Otjikandero Himba Orphan Village
Otjikandero Himba Orphan Village
3.5
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3.5
153 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
47
Average
29
Poor
25
Terrible
21
AndrejaKo
Maribor, Slovenia1,042 contributions
Nov 2021
we were warned this area is mostly showroom, tourist trap, if you will.
our group did go to himba village, with a guide, near Okongwati. still it was one of my least favorite things from the trip. i felt like we are intruders, and people are displays. photographers in our group were especially annoying with their hunt for the perfect frame of the locals.
our group did go to himba village, with a guide, near Okongwati. still it was one of my least favorite things from the trip. i felt like we are intruders, and people are displays. photographers in our group were especially annoying with their hunt for the perfect frame of the locals.
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pizote67
Sondrio, Italy544 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
When we planned our holiday in Namibia, one of the main purpose - togheter with Etosha and Sossusvlei - was visiting an himba village. We were told the best experience was visiting the villages far north (Opuwo) and having just 10 days we were worried that our visit to the villages around Kamanjab could be a disappointment. On the way from Twyfelfontein to Etosha the easiest option was Otijkandero Orphan Village, between Kamanjab and Outjo. We left from Twyfelfontein Country Lodge 7.30am and arrived at the village around 11am. The tour takes about 1 hour, an himba guide shows you the village and some activity. It's possible to interact with people and you can take your time for pictures. From here we drove to Outjo, had lunch and then drove to Okaukuejo with plenty of time for a self drive safari inside the park. All in all a good tour, great pictures but especially a great experience talking with people with different culture.
Moro, Perivi, Nawa!
Moro, Perivi, Nawa!
Written 16 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
60stevea
Salt Lake City, UT174 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
There were only 3 of us who visited the orphan village, so our guide was very forthcoming with answers to all of our questions. Much like the living villages scattered around Namibia, the people you see in this one actually live in a more modern village out of sight but nearby. Of course they all fill the village during the day for the tourists, which means income for them by selling their wares. The one redeeming fact is that they do have quite a few orphan children in this community who are cared for by all. Touristy, yes. Even a bit contrived, but I would much rather interact with locals who are prepared for the tourists than pop in on an actual Himba settlement bearing gifts and intruding on lives. If you happen to be with a tour group, I would say the experience will be far less pleasant as we witnessed one of these come through & the whole place seemed to jump into a sell, sell, sell mode. In other words, I wouldn't stop by if you are with a large group. With just the 3 of us, prior to the tour group's arrival, we were able to interact with the majority of the Himba: smiling, laughing, touching each other's hair, playing with the children and so on.
Written 28 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJM33770
Largo, FL42 contributions
Aug 2017 • Business
I make frequent (multiple times a year) trips to Namibia. I know the full backstory of how this place started. We were there the first time in 2008 - interesting and not yet commercialized. Tour guide we had was OK but the local rancher who took us there provided more info/was more knowledgeable then the guide. No souvenirs available/offered. The little one-room school was still operating as a school.
Next trip there was in 2010. We took friends there for their first visit. Still an interesting place, but the same kind of very poor guide. No souvenirs available/offered. Was there again with clients in 2012. Same experience and with friends and then clients again in 2015.
In 2015 they were selling souvenirs at the bomma that were supposedly made by the Himba there in the village. I've traveled a LOT in sub-Sahara Africa and at that time it did indeed seem all offerings if not made directly IN the village, they were at least indeed unique to the area.
This trip there a few days ago with clients was an absolute embarrassment! We were met by Debbie and not taken to the main village but some other satellite set of 6-8 huts and a bomma with 3-4 women and a dozen kids. The "guide", David, may have been Himba but he did a very, very poor job of even trying to offer any kind of explanation of anything. All he did was point to a few things and basically say, "this is a bomma", "this is a traditional hut". Nerve explained the significance of the hair plating, the red ocher/butter fat skin care, or how each man selects his own blend of plants/herbs etc for his wives to use for their smoke baths, etc. It's pretty damn bad when a "tourist" provides more information than the hired guide. After 15min the clients where severely disappointed and were ready to go.
