Go Local: The 'Real' Namibia
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Travel along the coastal road to Mondesa Township in Swakopmund. Mondesa was established in the early 1950s to provide housing for the Owambo, Damara and Herero people working in Swakopmund. Just a couple of miles from the center of Swakopmund, another world appears. This side of town is more African, more complex and, with the assistance of your specialist guide, will become much more personal. In a township of poverty, unemployment and low-income families, employment opportunities and international relationships between the Mondesa Township community and travelers provide opportunities for growth, friendship, support and understanding between the cultures. This in-depth experince aims to immerse you in township life. All interaction with the community is carried out in a non-intrusive manner, respecting the inhabitants' privacy at all times. You'll first learn some history, bridging the cultural gap through understanding; then, see a demonstration of mahango preparation, taste some unusual local food and enjoy local entertainment.
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility challenges.
Guests are advised to leave their valuables on board the ship. Sun block, hats and comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour may be rotated in order to avoid congestion at the venues & sites visited. A portion of each visitor fee is deposited into a community fund.
Minivans of varying sizes are used for transportation. Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably. Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and are of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur on a regular basis. The vehicles are specially built for durability and stepping up into them is higher than a standard coach. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Namibia and, in order to support the local community, the tour operator uses local guides. Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Travel along the coastal road to Mondesa Township in Swakopmund. Mondesa was established in the early 1950s to provide housing for the Owambo, Damara and Herero people working in Swakopmund. Just a couple of miles from the center of Swakopmund, another world appears. This side of town is more African, more complex and, with the assistance of your specialist guide, will become much more personal. In a township of poverty, unemployment and low-income families, employment opportunities and international relationships between the Mondesa Township community and travelers provide opportunities for growth, friendship, support and understanding between the cultures. This in-depth experince aims to immerse you in township life. All interaction with the community is carried out in a non-intrusive manner, respecting the inhabitants' privacy at all times. You'll first learn some history, bridging the cultural gap through understanding; then, see a demonstration of mahango preparation, taste some unusual local food and enjoy local entertainment.
Schedule
Special Notes
This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility challenges.
Guests are advised to leave their valuables on board the ship. Sun block, hats and comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour may be rotated in order to avoid congestion at the venues & sites visited. A portion of each visitor fee is deposited into a community fund.
Minivans of varying sizes are used for transportation. Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably. Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and are of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur on a regular basis. The vehicles are specially built for durability and stepping up into them is higher than a standard coach. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Namibia and, in order to support the local community, the tour operator uses local guides. Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.