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The People:
The Himba people are one of Namibia's last traditional tribes. The women cover their hair and skin in red ocher and animal fat, and unlike most Namibians who speak upwards of six languages (including English), the Himba people are committed to only one: Ovahimba, a dialect of Otjiherero.

While these curious people known for their traditional lifestyle, tribal dress and handmade crafts can be found lining the streets of Outjo, the Gateway to Etosha, their homeland is actually Opuwo, in the northernmost part of the Kunene Region.

Anthropologists give the Himba people less than 20 years before modern society and new technology render them extinct. So if you're interested in catching a glimpse of real Africa in Namibia, the time is now and the place is Opuwo.

The Place:
The town's hillside rest camp, Opuwo Country Lodge is by far the nicest and most established resort, complete with an infinity pool, private chalets and free evening bar snacks. Plus it's got the best views in the north. But the Country Lodge also has one thing that nowhere else does: traditional Himba village tours.

For about N$300 ($39), travelers can peek into the life of this unique and secretive culture for around three hours. Guided tours offer a chance to take unlimited free photos (Himba will usually expect N$2-N$5 for posing on the street). But that's not even the best part. Experts will explain how villages are established--from the placement of the chief's hut to the all-important fire circle to the essential cattle ring.

You'll see the various stages of hut construction, traditional washing ceremonies and women making the body and hair ocher from a mixture of clay and animal fat. It's a cultural experience you just can't get leaning out of a tour bus window. And it's a chance to understand this rich culture more fully.

When to Go:
The Lodge offers two options--a morning tour that's perfect for travelers eager to move on to another destination, and an afternoon alternative that ends just before supper. During Namibia's off-season (around the Christmas Holiday, when temperatures soar and rain is almost inevitable) the morning tour is a must.

But during the peak season (May through September), we suggest the afternoon option. It ensures the women will be ready, awake and alert when you arrive. (When we arrived at 8:30 am, some of them weren't, which meant a lot of standing around.) And warmer days--rather than bitter cold mornings--mean better pictures, since the Himba women won't be covered up.

And while the tour is all-inclusive, we suggest bringing some extra cash for the handmade crafts and traditional goods the women will likely pressure you into buying at the end of your afternoon. The PVC bracelets (which used to be made from animal bone) with traditional Himba carvings are the perfect reminder of this once-in-a-lifetime African experience.

Related Stories:
· Himba Tours [Official Site]
· Etosha Lodges [Official Site]
· Jaunted Embedded Travel Guide: Namibia [Jaunted]
· Africa Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Saharan Vibe]