Searching for authentic Himba tribe tours in Namibia? The Himba are an indigenous people living in the Kunene Region in the north of Namibia, in southwestern Africa.
They are known for their distinctive deep-rooted culture, traditional lifestyle, and unique appearance, characterized by the use of red ochre paste and intricate hairstyles.
OtjiHimba is the language spoken by the Himba tribe people. English, Portuguese, and Afrikaans are other languages spoken by some of the Himba people in the community.
What you need to Know before your himba tribe tours
As you plan for your Himba tribe tours in Namibia, below are some of the facts that you should know about this tribe.
Appearance and Adornment:
The Himba people are known for:
- Applying a mixture of butterfat, red ochre, and mixed herbs (otjize) on their skins, which gives them a reddish-brown hue. This paste also serves as a natural skin moisturizer, sunscreen against the harsh desert sun, and an insect repellent.
- The Himba women have elaborate hairstyles covered in red mud, adorned with jewelry and other accessories like cowrie shells.
- The Himba men usually wear their hair short, and some are seen with a short tuft of hair on the top.
Clothing:
The harsh desert climate of the Kunene region influences their minimal clothing choices:
- Loincloth for men
- Goatskin skirts worn by women
Livelihood and Economy:
The Himba are semi-nomadic people:
- They rely on livestock, which plays a crucial role in their social and economic life. They keep goats, sheep, and cattle for meat and milk.
- Due to the nature of their arid environment, agriculture is challenging, so they often move with their herds in search of water and fresh grazing land.
- Cattle symbolize wealth among the Himba people.
Social Structure of the Himba Tribe:
- They have a communal and close-knit social structure.
- Traditional leadership within the community is often held by a chief or headman, who is often an elderly man.
- Extended families live together in circular huts made of wood and mud, arranged around a central livestock enclosure.
- The Himba people have different clans, each with its traditions and customs, but all are based on the same ancestor.
- The elders of the Himba people make the important decisions of the community and are the most respected.
- Just like in most African traditional settings, the Himba women take care of the children, cleaning, and cooking, while the men’s responsibility is protecting the community and herding the livestock.
Spirituality and Beliefs:
They strongly believe in ancestral worship:
- They believe in a higher power.
- They communicate with their ancestors through offerings, animal sacrifices, and rituals.
- The Himba have a strong connection to nature and the spiritual significance of natural elements in their environment.
- Rituals and ceremonies are an essential part of Himba life, often involving music, dance, and the use of traditional herbs.
- The Epupa festival is an important ceremony among the Himba during which they pay homage to their ancestors.
- They practice initiation ceremonies for the boys and girls, including circumcision for the boys and motherhood and marriage preparation for the girls.
- Rainmaking ceremonies are performed during prolonged droughts.
Challenges:
The Himba face various challenges, including:
- Encroachment on their traditional lands.
- Limited access to education and healthcare.
- Exposure to external influences, especially through tourism, impacting their cultural and traditional practices.
On your visit to the Himba community, remember to have an open mind, respect their traditions and cultural practices, and dress modestly.
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.
Below are some of our Himba tribe tours.
