The Krabbenhöft & Lampe main building is over 100 years old and one of Namibia’s National Heritage Monuments! Overlooking the historic town of Luderitz from the top of the main street, it is a very short walk to supermarkets, tourist information, restaurants, curio shops, coffee shops and famous landmarks. Once built a trade house and residence for Namibia’s very first registered PTY and accordingly comprised shop space, storage and lodging.
Today after all its years of service and many alterations, the building still functions for the same purposes in various ways and has kept it's t's historic charm over the past 100 years. It is in this extraordinary setting that we provide accommodation which offers the unique atmosphere of an antique house with many hints and tell-tale signs of history which have accumulated over its time.
While the ground floor is still used for trading and storage, the first and second floors offer three spacious self-catering apartments containing wooden floors, high ceilings, antique wooden window and door frames and a still present history in many aspects. Please note: there are no lifts, only wooden stairs and all three apartments are on upper levels!
Small renovations are required in a variety of spaces and are carefully carried out on a continuous basis. Nothing is perfect; it's OLD and in case you expect a modern guesthouse, you will be disappointed. But if you love old wooden floors, high ceilings, wooden door and window frames as much as we do, this will be the place for you!
We have three spacious Apartments available:
“Lampe Apartment“ which sleeps 4 - 6 guests,
“Oberdeck Apartment“ which sleeps 8 - 12 guest and
“Frieda Apartment“ which sleeps 1 - 4 guests.
All three apartments are fully equipped for self-catering purposes, each with kitchen facilities, bathrooms and a lounge with DSTV (Hotel Bouquet), but the Diaz Coffee Shop, the Oyster& Winebar and Restaurant (open from 8 am until 10 pm every day) is just next door in case you prefer not to prefer meals yourself.
Our accommodation however is certainly not comparable to the luxury of most modern guesthouses. Present without most luxuries offered elsewhere, it is homely, antique and special. It will welcome guests who have a love and respect for such things, but it may disappoint when expectations compare to modern luxurious standards.
We try our best to keep everything clean, but when the wind blows - as it does a lot in Luderitz - there will be dust. There will be some sand in the windows and all kinds of things blowing through the yards. In accord the roof and building structure will express their age and tell tales with a variety of homely noises.
Our establishment is NOT a hotel; there is no permanent reception desk, no porter to carry your bags. Virginia and her team will however give their best to keep things clean, tidy and make you feel home. Since they are also responsible for another establishment just down the road, they might not always be on-site, but are always reachable by telephone.
Also on the premises you can find a car rental, Namibia's only cigar shop and a curio shop. Very basic shared barbecue/braai facilities, free WiFi and free parking are also available, we can organise Airport Shuttles on request. Are you on a special vacation, your honeymoon, a birthday trip or an anniversary? Talk to us, we will help to make your get away even more special!
Lüderitz itself is a interesting little town and the perfect place to relax. It is in the "middle of nowhere", 125 km away from the next village. It's surrounding is a very rough and unique landscape, lonely beaches with tough flora and wildlife. Enjoy a trip to the beautiful beaches, lagoons and fjords in your car and stand the famous strong Lüderitz' wind, take a stroll through town and visit different landmarks such as the Felsenkirche (church on a rock). Also a visit to the ghost town of Kolmanskop, a dolphin and penguin boat tour or a visit to Elizabeth Bay are great and unforgettable things to do in Luderitz!
Before travelling to Lüderitz, pause for a moment to study the country map and how the town is sandwiched between the barren Namib Desert and the windswept South Atlantic coast. As if Lüderitz’ unique geographical setting wasn’t impressive enough, its surreal German art nouveau architecture will seal the deal. A colonial relic scarcely touched by the 21st century, Lüderitz recalls a Bavarian dorfchen (small village), with churches, bakeries and cafes. Lüderitz feels stuck in a time warp, a perception that delivers both gloom and a certain charm. In short, it’s one of the most incongruous places in Africa. lonely planet
Our establishment is not in a position to accept any liability, including due to any losses on account of any criminal incidents. By booking with us you hereby accept all liability and indemnify the establishment with respect to all such potential losses.
Directions to the Krabbenhöft & Lampe Building (25 Bismarck Street, Luderitz): When driving into town, keep following the main road (B4 / Bay Road) past the ENGEN service station and uphill through the S-Bend. At the top of the hill you will see a church on the left hand side and the police station on the right. Turn LEFT at this intersection (into Lessing Str), drive over the small railway bridge and straight at the 4-way stop into the yard. Our staff should be there to welcome you. In the rare case they are not on site, please ask at the Diaz Coffee Shop to contact them and let them know that you have arrived. Have a safe trip and enjoy your time in Lüderitz!
