Forgotten Secrets of Namibia’s Sperrgebiet National Park
The Sperrgebiet National Park
The Sperrgebiet National Park, formerly known as Sperrgebiet or Diamond Area 1, is a diamond mining region located in southwestern Namibia within the Namib Desert. The park stretches along the Atlantic Ocean coastline from Oranjemund, near the South African border, to approximately 72 kilometers north of Lüderitz, covering a distance of 320 kilometers. It extends up to 100 kilometers inland, encompassing a total area of 26,000 square kilometers, which accounts for about 3% of Namibia’s land area.
The Sperrgebiet was officially designated as a national park in June 2004 and renamed Tsau Khaeb National Park. While the area is still under the control of De Beers, it will eventually be handed over to the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism once a comprehensive management plan for the park is finalized. As a proclaimed diamond area, strict controls are maintained to prevent diamond theft.
Natural Wonder
The park features striking natural wonders such as giant rock arches, meteor craters, fossil and archaeological sites, and Africa’s most significant shipwreck discovery. It also showcases some of the planet’s most pristine and untouched landscapes. With approximately 1,050 plant species—representing nearly 25% of Namibia’s flora on just 3% of its land area—the park has contributed to the Succulent Karoo being recognized as one of the world’s top 34 biodiversity hotspots.
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In April 2008, the 500-year-old shipwreck of the Bom Jesus was discovered within the Sperrgebiet. The wreck contained valuable artifacts such as Iberian coins, bronze cannons, copper, and ivory. Under Namibian law, the government claims ownership of all items recovered from the site. These artifacts are set to be displayed in a museum in Oranjemund once construction is complete.
The Sperrgebiet is also home to several ghost towns, remnants of the diamond rush in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The most famous of these is Kolmanskop, with others including Pomona and Elizabeth Bay. Outside one of these towns, the wind has uncovered a graveyard, revealing partially excavated, half-mummified bodies—a haunting reminder of the region’s history.
Diamond mine area
Diamond mining region is located at Kolmanskop near Lüderitz by railway worker Zacharias Lewala. In fact, the Sperrgebiet National Park is located very near to the mine. Despite its vast size, diamond mining activities are limited to just 5% of the area, with the majority serving as a buffer zone. The diamonds found here are alluvial, washed into Namibian territory by the Orange River and its tributaries millions of years ago. The route of the sought-after stones along prehistoric river courses and beaches still dictates the focus of mining activity and infrastructure.
Public access to most of the park remains restricted, even after its designation as a national park in 2004. This limited access helps preserve the region’s unique ecological and geological significance while maintaining its role in diamond mining.
Attraction
Bogenfels Rock Arc
Bogenfels is a site located in the coastal Namib Desert of Namibia, renowned for its striking natural rock formations, including its namesake feature, which translates to “arch rock” in German. The centerpiece is a 55-meter high limestone arch situated near the Atlantic coastline. Due to its challenging terrain and location within the restricted diamond-mining area of Sperrgebiet, Bogenfels is not easily accessible. However, guided tours are available, offering visitors the opportunity to explore this natural wonder. The site is approximately 95 kilometers south of Lüderitz and 32 kilometers south of Pomona. The Bogenfels formation is a striking combination of hard dolomite and soft shale, shaped over millions of years by natural erosion.
Kolmanskop Ghost town
Kolmanskop is a ghost town located in the town that was named after Johnny Coleman, a transport driver who left his ox wagon on a small hill near the settlement during a sandstorm. Once a thriving and wealthy diamond mining village, Kolmanskop is now a popular tourist destination managed by Namdeb, a partnership between the Namibian government and De Beers.
How to Reach Sperrgebiet National Park
Sperrgebiet National Park, also known as the Tsau Khaeb National Park, is located in southwestern Namibia and is known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich biodiversity. However, accessing the park requires some planning due to its remote location and restricted status.
The park is near Lüderitz, a small coastal town in Namibia. This is the primary gateway to Sperrgebiet National Park. Lüderitz Airport (LUD) is the closest airport. Domestic flights from Windhoek (Namibia’s capital) are available, but schedules may be infrequent, so check in advance.
By Road- From Windhoek, you can drive to Lüderitz (approximately 700 km or 435 miles). The journey takes 8–10 hours, mostly on well-maintained tarred roads.
