Himba tribe culture To truly understand the Himba people, it is essential to trace the roots of their history. However, the term “Herero” does technically embrace a wide variety of tribal cultures, including those of the Himba, Tjimba, Mbanderu, and Kwandu culture in Namibia. The Himba are a semi-nomadic, pastoralist people, culturally distinguishable from the Herero people in northern Namibia and southern Angola, and speak I visited the Himba tribe for the first time on my first trip to Namibia in 2009. Because of the striking appearance that this red paste creates, the Himba tribe of Namibia has become known as the “Red People of For a memorable cultural visit to the Himba tribe, consider taking part in activities like making jewelry and red-ochre body paint, joining a folk song performance, or experiencing traditional dances. Hairstyles play a significant role within the Himba community and reflect marital status, age, wealth, and rank within the group. Explore Etosha National Park, the iconic Sossusvlei red dunes, and the breathtaking Kaokoland. Originating from the Herero people, the Himba migrated to the northwest of Namibia, where they established a unique and enduring cultural identity. With a population of approximately 50,000, the Himba people continue to lead an isolated lifestyle in the desert areas of Namibia, moving their homes seasonally based on access to water and Himba. A Himba woman, left, puts on the headdress a bride wears when she gets married—the day she leaves her parents' homestead and goes to live with her husband's family. The Himba grannies, with Himba traditional braids. Cattle continue to be favoured as a means of currency, and daily life continues to revolve around tending to stock and other household duties. Below are some of our Himba tribe tours. The Himba Tribe of Southern Africa, the very name conjures images of a statuesque, ochre-coloured peoples who inhabit some of the most desolate and arid regions of Namibia. Renowned for their unique customs and traditions, the Himba people have preserved their cultural heritage amidst various challenges, including epidemics, genocides, and the modernization of their country. The Himba Tribe (singular: OmuHimba, plural: OvaHimba) are indigenous peoples with an estimated population of around 50,000, who live in northern Namibia, in the Kunene region (formerly Kaokoland) and on the other side of the Kunene River in Angola. It is usually the norm rather than the exception. Between 1904–1908, they experienced the same attempt at genocide during the Herero Wars led by the German Empire dictator government in German South-West Africa under Lothar von Trotha that destroyed and wiped out the Nama The first Himba people to come to the country came from Angola and settled in the Kunene region in the early 1500s. Unfortunately, even though the Moffatts are representedto be enjoying their lives with the Himba, the Himba tribe who are living their lives seemed not to enjoy the cultural exchange. 000 people living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene Region (formerly Kaokoland) and on the other side of the Kunene River in Angola. Himba are Herero-speaking semi-nomadic pastoralists living in north-western Namibia and south-western Angola. Carrying water to the village, making their homes sturdy with a mix of red clay and cow manure, collecting firewood, taking care of calabash vines for soured milk, cooking, serving meals, and creating beautiful crafts, clothes, and jewelry are Keywords: Himba tribe cultural experience, African tribes traditions, Namibian cultural journey, Himba lifestyle and customs, explore Himba heritage, African tribal culture exploration, traditional Namibian tribes, Himba community practices, cultural diversity in Namibia, immersive Himba tribe visit Women of the Himba Tribe in Namibia don’t bathe, but always smell great. By sharing their The Himba people have upheld a unique society for many decades, characterized by their distinctive customs and social structures. Read our monthly e-newsletter – “Tribes Talk” – for travel inspiration with gorgeous and exciting places to go or stay, plus A Change In Himba Culture. It also has similar purposes: protecting the wearer’s skin and hair from the harsh climates they inhabit. Visiting the Himba was one of the highlights of our travels, probably as was everyone's who have had a chance to visit them. Hair braiding is a communal activity with the range of styles differing from tribe to tribe. At the time, there wasn’t exactly a Himba tribe, as they were still part of the Herero tribe at the time. Known for their striking appearance and deeply rooted traditions, they are one of Africa's most intriguing indigenous groups. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The world for the Himba tribe is changing. Historically, their nomadic lifestyle revolved around herding livestock and navigating the arid landscapes, The Himba: Semi-nomadic herders. With inadequate compensation when cattle are lost to predators, exacerbated by the effects of climate change including an increased frequency of droughts, it is likely that more Himba will be forced towards towns like Opuwo in search of employment. Around 20,000 Ovahimba are currently living in the Kaokoveld. "Hues and views: A cross-cultural study reveals how language shapes color perception", American Psychological Association The Himba thus became some of the fiercest custodians of culture, ruthlessly protective of their land, their cattle, and their way of life against the forces of change. Book a call with a safari expert. Ally is committed to working on issues relating to empowerment As for clothing, the Himba people go bare-chested and only cover their waist area with skirts made from animal skin. Remote. . They are extremely beautiful, and wear skirt made of leather in different colors. The Ovahimba (or Himba) are a Bantu group living in the so-called Kaokoveld, in the north-western part of Namibia and across the Kunene River in Angola. Around 50,000 OvaHimba continue to live in the Kunene region in Namibia and across the Kunene River in Angola. The Himba is the famous tribe of ’red people’ in northern Namibia. A few centuries later, a bovine epidemic swept through Namibia, causing a great loss in cattle. The Himba tribe is a group of people who can teach us so The Himba tribe, native to Namibia’s remote Kunene region, are renowned for their striking appearance, cultural resilience, and deep connection to nature. The Himba people live A visit to Himba village is a must for anyone interested in culture. Isolated. safari experts, since 1991. | Source: Safari World Tours The misconception, of course, is that this tradition is extended to outsiders or tourists. What separates the Himba people from other tribes is their physical look. There are also a few groups left of the OvaTwa, who are also OvaHimba, but are hunter-gatherers, but OvaHimba The Himba people have upheld a unique society for many decades, characterized by their distinctive customs and social structures. The Himba tribe wants to maintain their own way of living. While some aspects may have evolved over time, many traditional practices continue to be an integral part of their daily lives. While the Himba tribe faces modern challenges and influences, their unwavering commitment to their way of life is a testament to the strength of their traditions. There are African tribes who respect and follow the traditions of their ancestors. The Himba: Semi-nomadic herders. History of Himba Tribe The Himba history is filled with disasters, including guerrilla warfare and relentless droughts. Meet one of the most courteous tribes in Africa. There are quite a number of traditions and cultures of the Himba tribe that might seem absurd or unique to outsiders. The Himba people are an indigenous community who live in northern Namibia’s Kunene area and southern Angola. Even though some aspects of their culture are similar to those of other world tribes, they also have cultural elements not practised by other tribes. Initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism have emerged, allowing visitors to experience Himba culture firsthand while providing economic opportunities for the community. ). The easiest way (and the most expensive) to visit a Himba village is through the Opuwo Cultural Center. Image Credit: Creative Commons The Power of Otjize and its Importance in Himba culture. There are an estimated 20,000 Himba currently living in Kaokoland. Client reviews. Although the Himba people engage cooperatively with neighbouring tribes, they live in Explore the diverse wildlife and unique culture of the Himba people on a luxury flying safari in Namibia. In the Himba culture, gender roles are well Himba tribe tours are becoming a big thing in Namibia, so there are many ways to organise a visit to a village. 1 1. They are well known for their friendliness, but also the reluctance to get modernised. Ensure that the experiences offered are authentic and The Himba Tribe - Namibia. One significant aspect is the link between the Himba tribe and Western culture. Namibia culture is a surprising mix of tribes and ethnicities, counting about a dozen ethnic groups. With a population of around 50,000, the Himba people have managed to preserve their traditional way of life while facing the People of the Himba Tribe. Among the plethora of African tribes, the Himba people of Namibia are known for their unique customs and distinctive appearance. Origins of the Himba Tribe. There are also a 10. 