Abandoned Village in the African Desert -

Kolmanskop was established in the African nation of Namibia in 1908 by railway workman Zacharias Lewala after discovering a wealth of diamonds while the man was working the land. This led to a feverish rush by those in the know in an effort to get rich quick. At that point in time, the country was under strict German leadership. The town gets its name from the translation of “Coleman’s Hill”, after Johnny Coleman, who proceeded to leave his ox wagon perched atop a small hill while trying to dodge a sandstorm in the desert. However, following World War I, better deposits had been discovered elsewhere, leading to the town to jump ship and outright abandon their homes and lives. Despite no specific direct paranormal link, the dusty area does have an ominous ambience to it, making it a ghost town. The landscape is surrounded by nothing but sweeping sand dunes, and buildings and structures have become overgrown with the only natural resource found there. Visitors tend to feel a bit of unease and awe at the sheer magnitude of the place and its emptiness. You can feel just how remote it really is simply by travelling there.

Author

Dano Hibshman

Danny Hibshman is the driving force behind iSpook’s written content and the guiding voice of Paranormal Voices United. As Blog Editor, Dano oversees storytelling, article development, and the overall quality of iSpook’s growing paranormal media presence. His sharp attention to detail, passion for unexplained phenomena, and commitment to accurate reporting make him a key figure in shaping how the iSpook community learns, discovers, and engages with the supernatural.

At PVU, Danny leads the charge in building a connected network of investigators, writers, and enthusiasts who share one common goal—amplifying authentic paranormal experiences from around the world. Whether he’s crafting compelling articles, supporting new writers, or exploring unique leads, Danny ensures the truth of every story shines through.

Dedicated, insightful, and deeply involved in the paranormal field, Danny Hibshman helps give iSpook and PVU their voice—clear, bold, and driven by curiosity.