day 1 by meeting our guests at their place of accommodation. We do a short briefing whereupon we will drive the 12km to the Namdeb control point at Komanskop. After a short registration process we proceed to the Rotkopf entrance gate to the Tsau //Kaeb National Park.
On the way, we will pass the old railway siding of Grasplatz where it all began in 1908, when shifting sand dunes made it necessary for teams of workers to clear the tracks on a daily basis. It was here that Zacharias Lewala found the sparkling gem that set off the diamond rush to the area and resulted in a handful of small towns springing up in the inhospitable terrain...
After a short drive on the gravel road to Oranjemund, we turn westward onto a smaller secondary path which quickly loses itself in a small dune to be traversed.
We continue our drive in a southeasterly direction, driving along the former railway line that linked Kolmanskop with Pomona and Bogenfels more than a 100 years ago. The remnants of old sidings where materials were offloaded in support of mining activities bear testimony to the harsh conditions in which prospectors and miners operated in this forbidden area.
As we drive on through the diverse terrain and vegetation of the desert, and colours transform from browns and oranges to earthy yellows, our guide will chat about the fascinating mysteries and stories of the time. We head towards the coast at Jammerbucht where old buildings and the remains of a desalination plant that supplied the nearby village of Pomona with fresh water can be viewed.
From here we head eastwards and after a short drive we will reach the ghost town of Pomona late afternoon where we will set up camp next to the former school that also served as a guest house. Abandoned houses in the mining settlement at Pomona hold a beauty in their disintegrating frames, and like in Kolmanskop, make picturesque subjects to photograph at sunset and early in the morning.
After setting up camp, sundowners consisting of fresh Namibian oysters paired with crisp sparkling wine in the silence of this ghost town are enjoyed while we start the fire over which dinner will be prepared. After dinner we sit around the fire to stargeze and listen to the sounds of the night, receiving possible visits of brown hyenas and jackal.
Day 2
Stauchslager, Märchental, Dome cave and Bogenfels.
After an early breakfast on day 2, we visit the diamond separation plant nearby before continuing our drive southwards to valleys with names such as Idatal and Märchental, where workers were able to pick up diamonds from the surface with their hands in the moonlight at night. We also briefly stop at Stauchslager, a compound for workers where the remains of sleeping quarters serve as reminder of the poor conditions in which local labourers had to operate.
Just before reaching Bogenfels we stop to visit the Dome cave, one of various caves on the shoreline. The beach here is of untouched beauty. At around mid-day, we reach the majestic Bogenfels arch. One of Namibia’s landmarks, and eroded by time and a crashing sea, the arch towers 55 metres above the rugged coast.
In the distance, the Bogenfels plant and old ruins vie with each other for attention in the bleak world.
We subsequently head east before turning and commencing our drive to Lüderitz. After checking out at the Namdeb control point at Komanskop we should arrive back in Lüderitz at around 18h00.
We check in at our place of accommodation and will enjoy a dinner that night.
Day 3
Shipwrecks and Dunes.
From Lüderitz on day 3, the 4x4 tour will enter Sperrgebiet No. 2 at Agate beach and proceed north along the coast. After a short drive we will view a shipwreck on the beach.
We proceed northward through the stone desert, passing through the western dune belt until we reach the shipwreck of the “Vrot America”, an oil tanker that stranded here in 2006.
From here, we will cross the dunebelt and drive along the dunes until we reach our camping spot at the foot of a magnificent long dune.
Dinner will prepared on the open fire.
Day 4
Hottentotsbay, dune driving and camping under the stars.
After breakfast on day 4 we will drive to Hottentotsbay and then proceed northwards for a short while on the beach. There is no need to break up camp as we will be spending a second night at this campsite. We will then turn east and will test our driving skills in the massive dunes for the remainder of the day.
Late afternoon we will enjoy sundowners on top of a dune overlooking the coastal valley with the ocean in the distance, before heading back to our campsite.
Dinner is again prepared over the fire.
Day 5
Dune driving to Lüderitz
After breakfast we head south towards Lüderitz. Along the way we traverse magnificent dunes and encounter spectacular sceneries.
We arrive back at Lüderitz late afternoon.
Rates
The Rack Rate for this tour per person is as follows:
Adults: N$19,500
Children (U/12): N$16,900
The rates includes one night accommodation and dinner in Lüderitz on day 2, breakfast and dinner each day, permits.
CONDITIONS:
· All rates are valid until 31st December 2024.
· All rates include 15% VAT.
· For excursions we need a minimum of 12 persons, and a maximum of 12 vehicles is allowed.
· We supply all cutlery for desert dinners and breakfasts.
· Vehicles, Fuel, camping equipment and lunch is for own account.
· 100 % cancellation fees will be charged for no shows.
· Invoice payments to be settled before 30 days.
· We will be open on 25 and 26 December and 01 January.
· Please advise in advance if guests need any physical assistance. We do cater for persons with disabilities.
· We specifically also cater for vegetarians, vegans and persons with gluten sensitivities or other allergies. Please advise at time of booking.
· Please advise at time of booking if a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary, is being celebrated on board.
· Kindly note that any transfers/pick-ups are not included in the activity rate - however, it can be arranged at a small additional charge.
· Due to the nature of the excursions we can regrettably not allow any pets.
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