The Himba Experience

Known as the last true nomadic tribe of Namibia, the Himba has a unique and wonderful culture. The Himba, who currently number between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals, have been plagued by severe droughts, guerrilla warfare (during Namibian independence and the Angolan civil war) and the German forces that decimated other groups in Namibia. Despite Himba life nearly coming to a close in the 1980s, they have persevered and their people, culture and tradition remain.

Himba women are known for their unusual sculptured beauty, enhanced by their complex hairstyles and traditional beautifications. In the Himba culture a sign of wealth is the cattle you had owned during your lifetime, represented by the horns on your grave. The cattle are therefore kept as a sign of wealth, whereas the sheep and goats are bred for food. Only occasionally are the livestock sold for cash.

We will spend a couple of hours learning about their history, culture and get an insight into their daily lives.