Go Big Namibia Day 5: Big Culture

Emeritta Lillo is on the road with the #GoBigNamibia tour. Each day she'll be sharing their adventures, so stay tuned for some handy travel tips and inspiration. Follow the team on Twitter @NamibiaHorizons #GoBigNamibia and Facebook for a chance to win

This morning we said goodbye to Etosha and headed SouthWest towards the Khoadi/ Hoas Conservancy, one of the oldest conservancies in Namibia.

Around noon we arrived at Grootberg Lodge - the only lodge in Namibia owned 100% by the community. The lodge is perched on the rim of the breathtaking Etendeka Plateau, overlooking the Klip River Valley. I think this view is in contention for the most stunning view in all of Namibia.

After lunch we met our guide, Martin, who took us to visit the Himba - the last semi-nomadic tribe in Africa. It took us about 2 hours to reach the Himba village, which lies at the end of an oasis lined with green makalani palms. It was a stark contrast to the barren and rocky landscape that we have been driving through all day!

They greeted us warmly and we all met each other shaking hands and repeating one another’s names. Marianna, an 18 year old Himba woman, showed us how they rub ochre on their body and how they burn special herbs as a perfume. We were able to buy some traditional jewelry from them and before we left they treated us to a traditional dance. Ees, of course, joined in.

Spectacular views from Grootberg Lodge

Makalani palm trees line the way to the Himba village

Marianne, our Himba acquaintance

Himba women's hairstyles reflect their age and social status

(read more interesting facts about the Himba here) 

The red ochre they smear on their skin is said to be one of the secrets to their beauty

I got to experience it first hand

There were plenty of Himba children playing in the village - and with our Go Biggers...

Fascinated by the Himba? Read more about them here:

In search of the Himba in Namibia

Fast Facts: The Himba of Namibia

Desert Perfume - Beauty Secrets of the Himba

Follow Emeritta and her fellow adventurers on their #GoBigNamibia tour