*As seen in The Logbook. January 2019.
There is more to see in Africa than just wildlife. On this continent you can find some of the oldest cultures in the world and there is a growing number of tours dedicated to sharing these experiences with international travellers. Nande Junias Explorer Tours was founded by Nanda Junias in 2015. Having grown up in the township of Mondesa in Swakopmund, Namibia, he studied travel and tourism at a university level and turned his experience towards rejuvenating and expanding the tourism industry in his local area.
“I began my Township Tours fifteen years ago while I was still in school,” he says, “It came naturally because I love sharing my culture and community to my clients.”
And Nande also believes in giving back to his community. Not only does his tours bring in valuable revenue for Mondesa, he employs ten staff members who live locally and donates 25% of revenue to such projects as the Mondesa School Project Foundation.
THE TOURS.
There are many different tours available on the programme. These include cycle tours, community braais (barbecues), sundowners and even private safaris. The length of each one depends on which tour you want to partake in, but mostly they last for 3 to 4 hours. There are morning and afternoon tours and they operate 7 days a week.
It is an extraordinary opportunity to gain an in-depth exploration into the Township of Mondesa and Swakopmund. Guests learn about the different tribes and cultures of Namibia from the Ovambo, Damara Herero to the Ovahimba People.
AWARDS
Nande Junias Explorer Tours were finalists for the 2018 African Responsible Tourism Awards and was selected as the best Responsible Cultural Experience in Africa. The selection was held in Johannesburg on 9th April by a panel of nine expert judges who shortlisted nine organisations from across Africa who conducted their businesses in such a way that preserved, respected and benefitted destinations and local people. To be even shortlisted out of the thousands of tourism businesses in Africa is a testament to the strong business ethics of all those included.
2019
For 2019 Nande has several upcoming projects to focus on. The first one is to help open a library at a local school in Nande’s community, which will benefit the kids as they currently don’t have a library at school. The second project is to open a yoga class and venue in the township which is under construction. Thirdly, an ongoing effort to use profits made from the tours to purchase school uniforms for the children who don’t have any.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
These are active tours so bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing and water.
Check any medication you may need is up-to-date
Be prepared for a great time learning about new cultures and peoples.
TELEPHONE NUMBER:+264 812134443 +264810456310
EMAIL: nandejexplorertours@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.nandejexplorertours.com
Rates :
Township Historical Cultural Tour N$500 pp
Cycling Township Historical Cultural Tour N$550 pp
Township Church Visit (Sundays only), pick up 8h45 with traditional lunch included N$400 pp
Township Home Cooking Experience with local family N$700 pp
Tours to cape cross / Walwitschia and Moonlandscape Day Tours N$800 pp
Sand Boarding N$500 pp
Private safari guide/Driver N$1500 pday
Dune7 and Flamingos Walvisbay and Topnaar Day Tours N$700 pp
Sundowner Tour N$800 pp
Township Braai BBQ Dinners N$800 pp
3 Day Private Namibia Sossusvlei Camping Tour N$8000 pp
4 Day Private Namibia Etosha Safari Lodging Tours N$15000 pp
Shuttle services-airport N$400 pp
