Camping at Shark Island Resort, Lüderitz, Namibia
Budget Camping in the Coastal Town of Lüderitz, Africa
Jun 17, 2009
Lüderitz is a coastal town in Southern Namibia, Africa and although not on any tourist route, the town attracts thousands of visitors every year. Being the starting point for most tours through the Namib Desert, many tourists flock to the small town and spend a few days exploring the various sights and historical landmarks before departing on the off-road desert adventure.
Accommodation in Lüderitz is plentiful with various hotels, guesthouses and camping grounds. The most famous and budget friendly campground is the one at Shark Island Resort.
Directions to Shark Island Resort
Visitors can reach Shark Island Resort by driving straight through Luderitz until the road ends in the harbor grounds. Turning left at the junction and following the road past the industrial area, tourists will reach a boom operated by a municipal worker at the entrance to the resort.
Campsites at Shark Island Resort
Due the wind blowing at most days of the year, the campsites are built in layers with a stone wall protecting the campsites from the ocean breeze. Even with these wind-breaking rock walls, the wind can cause problems throughout the year and campers should take precautions to anchor the tents properly. If a view over the ocean is not a pre-requisite for the stay at the resort, campers should select a campsite on the harbor side (right side upon entering the resort) of the camping ground and add additional shelter against the wind blowing in from the ocean.
Campsites are spacious and level, but the ground is heavily compacted making it difficult to get the tent pegs into the ground. It is imperative for tourists to take sturdy tent pegs and a suitable hammer in order to secure the tents properly.
Each campsite has access to a 220V power point providing electricity 24 hours a day. A built-in brick fireplace provides a place to barbeque and taps are provided at regular intervals. Each campsite has access to a dustbin with a heavy lid.
One big ablution facility provides showers, toilets and baths to the campers. The facilities are old, but spotlessly clean and are serviced daily. A washing-up facility for doing dishes as well as a laundry is provided for inside the building.
As the campground is large, additional small ablution facilities are spaced between the campsites.
Although crime is not rife in the town of Lüderitz, campers must take note that day visitors are allowed on the resort and campers must make provision for the security of their campsite while they explore the town and surroundings. There is a security guard patrolling the grounds 24 hours a day to assist in keeping the campground safe.
Monuments, Harbor and Sights from Shark Island Resort
Shark Island Resort was the site of a concentration camp during 1905 to 1907 and harbored Nama and Herero prisoners. Several monuments on the resort close to the main ablution building attest to this troubling time in the resort's history.
The resort encloses the harbor of Lüderitz and campers will see fishing vessels entering and exiting the harbor at various times during the day and night. The colorful boats in the Lüderitz harbor also provide excellent photographic opportunities to enthusiasts. A shopping center on the harbor front provides excellent restaurants and curio shops for tourists to explore.
When camping on the ocean-facing side of the campground, campers will be treated to a truly magnificent African sunset over the ocean. During the summer months, the setting sun can cause some discomfort, adding to the already high temperatures, which sometimes reign due to the town being surrounded by desert.
Visitors may also explore the rocky shores and look at the lighthouse on Shark Island Resort or angle for sea fish from the rocks.
Essential Information for Campers at Shark Island Resort
Lüderitz is a small town with old world values. When arriving on a Sunday, only a few cafes will be open. There is no butchery, but meat may be bought at the local Spar. Tourists should beware of the petty thieves loitering around this busy shop and take precautions to safeguard their possessions.
The weather at Lüderitz can vary greatly during any time of the year and campers would do well to provide for all seasons when packing clothing for their stay.
During the tourist season, April to September, bookings are essential before arriving at the resort. Although there are quite a large number of campsites, the town is gaining in popularity and visitors may find themselves stranded without a proper booking.
Whatever the time of the year, camping at Shark Island Resort offers budget accommodation to tourists in an old world coastal town surrounded by desert landscape.
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