The Himba People

The Himba are one of the last semi-nomadic pastoral peoples of Africa, living in the remote, arid Kaokoland of northwestern Namibia, where they have largely maintained their traditional way of life. They are instantly recognisable for the otjize, a paste of red ochre and butterfat with which the women cover their skin and intricately braided hair, giving them a distinctive red glow, and for their cattle-herding culture, jewellery and customs, offering a rare and fascinating window into an enduring traditional society.

What to look for

• The Himba women - the red-ochred skin and braided hair.
• The traditional villages - the homesteads and cattle-herding life.
• The crafts and jewellery - the traditional adornments and customs.
• The Kaokoland - the remote, arid landscape they inhabit.

When to go

May to October, the cooler dry season, for the most comfortable travel in the remote northwest; visits to Himba communities are arranged with respectful local guides, ideally through community-based tourism that benefits the people directly.

Good to know

Village visits raise real ethical questions and vary from genuine, respectful, community-benefiting encounters to exploitative photo-stops where people are treated as a spectacle, so choose a responsible, community-based operator, always ask before photographing, and pay fairly. The Himba are a living people facing modern pressures on their land and traditions, not a museum exhibit, and deserve to be met with genuine respect.

Nearby

The town of Opuwo, the Epupa Falls and the Kaokoland are the region.