| COASTAL STRIP |
Just a few kilometres from the centre of Swakopmund is Mondesa, the township established in the early 1950s to provide housing for blacks working in Swakopmund. For tourists keen to experience Namibia through the eyes of the different ethnic groups of the country, there are a number of companies that provide well-organised excursions into the township. Moving from the Owambo areas to those inhabited by Damara and Herero people, such tours portray a living history. Stops include Mondesa’s thriving market, the so-called DRC (Democratic Resettlement Community), and a shebeen where guests are invited for a meal.
PAUL VAN SCHALKWYK
Cultural township tours
The /Hai Hab Cultural Village near the Mondesa Police Station is another place where visitors can learn more about a forgotten ruralrooted lifestyle. Brainchild of local resident Isak ≠Naweseb (+264 81 310 9977), the village consists of a traditional African restaurant that serves local Namibian dishes such as mopane worms, wild spinach, pap, mahangu, kapana and ash-bread. For an after-dinner experience, visitors can gather around a campfire to listen to traditional stories, poems and songs. There is also a Haire Oms ancestral hut in which visitors can learn and purchase traditional medicines, while another room opens into a small curio shop.
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Strand Hotel Swakopmund Tel Reservations (+264 64) 411 4308 Email: reservations@ol.na Web: www.ol-leisure.com
With its extensive and entertaining Restaurants, Bars, Lounges, Deli, sea facing Terraces and Conference & Banqueting Centre the Strand Hotel is destined to become the social epicenter of Swakopmund, Namibia. Uniquely located on the iconic and historic Swakopmund Mole and surrounded on three sides by the Southern Atlantic Ocean its 125 Rooms and Suites will offer the finest uninterrupted sea views available anywhere in this quaint historic town. The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is not simply being built but is rather being “sculptured” to be more than just a Hotel. It promises to be an integral part of the town’s historical centre and a beachfront entertainment destination in itself hosting both visitors and locals. 3
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Hotel Zum Kaiser Taleni Africa Reservations: Tel (+27 21) 930 4564, Fax (+27 21) 914 9930 Tel (+264 64) 41 7100 (for last minute reservations only) Email: reservations@hotelzumkaiser.com, Web: www.hotelzumkaiser.com Location 4 Sam Nujoma Avenue, Swakopmund
Perfectly positioned on Sam Nujoma Avenue in the picturesque Swakopmund, the luxurious Hotel Zum Kaiser offers direct access to the beach and the town’s vibrant street life, quaint architecture, shopping and fine dining. This exclusive hotel houses 21 fully air-conditioned bedrooms, each featuring a full en-suite bathroom, television, coffee-and tea making facilities, bar fridge, electronic safe and wireless internet. Uniquely combining modern furnishings with a touch of classic elegance dating from imperial times, the Hotel Zum Kaiser creates a truly authentic and intimate ambiance. Enjoy delectable cuisine at the on-site Bistro Zum Kaiser and sip sun-downers whilst experiencing the spectacular sunsets over the Atlantic from the hotel’s idyllic Roof Terrace. The Hotel Zum Kaiser is fully equipped and offers the ideal setting for conferences, banqueting and celebrations. Exciting activities in the area can be booked directly at reception. 21
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