000 people, are still living the way their ancestors did. [1] There are also a few groups left of the OvaTwa, who the OvaHimba consider to be part of their tribe, but are How to Experience Himba Cultural Experiences: Choose Responsible Tour Operators: When planning a tour to Namibia and wanting to include a day trip to interact with the Himba tribe, opt for tour operators that prioritize responsible tourism and respect for the tribe’s cultural integrity. Himba people has allowed them to preserve their culture and traditions more than other Herero peoples in other parts of Namibia (MRG n. Related Articles. While the men are tending the The Himba tribe is known for its strong cultural identity, which is reflected in their customs, clothing, and adornments. Disconnect and discover the arid, rocky region of Kaokoland, and embrace the raw culture of a peaceful and pastoralist people. A Tribe in Transition. All of which has created a lifestyle completely unique to Namibia. Top Himba Tribe Tours in Namibia 2025/2026. The Himba people are a semi-nomadic tribe residing in northern Namibia, primarily in the Kunene region, and parts of southern Angola. Culturally distinguishable from the Herero people, the Most of the Himba tribe cultures have been upheld despite western influence. Currently numbering an estimated 25,000 people (though no reliable figures exist), their comparative isolation in a harsh and arid region has meant that they have retained traditional social and cultural patterns to a greater extent than Herero peoples The Himba tribe, with an estimated 50. Get to know African culture as you explore the tribes in Africa. An article in The Namibian, a national daily newspaper, describes the Himba as "a tribe known for their skin coloured distinctly with red ochre, intricate hair styles The Himba tribe is indigenous to the Kunene Region (formerly Kaokoland) in northern Namibia and southern Angola. Women of the tribe In the heart of Namibia, the Himba tribe stands out not just for their striking appearance but also for their deep-rooted cultural practices, particularly their relationship with cattle. Profile. During our 2-month road trip through Namibia, we were lucky enough to visit the Himba tribe, an indigenous tribe living in North-Western Namibia and Southern Angola. The author and a group of Himba mothers walk with infants in The Himba Tribe, also known as the OvaHimba, is a pastoral and semi-nomadic community located in northern Namibia. We said before they braid their hair with otjize, a mixture of oils and herbs. The Himba people will usually get married early and go on to build a close knitted family; This is not just a culture of the Himba people, it is also common amidst several African tribes. Distinctive Appearance Himba women are famous for their unique beauty rituals and iconic red-tinted skin. The Himba tribe, known for their deep-rooted traditions, has managed to preserve their cultural practices even in the face of modernization. d. Not many cultures have managed to The Himba people hold a culture that geography, climate, and history shape. The Himba (singular: OmuHimba, plural: OvaHimba) are indigenous peoples with an estimated population of about 50,000 people living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene Region (formerly Kaokoland) and on the other side of the Kunene River in Angola. They signify wealth and social standing and are also an important part of marriage negotiations. While extremely well-preserved, things are changing for the Himbas. Known for their iconic red ochre body paint and intricate hairstyles, Himba women symbolize beauty, heritage, and identity through their adornments. Photo: Eric Lafforgue The Himba: Semi-nomadic herders. Women are easily recognizable by their distinctive attire, which includes skirts made from animal hides and elaborately braided hair adorned with colourful beads and ochre. As a result, the striking image of the Himba – if not their name The Himba people of Namibia can see fine details and ignore distraction much better than most other human beings – a finding that may reflect the ways that modern life is changing us. Close relatives spend hours creating elaborate and The Himba tribe, located in the north-western part of Namibia, in the Kunene Region (formerly Kaokoland) and on the other side of the Kunene River in southern Angola is one of the most isolated and culturally rich tribes in the world. With an estimated population of about 50,000, the Himba are among the last semi-nomadic pastoralists in Namibia, maintaining their traditional way of life in a rapidly changing world. Facing crisis, the tribe decided to move south and explore different regions. Though they have demonstrated great resilience and endured various external forces The Himba tribe, Namibia’s last semi-nomadic people, have long captured global curiosity due to their unique sexual practices and cultural traditions. Anthropologist and conservation pioneer Margie Watch Tribe life Namibian tribe at Africa Himba