Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Kaokoland, the Himba village near Onjowewe offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience one of Namibia’s most iconic cultures. Rooted in tradition, the Himba people welcome visitors to discover their way of life in a spirit of respect and exchange.
Culture & Daily Life
The Himba are renowned for their striking ochre body adornments, intricate hairstyles, and traditional attire. Each detail tells a story of identity, heritage, and connection to nature, passed on from generation to generation.
The Visitor Experience
A guided visit offers insight into daily practices such as milking cattle, crafting jewelry, or preparing traditional food. Guests are encouraged to listen, learn, and engage respectfully, creating an authentic cultural encounter.
Ethics & Sustainability
Visits are carried out with full respect for the Himba community. Contributions directly support the village, ensuring that tourism remains fair, sustainable, and beneficial to the families who welcome travelers.
The Story of the Himba village
The Otjikandero Himba Orphan Village Project began in 1999, when Jaco Burger met Uakurisa Mukajo Mbahono, the last queen of her line. Unable to have children due to illness, she joined Jaco in creating a place where Himba orphans could find a home and grow up within their traditions.
In 2001, the project was moved to Jaco’s family farm near Kamanjab, where the village was officially established. The children welcomed here came from tragic circumstances — orphans of disease and accidents, or children whose families could not provide for them.
The aim of the project has always been clear: to preserve Himba culture while providing protection, education, and a strong cultural identity. To ensure this, Himba families from Kaokoland take turns living in the village with their own children, passing on the language, dress, and traditions of their ancestors.
In 2011, the Otjikandero Community Trust was created to support the project through community tourism and private donations. Today, it supports 45 orphans, dozens of volunteer families, and contributes to education and healthcare in the wider region.
Visiting the village is therefore not a “show” but an authentic cultural encounter — one that helps preserve a way of life while directly benefiting the Himba people themselves
Who is in control?
The quality and the ethics of the experience is all about who is in control. The village is managed under the authority of the Otjikandero Communty Trust (T363/11), whose status are:
- Preservation of the Himba culture and caretaking of the Himba women and children ;
- Providing school opportunity for the children and salaries for the teachers and guides ;
- 3 local Himba trustees guarantee that villagers are part of the decision making process as well as benefiting directly from the Trust.
Nearby Accommodations