The women had gotten their souvenirs out and for them to look at. Every item they offered was the SAME stuff you could buy anywhere in Namibia and even at the Johannesburg airport's Out of Africa store. They were asking $200ND for the same copper/brass bracelets you could buy in Windhoek for $50ND. There were only two brass bracelets there and a couple of carved wood figurines that I was reasonably certain were at least locally made.
As I said at the beginning, I know who and how this got started years ago and it is a damn shame this has devolved into just another tourist trap. I do also know I will not be taking clients there again nor ever recommending it to people in the future.
Next trip there was in 2010. We took friends there for their first visit. Still an interesting place, but the same kind of very poor guide. No souvenirs available/offered. Was there again with clients in 2012. Same experience and with friends and then clients again in 2015.
In 2015 they were selling souvenirs at the bomma that were supposedly made by the Himba there in the village. I've traveled a LOT in sub-Sahara Africa and at that time it did indeed seem all offerings if not made directly IN the village, they were at least indeed unique to the area.
This trip there a few days ago with clients was an absolute embarrassment! We were met by Debbie and not taken to the main village but some other satellite set of 6-8 huts and a bomma with 3-4 women and a dozen kids. The "guide", David, may have been Himba but he did a very, very poor job of even trying to offer any kind of explanation of anything. All he did was point to a few things and basically say, "this is a bomma", "this is a traditional hut". Nerve explained the significance of the hair plating, the red ocher/butter fat skin care, or how each man selects his own blend of plants/herbs etc for his wives to use for their smoke baths, etc. It's pretty damn bad when a "tourist" provides more information than the hired guide. After 15min the clients where severely disappointed and were ready to go.
The women had gotten their souvenirs out and for them to look at. Every item they offered was the SAME stuff you could buy anywhere in Namibia and even at the Johannesburg airport's Out of Africa store. They were asking $200ND for the same copper/brass bracelets you could buy in Windhoek for $50ND. There were only two brass bracelets there and a couple of carved wood figurines that I was reasonably certain were at least locally made.
As I said at the beginning, I know who and how this got started years ago and it is a damn shame this has devolved into just another tourist trap. I do also know I will not be taking clients there again nor ever recommending it to people in the future.
Written 5 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travello_11
Brisbane, Australia37 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
We visited this village as part of an organised tour with Nomad Tours and the tour company pre-organised the visit as part of its standard itinerary. A few days before the visit we were told that this was a genuine tribal village and the inhabitants had shunned westernisation and still preferred to live in the same traditional way they had for generations. However the tour guide did say that at the time of our visit only women will be there because the men are all out tending the cows or drinking beer at that time.
We were also told that as we were visiting their homes it was polite to take them a gift, just as you would if you visited to a friends home and take chocolates or a bottle of wine. The tour guide recommended foodstuffs like rice, pasta, cooking oil, brown sugar.
Our tour group all brought these types of "gifts" into the village which was just a short walk from a modern well developed bush resort at Kamanjab. We parked the tour truck there and used their facilities and the guide who took us in to the village was from that resort.
We arrived at about 2.30pm half an hour earlier than our expected time at the village and the first thing we noticed was that some of the women were still trying to change into their traditional clothing, which surprised me because of the advice from the tour guide that they lived traditionally anyway with no western influence.
There was also just one old man in the village dressed in western fashion. There were a lot of happy, laughing playing children and a number of women but no other men at all.
The first hut we came to had a young woman about early twenties coming out of it still straightening up her traditional clothes. I think we took her by surprise and she was immediately very shy and unhappy about being confronted by 17 camera toting westerners surrounding her. She tried to hide her face and torso but was reprimanded by the local guide from the resort who pushed her hands away and told her to reveal herself for photos and examination by these tourists.
I was so embarrassed for this poor girl that I turned away and would not take a photo, or stare at her. I just wanted to leave her be. She was almost crying with what I took to be shame or embarrassment or both.
We did walk around the village and tried to converse with some of the woman but they did not appear to respond and maybe they do not speak or understand English. We left our gifts around the communal fireplace. Other of the woman seemed more relaxed about our being there and smiled and waved to us.