culture - YouTube - Cinematic Entertainment on Dailymotion "Discover the untold truth of the Maasai and Himba tribes, two of Africa's most fascinating cultures from Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia. For the Himba, cattle are more than just livestock; Read on as we explore the depths of the Himba tribe and uncover the rich heritage that defines their identity. A pen prevents goats from escaping and protects them from predators. While Western Namibia’s iconic tribe. Himba women apply red-coloured ochre on their skin as a daily beautification ritual Having survived genocide by German troops in the 1900s, Namibia's Himba people are now facing a bigger threat to The tribe keeps sheep and goats, too, but cattle are especially significant in the Himba culture. According to George, the reason we hear a radio playing music in the village or see Himbas with cell phones is because of Western influence and tourism. The Himba Tribe – insights into the life of an extraordinary people. Pretty much every guesthouse in the Kaokoland region will offer a Himba tribe tour, but these can be quite commercial and even somewhat staged. They are said to offer sed for free and adorn newborns with beaded necklaces. They live in simple mud huts constructed of samplings bound together with palm leaves, mud, and cow dung. The Himba are a non sedentary tribe belonging to the great Odualala nation south of the Kunene river and located in the northern western region of Namibia with cultural practice that has heavily Enveloped within the rugged beauty of northwestern Namibia, the Himba tribe emerges as a captivating testament to the enduring vitality of tradition and culture in an ever-evolving world. Each village accommodates one large family. Though they have demonstrated great resilience and endured various Historical Roots of the Himba People. Elder women wear leather socks to protect their feet from dangerous animals. The tribe are renowned for their unique adornments and their continued adherence to tradition. Here we look a little deeper into the Clockwise: The author photographs a Himba woman along one of the tributaries to the Kunene River. The Himba (singular: OmuHimba, plural: OvaHimba) are indigenous peoples with an estimated population of about 50,000 people living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene Region (formerly Kaokoland) and on the other side of the Kunene River in southern Angola. Photo: Imgur. Himba women and girls have busy days filled with important tasks. The San People: Guardians of Southern Africa’s Indigenous Wisdom Himba women. It is a wonderful opportunity to interact with another culture and learn while there may be many exotic differences . They live a semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle centered on cattle herding and are known for their unique The Himba: Semi-nomadic herders. bites, lock in moisture, and beautify themselves. The Himba are semi-nomadic people who live in northern Namibia and traditionally depend on cattle and goats for We spent a couple of hours in the village, learning about the Himba tribe culture and as usual, I ended up with a number of children attached to The Himba are an ancient, semi-nomadic tribe that live in the far northern Kaokoland of Namibia. The Himba Village was one of the best places A beautiful Himba lady making paste (Photo source: Wikipedia — edited by author) T he Himba tribe are a nomadic group with a population of about 50,000 that inhabits the northern region of Himba tribe. There is a hunter-gatherer offshoot of the Himbas known as the OvaTwa but the For years, an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders known as the Himba has drawn photographers to Namibia’s barren northwest. Visit a Himba community and learn about their culture and matriarchal society. They speak Otjhimba, a dialect of Otjiherero, which is a Bantu language. The Himba still live very much as their ancestors did, forging an existence in the harsh environment of Kunene (formerly called Kaokoland). Okujepisa Omukazendu is a private cultural Around the 16th century, the Himba people crossed to Namibia from Angola, settling in Kaokoland (nowadays Kunene) as part of the Herero tribe. Himba / Chimba / Oluthimba / Oluzimba / Otjidhimba / Ovazimba / Simba / Tjimba / Zemba. The Himba tribe is perhaps best known for coloring their hair and bodies with a red color paste (otjize), which is considered a sign of beauty. Stay in a shipwrecked lodge and immerse yourself in nature's splendor. The Himba stand out for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles, decorations, and red ocher-rubbed skin. The Himba are a semi-nomadic ethnic group predominantly found in the Kunene Region of northern Namibia and across the Kunene River in southern Angola. Gender Roles in the Himba Tribe. The red ochre, known as “otjize,” is a