E-Bay Diamond History Excursion
Elizabeth Bay: The Shadow in the Sand
While Kolmanskop captures the headlines, Elizabeth Bay hides the secrets. If Kolmanskop is a museum of the past, E-Bay is a raw masterclass in urban exploration. Here, the ruins feel visceral; the decrepit buildings and rusted machinery stand as skeletal witnesses to a history fueled by ambition and greed.
Born in a flurry of activity between 1920 and 1926, E-Bay was a feat of sheer will. Every brick, beam, and engine was hauled across the desert by rail from Lüderitz to support a global force of German engineers and local laborers. For a brief, glittering moment, the earth gave up 1.25 million carats of diamonds—until the Great Depression brought the world to its knees. By 1940, the town was a ghost. Today, the wind whistles through a graveyard of industry that has seen mining life flicker on and off for decades, now entering a new chapter under modern ownership.
Elizabeth Bay: Diamonds, Desolation & The Brown Hyena
A Study in Contrasts
Step into a world of dramatic dichotomies. Our guided half-day expedition to Elizabeth Bay (E-Bay) offers a raw, unfiltered look at the early diamond years. Experience the striking divide between the lives of the elite and the local workers, set against a backdrop of industrial ambition and a relentless desert.
Your Journey into the Restricted Zone
We begin with a personal pickup from your accommodation at 08h45 or 13h45. After a brief orientation, we travel 12km to the Namdeb control point at Kolmanskop. Once cleared for entry into the restricted southern territory, we traverse the 26km stretch to Elizabeth Bay. Along the way, we trace the path of the historic railway system and discuss the staggering logistical feats required to bring electricity and life-giving water to this arid frontier.
The Ruins of E-Bay
Upon arrival, we immerse ourselves in the skeletal remains of a once-thriving town:
The Separation Plant: Wander through the massive industrial heart of the mine.
The Social Hub: Visit the ruins of the grand entertainment hall and casino, where the elite once toasted to their fortunes while overlooking the Atlantic.
The Human Element: Contrast the rows of specialized miner housing with the cramped, overcrowded quarters of the local laborers—a sobering look at the social structures of the time.
Nature’s Silent Sentinels
Elizabeth Bay isn't just a graveyard of industry; it is a sanctuary for the Brown Hyena. These elusive, "ghost-like" carnivores are one of Namibia’s most fascinating species. As we explore, we keep a keen eye on the horizon. Our guides will share expert insights into their complex social structures and how they survive in this beautiful, bleak environment.
Reflect and Reminisce
Stand on the shoreline to view the south-facing bay and the distant silhouette of Possession Island, a landmark crucial to the early days of both diamond mining and guano harvesting. Guests are encouraged to explore the village ruins on foot—perfect for capturing hauntingly beautiful photography or simply soaking in the silence of the past.
We’ll pause for coffee, tea, and snacks at the Mine Manager’s House, where you can browse static informational displays that bring the history of the site to life.
The Return Trace
As we head back to Lüderitz, we bridge the gap between history and the present, discussing the challenges and triumphs of modern diamond mining in Namibia today.
Expedition Logistics
Morning Tour: 08h45 – 13h00
Afternoon Tour: 13h45 – 18h00
Capacity: We host up to 32 guests per departure. For high-demand days, we offer staggered departures leaving within one hour of each other.
Included: Pickup/drop-off, guided tour, and light refreshments.
Gallery
Rates
Adults: N$3,630 per person
Children up to 12 years: N$2,640 per person
Minimum of 2 persons.
Rates are valid from 1st January to 31st December 2026.
Terms and Conditions apply.
We specifically also cater for vegetarians 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.
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