There is a large stock corrall fenced with wooden stakes in the centre of the village, allegedly for the cows which the men were allegedly tending to somewhere but we could not see where. I did notice some rudimentary but well built modern houses beside the village and wondered about those.
Toward the end of our visit some of the woman sat in a circle and unwrapped crafts for sale- their were about 11 of them competing for business in this way so that you felt bad buying something from one but not the others. We did buy some items and did not haggle on price as they were cheap enough anyway.
I was unhappy about this visit because these are human beings, and the 'zoo' atmosphere developed was very unsettling. Several others in our tour completely agreed and also felt uncomfortable with the visit.
It was however good to see the many children, laughing, playing, healthy, happy and well cared for.
Neither am I totally convinced about the authenticity of it all anyway.
We were also told that as we were visiting their homes it was polite to take them a gift, just as you would if you visited to a friends home and take chocolates or a bottle of wine. The tour guide recommended foodstuffs like rice, pasta, cooking oil, brown sugar.
Our tour group all brought these types of "gifts" into the village which was just a short walk from a modern well developed bush resort at Kamanjab. We parked the tour truck there and used their facilities and the guide who took us in to the village was from that resort.
We arrived at about 2.30pm half an hour earlier than our expected time at the village and the first thing we noticed was that some of the women were still trying to change into their traditional clothing, which surprised me because of the advice from the tour guide that they lived traditionally anyway with no western influence.
There was also just one old man in the village dressed in western fashion. There were a lot of happy, laughing playing children and a number of women but no other men at all.
The first hut we came to had a young woman about early twenties coming out of it still straightening up her traditional clothes. I think we took her by surprise and she was immediately very shy and unhappy about being confronted by 17 camera toting westerners surrounding her. She tried to hide her face and torso but was reprimanded by the local guide from the resort who pushed her hands away and told her to reveal herself for photos and examination by these tourists.
I was so embarrassed for this poor girl that I turned away and would not take a photo, or stare at her. I just wanted to leave her be. She was almost crying with what I took to be shame or embarrassment or both.
We did walk around the village and tried to converse with some of the woman but they did not appear to respond and maybe they do not speak or understand English. We left our gifts around the communal fireplace. Other of the woman seemed more relaxed about our being there and smiled and waved to us.
There is a large stock corrall fenced with wooden stakes in the centre of the village, allegedly for the cows which the men were allegedly tending to somewhere but we could not see where. I did notice some rudimentary but well built modern houses beside the village and wondered about those.
Toward the end of our visit some of the woman sat in a circle and unwrapped crafts for sale- their were about 11 of them competing for business in this way so that you felt bad buying something from one but not the others. We did buy some items and did not haggle on price as they were cheap enough anyway.
I was unhappy about this visit because these are human beings, and the 'zoo' atmosphere developed was very unsettling. Several others in our tour completely agreed and also felt uncomfortable with the visit.
It was however good to see the many children, laughing, playing, healthy, happy and well cared for.
Neither am I totally convinced about the authenticity of it all anyway.
Written 15 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Caloundra, Australia32 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
Visiting the Himba Tribe was an uncomfortable experience, it felt like we were invading their space, as uncomfortable as if someone were walking through my lounge room uninvited. There was one man who explained things to us about their customs and way of life, but overall the members of the community behaved as if they really didn't want us there. We brought gifts of food as a thank you (as recommended by the tour company), but the woman who accepted them didn't seem at all interested in the gifts or us.
I would not recommend visiting this place.
I would not recommend visiting this place.
