Why the Himba Don’t Bathe with Water – Smoke Showers & Ochre Paste Explained
Himba women take a daily smoke bath over smouldering resin instead of washing with water.
Travel Information
Everything you need to know about Himba culture, customs and visiting respectfully, written for travellers.
Wife Lending Custom Among the Himba People of Namibia
Okujepisa omukazendu is the Himba custom of offering a wife to a guest as hospitality. The woman must…
Himba Marriage Customs & Polygamy in Namibia
Many Himba men have two wives. Families arrange marriages, and the bride price is paid in cattle.
Himba Life Expectancy, Diseases & Health in Namibia
Reported Himba life expectancy figures vary widely. Malaria and TB are the main health challenges.
Himba Tribe Traditions – Family & Cultural Norms in Namibia
Key Himba traditions include otjize, two-clan families, polygamy, hairstyles that show age and ancestor worship.
Otjize: Why Himba Women Wear Red Ochre in Namibia
Otjize is a paste of butter fat and red ochre that Himba women apply every morning, mainly for…
Himba Food & Diet: What the Himba Eat in Namibia
The Himba live mainly on sour milk and maize porridge, and eat meat only now and then.
Where to See Himba People in Namibia – Opuwo, Kamanjab & Omapaha
The best places to see the Himba are Opuwo, Kamanjab, Omapaha and the Ovahimba Living Museum.
Himba Dance in Namibia: Ondjongo & Otjiunda
Ondjongo is danced by men and women; Otjiunda mainly by women. Both are performed at weddings and celebrations.
Himba History, Traditions & Culture in Namibia’s Kunene Region
The Himba descend from Herero people who moved from Angola in the 16th century, and became a separate…
Gift Tips & What to Bring When Visiting the Himba in Namibia
Bring maize flour, sugar, tea, cooking oil or first aid supplies and give them through your guide. Avoid…
Namibia Travel Safety Tips for Visiting Himba Villages
Yes. The Himba are friendly. The main risks in Namibia are on the roads, not in the villages.
Are the Himba Endangered? Threats to Their Culture in Namibia
The Himba are not critically low in number, but drought, dam plans and modern pressures threaten their way…
How to Visit Himba Villages in Namibia With a Local Guide
Book a local guide who translates, pay the village entry fee, ask before taking photos and buy crafts…
Best Time to Visit Himba Villages in Namibia
Visit the Himba from June to mid-September for cool, dry weather and easier roads.
Importance of Cattle to the Himba People in Namibia
Cattle give the Himba milk and meat, show a family's wealth and play a part in marriages and…
Himba Population in Namibia: How Many Himba Are There?
Most estimates put the Himba population at around 50,000, mainly in the Kunene Region.
Visit the Himba People in Namibia – Culture & Traditions
A Himba visit shows you otjize, jewellery and cattle life up close, with a local guide who translates.
Tipping Guide for Namibia & Visiting Himba Villages
Tip guides USD 10 to 20 per guest per day, lodge staff USD 4 to 10, restaurants 10…
How the Himba Sleep: Sleep Habits & Daily Life in Namibia
Himba families share sleeping spaces, and studies show the Himba sleep less than many other groups.
Kamanjab, Namibia: Himba Villages, Things to Do & When to Visit
Kamanjab is a stopover town near Etosha, with Himba villages, a cheetah park and rock engravings nearby.
