Ultimate Guide for Visiting the Himba Tribe in Namibia
The Himba are an indigenous group from the Kunene Region of southern Angola and northern Namibia. They are closely related to the Herero and are believed to have moved from Angola in the 1500s.
Their history shows how they have adapted over time, stayed strong, and kept their traditional way of life. They live a semi-nomadic lifestyle that depends on livestock and a deep connection to their land and culture.
The Himba come from the Herero people who moved to Namibia from Angola around the mid-1500s. They first settled in Kaokoland, which is now known as the Kunene Region.
A major change happened in the late 1800s when they separated from the Herero. A cattle disease forced them to find new ways to live, which helped form a unique Himba identity.
The Himba have faced many hard times, such as the cattle disease and the German colonial genocide in the early 1900s. Despite this, they have managed to keep their culture and way of life. In the 1980s, they also stood up to protect their ancestral lands from a planned hydroelectric dam.
Their culture and economy are based on livestock, especially cattle, which are important for both food and social status. The Himba move from place to place to find water and grass for their animals.
The Himba are well known for using a red ochre body paint called otjize and for their special hairstyles. These are a big part of their identity and beauty. They respect their ancestors and worship a god named Mukuru, along with the spirits of their clan.
Each Himba person belongs to two clans: the father’s clan (oruzo) and the mother’s clan (eanda). Family duties and inheritance usually follow the mother’s side.
The Himba are proud of their traditions, but they also face challenges from modern life. They are trying to protect their culture while also dealing with the outside world when necessary.
Why Visit the Himba People in Namibia
Visiting the Himba in Namibia gives a special cultural experience and a chance to learn about one of Africa’s oldest traditional communities. Their way of life has changed very little over the years. This visit helps you understand their culture, customs, and strong link to the land.
You will see a group of people who have kept their traditions. This gives a new way to think about community, identity, and survival.
You will learn about their daily life, beliefs, and how they live closely with nature and animals. You will also see their red ochre body paint called otjize, which is used for beauty and protection.
You will speak with the community in a respectful way, usually with help from local guides or translators, to better understand their culture.
You will also see their clothing, ochre-covered skin, and handmade jewelry made from natural materials.
You will learn how they depend on raising animals like goats, sheep, and cattle for their food and daily needs.
Visiting in a respectful way helps protect their culture and supports the local community.
If you visit the town of Opuwo, you will meet Himba people who have mixed modern life with tradition. Some still wear their traditional clothing while shopping in town. Most hotels in Opuwo can help arrange a visit to a Himba village or give you information about how to go.
How to Visit Himba Villages in Namibia
Many Himba villages that welcome visitors have found a way to do so without changing their normal life. If you want to visit a Himba village, it is best to book through a local guide or your lodge.
When you arrive, someone from the community will welcome you. Your Himba guide will help translate and explain their customs and daily life.
Many lodges and camps in Namibia’s Kunene Region can help arrange a visit to a Himba village. For a more personal experience, you can contact us to find a local guide for you.
In some places, like Omapaha Etosha Himba Village, you can camp outside the village or stay in simple huts or at a campsite. You can also book a two-hour visit that includes meeting the people and seeing their traditions.
Your guide will help you talk to the Himba, who are very proud of their culture. You might see how they make otjize, style their hair, or create jewelry. You may also get a chance to buy handmade items directly from them.
Wear light and modest clothes. Always ask before taking photos and respect the people and their surroundings.
English is the national language of Namibia, but many Himba do not speak it well. Your guide will help with communication.
Tips:
- Be ready to pay an entry fee. This money usually supports the community.
- Some visitors bring small gifts like soap or clothes. Ask your guide first to make sure this is okay.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent to stay safe from the sun and insects. High socks can also help protect you from ticks or scorpions.
Where to See Himba People in Namibia
Looking for where to see the Himba people in Namibia? Our tours take you to Opuwo (the most recommended place), Kamanjab, and Omapaha Himba villages for a community tour at the best prices.
