We were passing through Kamanjab in Namibia’s Kunene district when we saw a Himba woman in traditional dress pulling a wheelie suitcase to the bus stop as if she was in an international airport – a strange jumble of two very different cultures. Now we were on our way to meet a whole village of Himba women and children but my dilemma over the clash of cultures was still prickling at the back of my mind.
By Roxanne Reid
We were passing through Kamanjab in Namibia’s Kunene district when we saw a Himba woman in traditional dress pulling a wheelie suitcase to the bus stop as if she was in an international airport – a strange jumble of two very different cultures. Now we were on our way to meet a whole village of Himba women and children but my dilemma over the clash of cultures was still prickling at the back of my mind.
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By Roxanne Reid We were completely off the grid in an area more beautiful than a rainbow. Surrounded by pinkish mountains and open plains speckled with camel thorn trees, we couldn’t see another human or hear even an echo of the hustle and bustle of normal life. We were camping in the Namtib Biosphere Reserve, Namibia, our surroundings flawless. By Roxanne Reid There’s something special about the atmosphere of the bushveld camps in the Kruger National Park. They’re quiet, without shops or restaurants, so there’s a sense of being closer to nature. After camping in the Kruger National Park for a couple of weeks, we treated ourselves to two nights at Shimuwini Bushveld Camp – with mixed success. By Roxanne Reid Skin of reddish hue, elaborate hair extensions, handmade skirts, and metal, shell and leather accessories, these are part of what makes Himba women so beautiful. There’s a grace and ease of movement too, making the Himba the supermodels of Kunene district in northwestern Namibia. By Roxanne Reid I fell in love when I first saw a photograph of the endless vista that is the NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Namibia, and I’ve wanted to experience it ever since. Now that I have, I recommend that you put it on your life list if you’re the sort of person who gets joy from beauty and wilderness. |
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AboutI'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel. Categories
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