mixture When members of the Himba tribe gather for ceremonies or social events, their clothing becomes a visual representation of their shared heritage. Known for their striking Enveloped within the rugged beauty of northwestern Namibia, the Himba tribe emerges as a captivating testament to the enduring vitality of tradition and culture in an ever-evolving world. Discover the famous African tribes, their culture and the traditions of African tribal people. Some are well known, including the Maasai tribe (Kenya), the Pygmies (Congo), several tribes (the Dogon Valley in Mali), and many others. The most obvious connection between the Himba in the book and the real-life Himba is the use of otjize. The Himba are an indigenous tribe from the arid region of north-western Namibia. After a massive shortage of cows in the country, the group split off into different tribes. The Himba (singular: OmuHimba, plural: OvaHimba) are an ethnic group with an estimated population of about 50,000 people [1] living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene Region (formerly Kaokoland) and on the other side of the Kunene River in southern Angola. Red ochre, hairstyles and beauty. Though ‘Himba’ is commonly used in the West, OvaHimba is the more correct term, as when freely translated from the Otjiherero language, Himba means ‘beggar’. Roughly 50,000 people from this indigenous tribe remain between Namibia and Angola today. There are also a few groups left of the OvaTwa, who the OvaHimba consider to be part of their tribe, but are hunter-gatherers. Namibia’s nomadic Himba tribe is one of the few stable remaining ethnic Through their intricate beadwork and leather accessories, they express their creativity and cultural identity. What makes the Himba Tribe of Namibia so unique? Dive into their traditions, lifestyle, and rich heritage! #Himba #Namibia #IndigenousCulture #Traditions #He Culture. As education becomes more pervasive, so does the risk of African “Himba” Tribe Struggle For Surviving Culture | Namibia. Common Himba courtesy means that it Himba. If you’re going to go this route, at the very minimum, ensure that your guide is a local Himba. The Himba people Since that time, the Himba have lived largely unaffected by modern technology and market systems. Thoughtful Himba tribe woman, Cunene Province, Oncocua, Angola. There pastoral lifestyle was and is still semi-nomadic. The cone-shaped huts are at the edge of the homestead with their cattle kraal in the center. The Himba trace descent through both a child's mother and father, creating a network of relations that bind together scattered groups of herders in an often harsh The video explores the Himba Tribe of Northern Namibia, their culture, and traditions. The most well-known tribes to international travelers are the Himba ones, probably because of their very interesting appearance and customs. Namibia’s Herero ladies are not hard to spot in the country’s capital city of 1. The Himba are nomadic pastoralists who live in the Kaokoland area of northwestern Namibia. The norms of the Himba and a traditional British family Socially, the Himba follow a tribal clan structure and each of them belongs to two clans: the mother’s and the father’s. If you are familiar with any of Africa’s tribal groups, it is probably the Himba. It is just before the center of The Himba people are polygamous, it is not unusual to also find cases of child marriage. A researcher named Jules Davidoff traveled to Namibia to investigate this, where he conducted an experiment with the Himba tribe, which speaks a language that has no word for blue or distinction between blue and green. They often do more challenging work than the men and boys. There are also a few groups left of the OvaTwa, who are also OvaHimba, but are hunter-gatherers, but OvaHimba The Himba, or Ovahimba, are indigenous peoples with an estimated population of about 50. 1 Who are the Himba tribe? 2. Dressed in voluminous, vividly colored, Victorian-style skirts and strange cow-horn caps. From their unique clo One of the most unusual tribes remaining in Africa, the Himba tribe, has a large population in Northern Namibia. However, due to the challenges posed by modernism, some of the cultural practices are slowly fading away. 16 Coolest Photos Of Most Creative Tribes In Africa | Ndebeles Painted Houses. The Himba are a non sedentary tribe belonging to the great Odualala nation south of the Kunene river and located in the northern western region of Namibia with cultural practice that has The Himba people are a semi-nomadic tribe residing in northern Namibia, primarily in the Kunene region, and parts of southern Angola. Not many cultures have managed to withstand the ever-growing technological world. Himba Tribe Grannies: Preserving Traditions for the Future. ubofz nhbzkwz qzu fohvsr jxfkz inoty ummgrfu bgodqp upuy jmksua