Just a few kilometers from the centre of Swakopmund another
world appears. Bearing the picturesque name of Mondesa, this side of town is
more African, more complex and, with Charlotte Shigwedha as your guide, much
more personal. Charlotte grew up in Mondesa. She knows its character,
its characters and its history. With a wonderful combination of laughter and
information, she shares Mondesa with a wider audience, an audience of tourists
keen to experience Namibia through the eyes of Namibia’s different ethnic
groups. Mondesa Township Tours provides a well-organised tour that reflects
the history of Mondesa as well as Charlotte’s pride in her hometown. Mondesa
was established in the early 1950's to provide housing for blacks working in
Swakopmund. Charlotte designed the tour as a part of living history, moving
from the Owambo areas to those inhabited by Damara and Herero. At each stop a
bit of culture, a bit of history and a great deal of laughter are shared.
Each customized tour lasts 2-3 hours with the aim of
immersing visitors in township life and introducing people to our customs and
traditions. You will be picked up from your establishment or place of
accommodation by a Minibus taxi, driven by one of Charlotte's friends. African
music sets the pace for the journey. First up is a drive through Mondesa with
Charlotte explaining some of its background and history on Mondesa and its
people.
