Visit the Ju'hoansi Bushman Tribe
4 Nights, 5 Days From NAD 13800 pp
This specialized tour will focus on the Ju'hoansi Bushman tribe living in North-Eastern Namibia. Namibia has 5 different Bushman or San tribes with the Ju'hoansi being one of the last that still live in a way of ancestral past. The Nyae Nyae Conservancy was established and officially recognized by the Government of Namibia in 1998, forming the first official Conservancy in Namibia, covering a total area of 9 000 square kilometres. The Conservancy concept was born from a dream that will allow local communities to benefit from all their natural resources, resulting in increased protection of resources as value was given to it. Sustainable utilization is thus the main emphasis in this wonderful example of man living in harmony with nature. The Ju'hoansi, approximately 3 000 people in total, therefore has their own "land" in which the laws and utilization of resources are governed by their own management critics. A prime example of how modernization has left a tribe minimally untouched and where the ways of the land is the motto of all. On this tour you will experience the evident love of the land by these very special people. Tracking, collection of bush food, medicinal plant collection and joyful dances under the night sky will captivate your mind and soul to a degree of addiction. Being an eye opener is truly an understatement when it comes to the Ju'hoansi.
Itinerary
Map of Namibia (click to enlarge)
This specialized tour will focus on the Ju'hoansi Bushman tribe living in north-eastern Namibia. Namibia has five different Bushman or San tribes,
with the Ju'hoansi being one of the last that still live in a way of ancestral past. The Nyae Nyae Conservancy was established and officially recognized by the Government of Namibia in 1998, forming the first official Conservancy in Namibia, covering a total area of 9 000 square kilometres. The Conservancy concept was born from a dream that would allow local communities to benefit from all of their natural resources, resulting in increased protection of resources as value was given to them. Sustainable utilization is thus the main emphasis in this wonderful example of man living in harmony with nature. The Ju'hoansi, approximately 3 000 people in total, therefore, has their own "land" on which the laws and utilization of resources are governed by their own management critics. A prime example of how modernization has left a tribe minimally untouched, and where the way of the land is the motto of all. On this tour you will experience the evident love of the land by these very special people. Tracking, collection of bush food, medicinal plant collection and joyful dances under the night sky will captivate your mind and soul to a degree of addiction. Being an eye opener is truly an understatement when it comes to the Ju'hoansi.
Day 1. Windhoek - Roy's Rest Camp ( 500 km )
Upon your arrival at Windhoek, we will immediately head north towards Roy's Rest Camp. This rustic and beautifully constructed camp will give you the first taste of what lies ahead. With a swimming pool, bar and restaurant available, you will come to appreciate the luxuries of mankind before heading into the vastness that is Bushmanland.
(L)
Day 2. Roy's Rest Camp - Tjokwe ( 300 km )
After breakfast we head eastwards until we reach the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, a San community ownership programme that focuses on wildlife conservation and sustainable utilization. After being offered the opportunity to buy some rare Ostrich shelled bracelets and necklaces from the San community, we will turn our sights on Tjokwe, a village of approximately 35 strong. Hidden amongst giant baobab trees and a game watering hole close by, the location will draw you back into time "before man". This is Africa; this is Namibia. The land of wonders. The day's activities include visiting the local chief or headman of the village, and the chance to experience one of the main attractions of the Ju'hoansi - their joy of living. This they will express through dance and clapping of hands that is unmatched and unique to say the very least. You spend the night in a traditional grass hut - to enhance the feeling of living like your host community.
(B,L,D)
Day 3. Tjokwe Area ( 20 km )
Sunrise in beloved Bushmanland will bring you the gift of a new day. Today the expert art of tracking and collection of bush food and medicines will open your eyes to a world of ancestral past. You will witness, beyond belief, how these people literally live off the land, always making sure not to damage it and, therefore, confident to leave enough for tomorrow. If you are up for it, we could even walk to the famous Gura Fountain 6 km from our camp. Hopefully, by the end of the day, you will be able to collect food for yourself which can be enjoyed around a fire covered by a blanket of stars. Again, a joyful dance will cap off the night.
(B,L,D)
Day 4. Tjokwe - Roy's Rest Camp ( 300 km )
The morning will start with a short walk around the watering hole looking for signs of the land. Crafts and curios will be available from the village where the Ju'hoansi will gladly display their artful heritage. After lunch, we will head back to Roy's Rest Camp where the day will come to an end, and where reflection of the tour and the people you have met will close off a perfect tour.
(B)
Day 5. Roy's Rest Camp - Windhoek ( 500 km )
On the way back to Windhoek we can stop over at the famous Okahandja wood markets where you will have the last chance to buy curios. With you will be the knowledge and appreciation of a tribe and land fairly unknown. A magical moment to last an eternity.
(B)
Images
Click to enlarge
Spent time with Ju'hoansi Bushman hunters
Nyae Nyae Conservancy - one of Namibia's most remote
Giraffe in Bushmanland
Essential information
- Tour type:
- Visit a local Bushman tribe
- Dates:
- All year
- Duration:
- 4 Nights, 5 Days
- Accommodation details:
- 2 days lodging, 2 days camping
- Food:
- As per itinerary. You will also have the opportunity to try out some traditional food.
- Price details:
- The price is per person sharing based on a group of two people. Discounts for groups more than 2 people.
