The Himba

Ochre red, firm and smooth,
Handsome in face and form.
Confident, at ease,
In such arid vastness.

Domed dung and branch
Shelters, cool, fitting.
All their needs to hand,
At peace with Nature.

Who are we to come
Showing scorn, disdain?
We, who cannot live
Without soft comforts.

How dare we question
Their culture, beliefs,
While greed, selfishness
Destroy our own peace?

Himba destiny changing;
Tradition may prevail,
Change cannot be stopped.
They will lose and gain!

Jean Boothman, Hereford, England

 Eine Kaokohimba-Safari zu unternehmen bedeutet:

Die Lebendigkeit der Wüste erfahren,
Eintauchen in wogendes gelbes Langgras,
uralte Berghänge unter den Sohlen,
Aufatmen in der grünen Oase am Kunene.
Und: Weite, Schroffheit, Stille,
die Zartes, auch Schutzbedürftiges birgt.

Staunen über Pflanzen im Sonnenglast -
Flechten, Akazien, Euphorbien.
Verabredung mit Springbock, Bergzebra, Elefant,
Bienenfresser, Bülbül und Tocko - und
das Empfinden, dazu zu gehören.

Es bedeutet dank Koos: Afrikas Natur Verstehen.
Es bedeutet auch: Schweigen, nach innen Lauschen,
Begegnen: dem Fremden, Freunden, den Himba,
Und nicht zuletzt: sich selbst.

Wolf-Dietrich Gürtler, Gelsenkirchen

                 

We are captivated by the desert and its silence, excited by our encounters with elephant and other animals, moved by the sunsets viewed during magical sundowners, impressed by the knowledge and care for the environment of our guide, won over by the charm of the Himba people we were able to meet.

Trevor and Sandy Benton, Reigate, England


                 

Our stay at Camp Synchro in the Marienfluss was an unforgettable experience and without a doubt the highlight of our tour of Namibia. Through our excellent hosts Koos and Heide we discovered the daily challenges faced by the Himba people to survive in a hostile environment where food, water and shelter are precious commodities. Fortunately these were conditions we were spared in the excellent facilities at the camp. We also learned of the problems of aiding a proud people who are in danger of being left behind or plain ignored by the pace of modern day man's technological advances.
Aside from the fascinating discoveries of the lore and traditions of the Himba people, we were able to enjoy the sheer raw beauty and remoteness of this untouched corner of south west Africa. The remoteness of the vast Marienfluss plain, perhaps what might be a last view of the Epupa Falls before it is submerged by the hydro-electric dam and the barren emptiness of the Skeleton Coast are memories that will be hard to forget.

Simon and Ruth Packard, Paris, France

                 


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