I finally made it to the Kunene region in the northwest of Namibia. This area is quite off the beaten path and the roads to get here could be a bit challenging. I went to this area to see the Epupa Falls, which you can see in my other post from Namibia, but mostly to spend time with the Himba people.

This semi-nomadic tribe lives in Namibia and Angola and has some iconic features that no other tribes in Africa really have. They cover their hair and skin with a mixture of butter fat and ochre pigment, giving them a red appearance which protects them from the harsh sun. With a local Himba guide who spoke some English, I set out to a remote village to learn more about their culture and traditions.

Himbas live in small villages, often with a family of around 20 people, in small straw huts. Their main source of income is herding cattle, and despite modern culture, the Himba have preserved much of their culture by still speaking the language and practicing old traditions. When I arrived at the village, I was welcomed by the chief, who appreciated the food supplies I brought as a friendly gesture. Despite the language barrier, the Himba people were eager to show me their way of life, including the application process of rubbing clay on their skin. We sat across each other observing one another’s clothes and occasionally exchanged smiles. The kids would gather around my camera to see the photos I had taken of wildlife. I showed them photos of a rhino and a lion and all the kids looked astonished, as most had never seen these animals in person. They were fascinated with me and I was fascinated with them. Even though we were from different parts of the world, we felt connected in a human way, the way that matters.

As I was leaving, I waved goodbye and everyone gathered together and waved back.