The Kunene Region in northern Namibia is home to the Himba people. In the 16th century, some members of the Herero tribe moved to Namibia in search of better land in Southern Africa.
The first people from this semi-nomadic tribe came from Angola and spread across Kunene, which was once called Kaokoland. As with many groups, changes in the environment and culture led them to form a new way of life and a new tribe.
The Ovahimba Living Village Museum is 40 kilometers north of Opuwo on the way to Epupa Falls. It is a good place to camp and also a chance to meet the Himba and learn about their traditional life. Even if you do not plan to camp, the museum is worth visiting. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The word “Ovahimba” means “beggar” in the Ngambwe language, which is spoken by another local group. This name reflects the hard times the Himba have faced, including a serious drought that killed many of their animals.
Today, around 50,000 Himba people live in Namibia. Only a few small settlements in Kunene still follow the full traditional lifestyle. In recent years, modern changes have affected many of them, especially changes in food and the rise of junk food.
The Himba are semi-nomadic and live in large family homesteads. Their society is patriarchal and follows both the father’s and mother’s family lines. Each person belongs to two clans. The oldest male is usually the leader of the clan.
The Himba practice polygamy, and many men have two wives. A Himba mother lives with her children in her own hut. These close family ties help the Himba keep their traditional way of life.
Staying Safe When Visiting the Himba Tribe in Namibia
Is it safe to visit the Himba people? Yes, it is safe. The Himba are very friendly and not dangerous.
Always follow your local guide’s instructions to make your visit smooth. The guide will also help with translation and communication.
Tourists in Namibia usually take part in activities led by skilled and trained tour operators. Good tour companies care about safety, comfort, and giving visitors a good experience. They carefully plan safari trips to make sure everything goes well.
These activities are designed to give you a safe and enjoyable visit in Himba areas and other places across Namibia, whether you are visiting the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, watching animals in Etosha National Park, or learning about Himba culture.
Safety is important on every safari. Good tour operators work hard to keep guests safe and informed during the trip. Make sure to get all your needed vaccinations.
These may include basic vaccines and travel vaccines such as typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
It is best to talk to a travel health expert before your trip. They can give you advice based on your travel plans. Staying healthy will help you enjoy your time in Namibia.
Driving in Namibia can be difficult and sometimes risky. Sadly, traffic accidents involving tourists do happen. Main highways are usually in good shape, but smaller and gravel roads can be dangerous, especially from November to April during the rainy season.
If you are renting a car, drive carefully. Avoid driving at night outside cities. Visibility is low, and wild animals often cross the roads. Try to arrive at your destination before dark if you are outside Windhoek.
Always keep snacks, drinking water, and basic medical items in your car in case it breaks down. In cities, watch out for taxis that stop suddenly to pick up or drop off people, as this can cause accidents.
Police checkpoints are common on main roads and near cities. There may be more during holidays, especially on the Windhoek–Swakopmund highway.
Drivers must be ready to stop when asked and should always carry valid identification and car documents. If drivers do not stop, police may use warning shots to force them to stop.
Best Time to Visit Himba Villages in Namibia
The best time to visit the Himba in northern Namibia is during the dry winter months from June to mid-September.
During this time, the weather is cooler and there is very little rain. This makes it easier to travel and reach the remote areas where the Himba live.
While Himba village tours are possible all year round, this period is the most comfortable for visitors.
The Kunene Region has a dry climate most of the year, but the dry season from April to October has the best temperatures for travel.
Dry weather also means the roads are easier to drive on, which helps when visiting Himba communities.
Months like January, February, March, November, and December are also fine for travel, but you may face some rain and warmer weather.
If you plan to visit the Himba and also want to see wildlife, the dry season is a good time for animal viewing in places like Etosha National Park. With less thick vegetation, animals are easier to see.
