|
The arid but scenic Kaokoveld, also known as Kaokoland, lies northwest of Etosha. A mosaic of sandy plains, rugged mountains and rock-strewn hillsides, bounded in the north by the Kunene River.
It is one of the relatively untouched regions in Namibia. The almost inaccesible area of the Kunene river, is home to the Himba ethnic group, who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture in the seclusion of Kaokoland. It has been the ancestral home of the pastoral Himba for several generations and they still largely pursue their nomadic way of life.
Kaokoland is home to around 6000 Himba or Ovahimba people. These friendly people are closely related to the Herero and speak the same language. The Himba are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. They migrate with their herds to the different waterholes from season to season.
For the Himba, clothes, hair and jewellery hold a special meaning and form an important part of their tradition and culture. Even newborn babies are adorned with pearl necklaces while older children are given bracelets crafted from copper and decorated with shells.
Herds of desert elephants migrate along river valleys that are also inhabited by giraffe, while herds of gemsbok and springbok roam the plains.
Return from Kaokoveld to Homepage
Contact us
|
