Plizio Visual Lab
Pomona Ghost Town
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Weather…
Water temperature…
Pomona is one of the most fascinating ghost towns in Namibia and was once the center of the most productive diamond fields in the world at the beginning of the 20th century. Following the first discovery in 1908 by August Stauch, Pomona rapidly developed into a prosperous settlement with an extraordinary infrastructure for its time, including even a bowling alley and a modern hospital. Diamond extraction in Pomona was so bountiful that workers could at times literally pick up gemstones from the ground while crawling on their knees. Nevertheless, living conditions were extremely challenging due to severe sandstorms and total isolation within the Sperrgebiet, which did not deter residents from maintaining a luxurious lifestyle. In the 1930s, operations were ceased in favor of richer deposits further south near Oranjemund, and the town was surrendered to the desert. Today, the ruins of Pomona stand as a silent monument in the sand, with the dry air having remarkably well-preserved the wooden structures and furnishings. A visit requires an official permit due to its location within the diamond protection zone and is only possible as part of guided tours.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Lüderitz (84 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Pomona Ghost Town lies within the Sperrgebiet National Park and is only accessible on authorized guided tours. Entry without a guide is strictly prohibited, as the area is subject to safety and environmental regulations.
Typical hours
Tours typically take place on specific days and must be booked in advance. Departures are usually early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Photography
Photography is allowed during the tour, but not in all areas - the guide will advise. The abandoned buildings and stark desert landscape offer unique subjects.
Time needed
A guided tour of the ghost town typically lasts about two to three hours. Additionally, allow time for travel and security checks.
Combine with
Combining with nearby Lüderitz is recommended, which features colonial architecture and a diamond museum. Diaz Point and the Bogenfels rock formation are also worth seeing.
Getting there
Travel is usually by private vehicle or an organized shuttle from Lüderitz. The area is remote and requires good off-road capability.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as temperatures can be extreme. Wear sturdy footwear to safely navigate the uneven terrain.
Geography
Facts
- August Stauch discovered the first diamonds here in the year 1908.
- Over one million carats were extracted between 1912 and 1914.
- The town boasted the first official bowling alley in South West Africa.
- Diamond mining in Pomona officially ceased in the year 1931.
- The highest mountain in the Sperrgebiet is located nearby.
- Access is strictly regulated and requires specialized entry permits.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Pomona?
Access is only possible with a special permit, often via guided tours departing from Lüderitz.
Is photography allowed in Pomona?
Yes, photographing the ruins is allowed and popular for capturing the ghost town atmosphere.
How long does a visit to Pomona take?
Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to explore the ghost town site.
Is Pomona suitable for children?
It can be interesting for older children, but caution is needed due to uneven paths and ruins.
Are there sanitary facilities on site?
No, there are no sanitary facilities in the ghost town; plan accordingly.
Pomona Ghost Town: where is it located?
Pomona Ghost Town is located in Namibia.
Pomona Ghost Town: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Pomona Ghost Town: why is it worth visiting?
Pomona is one of the most fascinating ghost towns in Namibia and was once the center of the most productive diamond fields in the world at the beginning of the 20th century.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Namibia →
Nearby cities
Keetmanshoop
The largest settlement and administrative capital of southern Namibia's Karas Region.
Lüderitz
An isolated coastal town built on rocks, renowned for its rich diamond mining heritage and Art Nouveau buildings.
Bethanie
One of the oldest documented settlements in the country, rich in pre-colonial and mission history.
Oranjemund
A town situated at the mouth of the Orange River, historically managed as a private diamond mining enclave.
Warmbad
An ancient settlement in the extreme south, centered around soothing natural thermal springs.
Rosh Pinah
A corporate mining town sustained entirely by the extraction of zinc and lead.
Karasburg
The main administrative center for the deep south, crucial for the regional karakul sheep farming industry.
Aussenkehr
An immense agricultural project on the riverbanks, known as one of the largest grape exporters in the southern hemisphere.
Noordoewer
The primary border post connecting Namibia with South Africa along the majestic Orange River.
Aroab
A quiet outpost nestled on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, functioning as a border crossing point.
Koës
A small settlement characterized by extensive dry pans that sometimes host off-road racing events.
Aus
A tiny village nestled in rocky hills where the arid interior plateau gives way to the harsh Namib Desert.
Ai-Ais
A thermal spring resort at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon, famous for its therapeutic sulfurous waters.
History & landmarks
Goerke House
An elegant villa on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, built in 1910 for mining inspector Hans Goerke, reflecting the wealth of the diamond boom.
Felsenkirche Lüderitz
An impressive Neo-Gothic Lutheran church perched high on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, overlooking the town.
Kapps Hotel Building
One of the oldest surviving buildings in Lüderitz, which once served as an important social gathering place during the first diamond boom.
Diaz Point Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse near Lüderitz, warning sailors of the rugged, windswept coastline, near the spot where Bartolomeu Dias erected a st…
Fish River Canyon
The largest canyon in Africa, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging hiking trails.
Nature
More places
Bogenfels Diamond Mine
A historic and specialized diamond mining area on the spectacular coast of the Namib Desert.
Bogenfels Diamond Settlement
Ruins of a former diamond mining town near the famous Bogenfels, a spectacular rock arch in the South Atlantic.
Elizabeth Bay Mine
A coastal diamond mine near Lüderitz, known for its stormy environment.
Tsau //Khaeb
An area with desert and mountain landscapes.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
An abandoned diamond mining ghost town in the Namib Desert, with houses gradually being swallowed by sand.
Apollo 11 Cave
An archaeological site in southern Namibia containing some of the oldest mobile art pieces on the African continent.
Lüderitz Colonial History
A port town with fascinating architecture for kids.
Felsenkirche
A striking neo-Gothic Evangelical Lutheran church perched on a rocky plateau above the town of Lüderitz.