The Maiteko Cultural Group – Promoting our diverse cultural heritage
July 19, 2012Bird’s eye view – African openbill
July 19, 2012History, culture and natural surroundings of the capital
In 2008 tourism personalities, Tom Breckwoldt, Julia Araes and Werner Kotze started Toju’we Tours, offering interactive excursions in and around Windhoek. All partners are involved in other tourism enterprises in Namibia (Namibia Getaway, Unique Travel and Desert Logistics respectively) and saw a niche in the market.
Toju’we Safaris takes tourists and locals on a choice of township safaris, city safaris, sundowner safaris or hiking safaris. For the birding enthusiast, Toju’we arranges birding trips to the Avis and Goreangab dams. Future plans are to develop photographic excursions in the Windhoek area.
Their tours, says Julia, are ideal for those interested in the history, culture and natural surroundings of Windhoek. “This is an excellent way to spend your time while waiting for an onward flight or if you have a delay in your travel programme.” A combo safari, which offers three products in one, provides the perfect platform for those with limited time, but interested in exploring different aspects of the cultural diversity and history and then ending the day with a spectacular 360-degree view of the city of Windhoek.
On such a tour, Mandla, who conducts the tour, or one of the four sponsored students from City of Windhoek/NATH, will take guests past all the historical landmarks in and around Windhoek. Mandla shares stories on why Katutura should actually be called Matutura, who the real founder of Windhoek is, how Ausspanplatz, Hochlandpark, Wanaheda and other areas in Windhoek got their names, and why the Western Bypass acts as the Namibian version of the Berlin wall.
The township tour makes a stop in one of Katutura’s bustling markets, where guests can taste local delicacies such as kapana, mopane worms and the homebrew, oshikundu. Karolin, a traveller from Ger-many, who was one of the guests who enjoyed a customised three-in-one tour through Windhoek, commented, “It was a very informative excursion, in a friendly atmosphere, open car and safe environment. I had great fun, especially in the market in Katutura!”
“Our main aim is to keep visitors in Windhoek for a few days longer,” adds Tom. Tours can be customised to suit individual needs.
This article appeared in the April/May ‘09 edition of Travel News Namibia.
