Pomona Ghost Town | Luderitz

Information

Landmark: Pomona Ghost Town
City: Luderitz
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Pomona Ghost Town, Luderitz, Namibia, Africa

Pomona is an abandoned diamond mining settlement located within the restricted Tsau //Khaeb National Park (Sperrgebiet). It is situated approximately 40 kilometers north of the Bogenfels Rock Arch and 55 kilometers south of Lüderitz.

Visual Characteristics

The site features several decaying structures, including a school, a doctor's residence, and technical mining facilities, many of which are constructed from imported German timber and brick. The buildings exhibit severe erosion due to extreme wind speeds, with most windows and roofs long since destroyed. The surrounding terrain is a barren, high-velocity wind corridor characterized by grey gravel plains and zero vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is strictly prohibited without a specialized permit and a certified tour guide. The town is located within a restricted diamond mining area, accessible only via a guided 4x4 excursion from Lüderitz. The journey involves traveling over ungraded desert tracks. No private vehicles or public transport are permitted. Visitors must undergo a security clearance process at least one week prior to arrival.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Pomona was established around 1910 during the peak of the German colonial diamond rush. The area was known for having the highest concentration of diamonds in the world, with stones found on the surface of the gravel. The settlement was abandoned in the 1930s as mining operations shifted to the richer deposits at the Orange River. The site is a hyper-arid environment, receiving almost no rainfall and characterized by the "Pomona Wind," the strongest recorded wind in Southern Africa.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided exploration of the ruins is the primary activity. Visitors can view the remains of the industrial sieving machines and the "Pomona Grave," a historic cemetery. Photography focuses on the stark contrast between the European architecture and the encroaching desert. Exploring the "Pomona Valley" allows for the observation of unique geological mineral deposits.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The town has no modern infrastructure. There are no restrooms, shaded areas, or water points. Tour operators provide all necessary supplies, including food and emergency medical kits. There is no cell phone signal (4G/5G) at the site or along the access route.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a visit is between May and August, when the desert temperatures are lower. Daytime excursions are mandatory due to security regulations. High winds are most frequent in the summer (December–February), often making the site inaccessible due to sandstorms.

Facts & Legends

Pomona was once the site of the "Idatal" (Ida Valley), where diamonds were so plentiful they could be picked up by hand at night as they glinted in the moonlight. A specific historical oddity: the town once featured a bowling alley and imported luxury goods to keep the miners from leaving the isolated, wind-blasted location.