Site of Original Dias Cross — Attraction in Karas

Traveling to this site reminds us of pioneering adventures taken by brave travelers from across the oceans into Worlds unknown. bartolomeu dias and the crew aboard along with a 4 ship Caravel erected the original rock monument carved out by bartolomeu dias on the cliffside which still exists to this day. This is a short drive from Luderitz center and is a must see. There are also options to tent, camp or park camper vans or camper vehicles on site. Other features are ghost buildings off to the west of the cross also just a short drive from the Diaz point. Also a coffee shop with alcohol sales which appreciates the business by passing travellers. And a few other weather beaten monuments including a bridge built to access the cross and old lighthouse buildings. The replica bartolomeu dias caravel ship can be found in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape built in 1988...

Diaz Cross/Point/Lighthouse National Monument was on my bucket list! However, you enter at your own risk! The historic 1911 wooden bridge to DIAS CROSS was destroyed by storms in 2014. A rock-mortar bridge has been designed. The steps and guard rails must also be renovated. Total cost is NS 4,5 million and the project is reliant on PUBLIC DONATIONS. The pedestrian bridge/crossing was completely destroyed! We did the climb over slippery wet rocks and the high steps on a VERY WINDY morning with success and was blessed with a beautiful view! Seals on our right/crashing waves/howling wind and the cross still bears his name. BARTOLOMEU...

A must-see in Luderitz. Come prepared for cold, windy weather and don't come at high tide or you will have a difficult time getting to the cross. The bridge is long-gone and you have to jump across the rocks and water to get to the area with the cross. I'd be wary of the "sheltered" camping sites here-- it's so darn windy I don't think it's possible to actually be sheltered from the wind anywhere other than your vehicle....