Many good tour operators work closely with Himba communities. This helps make sure that payments go directly to the village and that the visit is respectful and meaningful.
Day tours from Opuwo are a popular choice.
It is best to visit Himba villages in the mid-morning or late afternoon, as there is less activity during the hot midday hours.
For a more personal experience, think about staying overnight through the Kaoko Cultural Centre. This can help you learn more than you would on a short visit.
You may have already seen photos of the Himba people, a nomadic group living in northern Namibia. They are known for covering their skin and hair with red ochre, which gives them a special appearance and protects them from the hot desert sun.
Popular Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about the Himba Tribe
Below are some of the most popular Frequently asked questions & answers about the Himba tribe of Africa.
- Who are the Himba people? The Himba are a traditional group of people who live in northern Namibia and southern Angola.
- Where do the Himba live in Namibia? They live mostly in the Kunene Region, in places like Opuwo, Kamanjab, and nearby villages.
- Where did the Himba come from? They came from Angola in the 1500s and are related to the Herero people.
- What makes the Himba different from the Herero? They became different after a cattle disease in the 1800s, which forced them to live in new ways.
- What language do the Himba speak? They speak Otjihimba, a local language. Most of them do not speak English well.
- What is otjize and why do the Himba use it? Otjize is a red paste made from butter and red ochre. The Himba use it on their skin for beauty and sun protection.
- What do Himba people wear? They wear traditional clothes made from animal skins and beads. Women often go topless with skirts and jewelry.
- Why do Himba people cover their skin in red ochre? It protects their skin from the sun and insects and is also part of their beauty tradition.
- How do Himba people style their hair? They use mud, red ochre, and butter to shape their hair into special styles that show their age and status.
- What do Himba people eat? They eat food from their animals, like milk and meat. They also grow and gather some plants.
- What animals do the Himba raise? They raise goats, cattle, and sheep. These animals are very important in their culture.
- Are the Himba nomadic? Yes, they are semi-nomadic. They move around to find water and grass for their animals.
- What do the Himba believe in? They believe in a god named Mukuru and also respect the spirits of their ancestors.
- Who is Mukuru in Himba beliefs? Mukuru is their god. They pray to him and also ask their ancestors for help.
- What is the role of family in Himba culture? Family is very important. Each person belongs to two clans, from both the mother and father.
- Do Himba people live in big families? Yes, they live in homesteads with many relatives, led by the oldest male.
- Can tourists visit Himba villages? Yes, tourists can visit. It is best to go with a guide or through a lodge.
- How can I visit a Himba village? You can book a tour through a lodge or guide in places like Opuwo or Kunene.
- Do I need a guide to visit the Himba? Yes, a guide is helpful. They translate and explain the Himba way of life.
- What should I wear when visiting the Himba? Wear light, modest clothes to respect their culture and deal with the heat.
- Can I take photos of the Himba people? Yes, but always ask for permission first. It is polite and respectful.
- Is it safe to visit the Himba tribe? Yes, it is safe. The Himba are friendly. Just follow your guide’s advice.
- Do Himba people speak English? Most Himba do not speak English. Your guide will help you communicate.
- What is the best time to visit the Himba? The best time is during the dry season from June to mid-September.
- Can I stay overnight in a Himba village? Yes, in some villages you can stay in simple huts or camp nearby.
- Where can I meet the Himba in Namibia? You can meet them in the Kunene Region, especially in Opuwo and near Epupa Falls.
- What is the Ovahimba Living Museum? It is a place where you can learn about Himba life. It’s near Opuwo and open every day.
- How do Himba people make money? They sell handmade items and earn money from tourists who visit their villages.
- What is the history of the Himba tribe? They came from Angola in the 1500s and formed their own group after a cattle disease. They have faced many challenges but kept their culture.
- Why is it important to visit Himba villages respectfully? Respectful visits help protect their culture and support their community with money and awareness.
