A New Way to
EXPERIENCE SWAKOP
Y
ou think exploring Swakopmund on foot is fun? Think again, cause now you can do it cruising on a Segway during a fun and educational guided tour of the town.
Eco-Gliding Tours is not only a first for Swakop, but it is also Namibia’s first guided Segway tour company. The company opened its doors in July this year and is the brainchild of Kula Muatunga who started her business after graduating from the 12 week Future Females Business School program aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs. The business school is a partnership initiative of Basecamp, the startup incubation and innovation centre of the StartUp Namibia project. Kula wanted to share her passion for the popular coastal town with others, but in a uniquely enjoyable way. “I wanted to start a business for people to learn and fall in love with the beautiful town of Swakopmund while having fun – combining a historical sightseeing tour with something adventurous,” she explains. The tours are also eco-friendly. Kula is committed to sustainability as a core element of her business operations. After gearing up with protective equipment and a quick 15 minute course to help you get the hang of riding the futuristic, self-balancing Segway two-wheeler, you’re off on a sightseeing adventure. The tour lasts for 45 minutes and goes past all the famous and well-known landmarks and monuments of Swakop, including the jetty and old state house. Eco-Gliding Tours also operates its own souvenir shop, which sells products 100% made and sourced in Namibia. Kula describes the idea behind the shop as creating a space where an attractive array of locally-produced goods can be showcased. The shop is a little treasure trove that sells anything from marshmallows, biltong, necklaces, genuine leather products and bags to keyrings. For the not so distant future Kula has big plans to expand the shop into an outlet that sells everything Namibian, including roasted coffee, craft beer, art, books and clothing, and on top of that serves local cuisine. Eco-Gliding Tours are located at the tennis court parking lot next to Strand Hotel in Strand Street. For more info and bookings visit www.ecoglidingtours.com.na or phone +264 81 430 4371. Le Roux van Schalkwyk
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