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Aus & Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop was founded in 1908 when diamonds were discovered there, but after the diamond rush ended, all the fortune seekers abandoned the village. Now, it’s a stunningly desolate spot in the desert—a true treat for the eye and the camera!

The City of Fortune

The town was all about luxury: everything was built to accommodate and entertain the diamond seekers. Villas, hotels, a bowling alley, a theatre, a casino... The fortune hunters arrived by train—the first railway in Africa was laid here. The town, once a bustling hub, was abandoned after just ten years when more beautiful diamonds were discovered elsewhere.

Greedy and ever-optimistic, the people of Kolmanskop left everything behind, and by 1954, not a living soul remained. The wind has since blown desert sand into the grim ghost houses, and the only sound you’ll hear is the creaking of doors in the wind. A sandy yet extraordinary ghost town!

Treat for the eyes and the camera

A spooky little town, that Kolmanskop, but it makes for insanely cool photos! This spot is perfect for a stunning Instagram shot. Your followers will be blown away by the quirky places you visit. This ghost town can only be visited in the morning.

However, if you apply for a special photographer’s permit, you can snap away and pose from sunrise to sunset. Don’t forget your cleaning cloths for the sand between your camera lenses… and your bum! An hourglass has never been as cool as the Kolmanskop Hourglass—because time is running out! Eventually, this ghost town will be completely swallowed by the sand, leaving little behind...

Where three different types of flora and fauna come together

An hour’s drive from Kolmanskop lies Aus, a place where three different ecosystems from three distinct regions converge: the Karoo, the Desert, and the Nama Karoo. This unique combination allows over 500 plant species to thrive here, transforming the edge of the Namib Desert into a floral wonderland.

The best chance to witness this floral carpet is during our summer, although it's hard to predict as it depends on the rainfall. These flower fields are comparable to those in the Northern Cape. Curious about these spots? Check out the 4×4 Road Trip in the Northern Cape page.

In addition to its rich flora and fauna, this area is also known for its wild desert horses. These horses haven’t actually been here for that long—they've been roaming the area for just a few generations. The nights in this region can get extremely cold, making their survival a mystery to many. One thing is certain: they have adapted remarkably well to their environment.

Unique & Authentic Experiences

Come with us to the authentic sides of Africa. That means authentic connections with local people and keeping a curious eye for the unknown.

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Uganda

Tarzan jungles, green cityscapes and mountain gorillas

From gorilla trekking to a motorbike ride past temples and mosques in green Kampala. Uganda has been crowned the Pearl of Africa for a reason. Ready to discover it for yourself?

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Botswana

Salt pans, mokoro boat trips and endless savannahs

Safari paradise with a slightly more luxurious edge. Explore the Okovango Delta in a boat made of a hollowed-out tree trunk, spot the big five from the air (!) and come face to face with rhinos.

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1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We’ll tailor the entire trip to your preferences. Along the way, you can always count on us, even in the middle of the night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

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