3-Day Himba Culture Tour from Windhoek: Kaokoland Village Stay

Kaokoland's Himba villages show you a way of life most visitors never reach

A 3-day tour from Windhoek to the Himba villages of Kaokoland in northern Namibia, with professional guide, air-conditioned vehicle, accommodations and meals included. Day one travels north through Okahandja craft market and the Cheetah Conservation Fund; day two is a full immersion at Otjikandero Himba Village learning customs, rituals and daily life; day three returns to Windhoek with a final stop at Okahandja. The tour operates with shared or solo booking options. Minimum age is 12, and personal medical insurance is mandatory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel and Cultural Discovery

• Travel to Kamanjab area
• Stop at Okahandja Craft Market
• Visit Cheetah Conservation Fund

Day 2: Himba Village Cultural Immersion

• Visit Otjikandero Himba Village
• Learn about Himba culture and traditions

Day 3: Return Journey and Souvenirs

• Stop at Okahandja for souvenirs
• Return to Windhoek and drop off

The experience

The route starts in Windhoek and heads north toward Kamanjab, stopping first at Okahandja Craft Market where local artisans sell wood carvings, beads, woven baskets and textiles. The Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo is the next stop: a research and rehabilitation center working on cheetah conservation and human-wildlife conflict reduction across Namibia. These two stops frame the journey before you reach the Himba villages themselves.

Day two is the core of the tour: a full day at Otjikandero Himba Village near Opuwo, where you spend time with the Himba people and learn about their customs, beliefs and history. The Himba are semi-nomadic pastoralists descended from Herero shepherds. They number around 50,000 across the Kunene region in northern Namibia and Angola, and are known for their distinctive ochre-coated skin and intricate hairstyles. This is an interactive experience. You observe their daily activities and interact with the community directly, supporting them through responsible cultural tourism. You stay in a Himba hut or similar accommodation, eating meals with the community.

The return journey on day three retraces the route south, with another stop at Okahandja for souvenirs before drop-off in Windhoek. The tour includes a professional guide and chauffeur, air-conditioned vehicle, all meals, accommodations, entrance fees, fuel, binoculars and field guides, first-aid kit, and 24/7 assistance. Airport transfers are included, and the operator can arrange your starting accommodation if needed. You choose between shared group pricing or solo travel at checkout.

What’s included

• Professional guide and chauffeur.
• air-conditioned vehicle with fuel for the entire route.
• accommodations in Himba huts or similar.
• all meals during the 3 days.
• airport transfers and meet-and-greet service.
• entrance fees to sites visited.
• binoculars and field guides.
• first-aid kit.
• 24/7 assistance throughout the trip.
• Namibia VAT and Tourism Levy.

Options for this experience

2 options

Price per person, shared09:00Shared, price per person, includes pickup

Solo09:00Solo, includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Motema Tours and Safaris Namibia

Is this one for you?Choose the shared option to travel with other guests at a lower per-person cost, or book solo if you want your own guide for the full three days. The overnight village stay on day two (with meals and daily interaction) is what distinguishes this from typical brief Himba visits.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is the Himba people's background and where do they live?

The Himba are indigenous semi-nomadic pastoralists descended from Herero shepherds who fled northwest after displacement by the Nama people. They live primarily in the Kunene region of northern Namibia, with an estimated population of around 50,000 across Namibia and Angola.

What happens on the full day at Otjikandero Himba Village?

You spend the entire day interacting with the Himba community, learning about their customs, rituals, beliefs and daily activities. You stay overnight in a Himba hut and eat meals with the village, experiencing their semi-nomadic pastoral lifestyle firsthand.

What stops happen on the drive north and south?

Day one includes Okahandja Craft Market, where local artisans sell handmade wood carvings, jewelry, textiles and beads, and the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo, a research center focused on cheetah protection and human-wildlife conflict. Day three stops at Okahandja again on the return to Windhoek.

Is there a minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to arrange separately?

The tour includes accommodations, all meals, professional guide and chauffeur, air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees, fuel, binoculars and field guides, airport transfers, meet-and-greet service, and 24/7 assistance. You arrange your own international and domestic flights, visa fees if applicable, personal medical insurance (which is mandatory), and optional activities like hot air balloon rides or scenic flights.