Discover Namibia’s Forbidden Diamond Coast
Journey into one of the most barren, remote and mysterious landscapes on Earth – the Sperrgebiet of Namibia.
South of Lüderitz, the desert meets the Atlantic in a landscape shaped by more than a century of diamond fever. Abandoned mining settlements, rusting machinery and windswept ruins reveal stories of fortune seekers, hardship and ambition.
As the exclusive tourism concession holder for the southern Sperrgebiet, Bogenfels & Diamonds Tours offers rare access to this extraordinary region within the Tsau //Kaeb National Park.
“After dinner, the full moon appeared on the horizon and shone its silvery light on the valley. In this light the diamonds displayed such a fabulous lustre that they could be picked up with the greatest ease.”
— Prof. Robert Scheibe, Geologist, January 1908
Bogenfels & Diamonds Excursion
Whispers of the Diamond Coast
Travel south from Lüderitz into the legendary “Forbidden Territory.”
Explore abandoned diamond-mining settlements where the desert has slowly reclaimed buildings, machinery and roads. Discover the stories of the early diamond rush, the harsh realities of desert life and the legends of smugglers and fortune seekers.
The highlight is Bogenfels, the spectacular 55-metre-high limestone arch rising dramatically between the desert and the Atlantic Ocean – a breathtaking landmark in one of Namibia’s most remote landscapes.
E-Bay Diamond History Excursion
Elizabeth Bay – The Shadow in the Sand
Beyond famous Kolmanskop lies Elizabeth Bay, a fascinating and atmospheric chapter of Namibia’s diamond history.
Established between 1920 and 1926, E-Bay became a major mining settlement, with equipment and materials transported by rail from Lüderitz across the desert. For a brief period, the area produced approximately 1.25 million carats of diamonds.
The Great Depression brought the boom to an end, and by 1940 the town had become a ghost town. Today, its abandoned buildings, rusted machinery and industrial ruins stand as striking reminders of an extraordinary era.
Experience the Forbidden Coast
Discover forgotten mining towns, follow the diamond trail and stand beneath the mighty Bogenfels.
Bogenfels & Diamonds Tours – Where history, desert and legend meet.
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