Written 9 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OphirB
Israel5,851 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
Before we drove the 1.5 hours to one of the many Himba villages, north of Opuwo, we went with John, our guide, half Himba himself, to the supermarket to purchase the necessary 'gifts' we'll bring to the community. John's grandpa was a well respected personality in the Himba society, and therefore, he's most welcome in any of the Himba villages. The village we visited was going through some funeral and mourning ceremonies. After talking to the village eldest and revealing the goods we brought them, we were allowed to roam freely, take pictures and approach the people. We spent our time there in two basic actitivities: playing with the little kids, who just finished their common meal and were now most open to learn and engage in various hand-knocking games. High Fives, low Fives, and many variations and combinations made them very happy. That included also taking pictures of them and right away showing then the results. Finally they also got some simple candys. Those kids were so cute. The second activity was to gather with some 3 Himba ladies in one of their huts. The conversation that went on, with John being the translator, was amazingly open and sincere. It started with them explaining their unique dress and hair style. Everything they were and that ain't too much, is made out of leather. They dye themselves with butter and a certain kind of earth, that provides them with a most special copper like colour. The educational conversation went on to family life, couples and even to what's allowed and not allowed in the community. We were deeply impressed by their ability to talk freely and openly about all those subjects. Overall, this visit was really educational and quite different experience.
Written 3 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danielaprid
4 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We made a guided visit to the village, going by ourselves instead of setting previously with the hotel. Made not much difference, apparently. The visit took about an hour, while we heard about their culture and lifeways. We recommend.
Written 6 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moraia
West Hollywood, CA269 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
The visit felt forced and unnatural.I was looking forward to really meet them.Talk, spend more time than a hasty hour and leaving witbout being able to sit and take it all in. The photo oportunities are good,but it feels like a show. Tourists in tourists out.Spend money.buy and leave. They are not very friendly at it. Shame.instead of a cultural visit it is like a human zoo. Rushed and without any hospitality. Going through the motions mechanically for another group of tourists.
Written 23 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bastien G
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
June 2014 • Family
We took the tour of the village with our guide and local school teacher Mary, and it was a very valuable experience. The kids and the people were really friendly, open, and learning about the way they live was a very humbling experience. We also spent time with Mary in the school, just a mud hut. You won't regret your visit.
Written 17 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salve, quanto costa l'ingresso per la visita al villaggio Himba? Grazie
Written 27 May 2019
donde hiciste la reserva?
contrtastes tb TWYFELFONTEIN por adelantado?
grcs
Written 30 March 2019
Hola! El poblado himba tiene el contacto a través de un email donde haces la reserva en internet y ahà encuentras toda la información y te explica todo. Es muy sencillo y el poblado no tiene pérdida. Aunque cuando fuimos se pensaron por error q Ãbamos sin reserva y no nos pusieron pegas para hacer la visita sobre la marcha... hasta q les explicamos q tenÃamos reserva.
Y a esos petroglifos no fuimos, en su lugar visitamos unos q estaban muy cerca de kamanjab, los segundos más grandes. Y la verdad es q nos gustaron mucho y estábamos solos.
Si necesitas saber algo más no dudes en preguntarnos.
Saludos!!!!
Written 31 March 2019
cild18
Turin, Italy
Hi, I will be in Namibia for a self-drove tour and I would like to visit this village.
is there the possibility to visit it by myself, without any tour?
where can I find it coming from Kamanjab? is there a visible entrance? can I easly see it from the road?
are there special rules to respect?
Written 28 February 2018
Hey! Hopefully a quick question. What airport is everyone flying into to visit the Himba Orphan Village? Is it WDH and then do a 4x4 tour? I have also seen some helicopter rides to this location and the falls as a day trip. Im trying to find the best tour . It will be myself ,spouse and an eight year old.
Written 19 September 2017
Hi. We flew into Windhoek then drove to the main camp at Etosha for a few nights - well worth it. It was about a 5hr drive. We then drive another few hours to the Village. I don't think there is an airport close by.
Written 19 September 2017
How much does it cost to visit
Written 25 May 2017
Hi, Ellen! Visiting the Village which included attending some activities (such as cooking, dance) and the tour across the village was around $30, I don't remember exactly the figure. I had the opportunity to visit it through a tour across Namibia.
Hope this helps!
Written 25 May 2017
Do you have some contact information of Himba guide or any suggestion how can I make the visit to Himba's village?
Written 8 June 2016
We did it via our guide. Just ask any guide or reception to get in touch with the village to arrange it.
They need a day notice to prepare the visit.
Written 16 June 2016
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