One of the world's diamond mining centres and now a ghost town | 🌍 WANDERLUST | Travel Guide

One of the world's diamond mining centres and now a ghost town, Kolmanskop was built in the Namib Desert in the early 20th century. During its heyday more than a thousand people lived there, but soon the stock of gemstones dried up, and due to strong winds and a lack of drinking water, the town was abandoned by all its inhabitants.

The location of the gems was found completely by accident. A local labourer named Zaherias Levala was clearing the railway tracks of sand when he saw several stones shining in the dim light. Levala's German employer immediately realised what the stones were. However, Zaherias never received any reward for his find.

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