Township tours - the other africa
Namibia has the highest Gini coefficient percentage in the world, 74,3 percent, which gives an indication of the vast income disparity among the population.
The capital city of Windhoek offers the traveller a close up glimpse of two worlds within the same city limits. On the one side, some of the country's richest people live in Windhoek and just a few kilometres away, some of the country's poorest reside.
No visit to Windhoek is complete without a tour to the Katutura neighbourhood where the reality of the Gini coefficient becomes visible.
Katutura, translated as "the place where we don't belong" got its name because of the forced resettlement of residents in this area. The neighbourhood was born in the early days of the long struggle for liberation. The Old Location cemetery in Pioneerspark in Windhoek is an important tourist destination, as it pays homage to those who died when the inhabitants were forcibly evicted and moved to Katutura in 1959.
But Katutura is not all doom and gloom and the spirit of the residents lends a unique African flavour to the capital city. This unique experience will be missed if a visitor sticks to the main roads and the city centre.
Exploration of this intriguing neighbourhood and seeing it through the eyes of local residents can be done by walking in the company of a guide who understands its history and current events that shape Katutura in the 21st century. Many accredited day-tour operators offer township tours where tourists can visit places such as the informal markets and settlements, as well as a local shebeen. A visit to the Katutura Community Arts Centre (KCAC) is sure to inspire.
The City Council of Windhoek offers these tours. They usually start from the Tourism Information Centre in Independence Avenue in the city centre, leaving at 09h00 and 14h00; they last for two to three hours. Visitors can also make arrangements to be picked up from their hotels and to be dropped off afterwards at any point in the city. It is advisable to book at least one day in advance.
Remember to take a hat to protect you against the scorching Namibian sun, as well as bottled water and your camera to capture memorable moments. Generally, people are not offended by tourists taking pictures, but it is always better to ask for permission.
Several private tour operators also offer tours to Katutura.
Orupuka Transfers & Tours depart from the city centre towards the different prominent landmarks in the city and township. While driving the guide will tell you more about the history of the city and provide a contrast between the lifestyles of Namibian people before independence and after. During the tour the bus will stop at the old location where the uprising between the locals of Namibia and the South African regime started. Here you'll explore some of the historical graves, after which the tour proceeds to Katutura passing by the settlements on the way. The tour also visits some prominent stops in Katutura like the famous Single Quarters market, Women community projects and children's crèche's. Orupuka promises "a sparkling experience" as well as "a number of breathtaking cuisines" to its visitors.
Other companies that offer township tours include: Camelthorn Tours & Transfers; Paradise Transfers & Tours; Wanderzone Tours; Gourmet Tours; Otweya Tours; Katutura Face to Face Tours; Easy Travel Ways and Be Local.
By Estelle de Bruyn
The capital city of Windhoek offers the traveller a close up glimpse of two worlds within the same city limits. On the one side, some of the country's richest people live in Windhoek and just a few kilometres away, some of the country's poorest reside.
No visit to Windhoek is complete without a tour to the Katutura neighbourhood where the reality of the Gini coefficient becomes visible.
Katutura, translated as "the place where we don't belong" got its name because of the forced resettlement of residents in this area. The neighbourhood was born in the early days of the long struggle for liberation. The Old Location cemetery in Pioneerspark in Windhoek is an important tourist destination, as it pays homage to those who died when the inhabitants were forcibly evicted and moved to Katutura in 1959.
But Katutura is not all doom and gloom and the spirit of the residents lends a unique African flavour to the capital city. This unique experience will be missed if a visitor sticks to the main roads and the city centre.
Exploration of this intriguing neighbourhood and seeing it through the eyes of local residents can be done by walking in the company of a guide who understands its history and current events that shape Katutura in the 21st century. Many accredited day-tour operators offer township tours where tourists can visit places such as the informal markets and settlements, as well as a local shebeen. A visit to the Katutura Community Arts Centre (KCAC) is sure to inspire.
The City Council of Windhoek offers these tours. They usually start from the Tourism Information Centre in Independence Avenue in the city centre, leaving at 09h00 and 14h00; they last for two to three hours. Visitors can also make arrangements to be picked up from their hotels and to be dropped off afterwards at any point in the city. It is advisable to book at least one day in advance.
Remember to take a hat to protect you against the scorching Namibian sun, as well as bottled water and your camera to capture memorable moments. Generally, people are not offended by tourists taking pictures, but it is always better to ask for permission.
Several private tour operators also offer tours to Katutura.
Orupuka Transfers & Tours depart from the city centre towards the different prominent landmarks in the city and township. While driving the guide will tell you more about the history of the city and provide a contrast between the lifestyles of Namibian people before independence and after. During the tour the bus will stop at the old location where the uprising between the locals of Namibia and the South African regime started. Here you'll explore some of the historical graves, after which the tour proceeds to Katutura passing by the settlements on the way. The tour also visits some prominent stops in Katutura like the famous Single Quarters market, Women community projects and children's crèche's. Orupuka promises "a sparkling experience" as well as "a number of breathtaking cuisines" to its visitors.
Other companies that offer township tours include: Camelthorn Tours & Transfers; Paradise Transfers & Tours; Wanderzone Tours; Gourmet Tours; Otweya Tours; Katutura Face to Face Tours; Easy Travel Ways and Be Local.
By Estelle de Bruyn
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