Bushman Walk with the San in Windhoek: Learn Ancient Skills

The San still make fire the way their ancestors did thousands of years ago.

A guided two-hour walk with San Bushmen in Windhoek where you learn to read animal tracks, identify bush plants used in traditional medicine, speak basic click-language, make fire by hand, and craft jewellery from ostrich egg shell. The tour includes an English-speaking guide and runs from a farm in Brakwater, about 30 minutes from central Windhoek. Pickup is available on the option you choose at checkout. Income from the walk supports the San community directly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bushman Walk and Cultural Experience

• Travel to farm in Brakwater
• Start walk at therapy center
• Learn about bush plants
• Introduction to Click-language
• Read animal tracks
• Watch traditional fire making
• Watch San dance
• Make ostrich egg shell jewelry
• Learn about San life today

The experience

The walk starts at a farm in Brakwater, a natural setting just outside Windhoek where the San operate their own space. You spend two hours with them learning skills that are nearly forgotten among younger generations. They teach you to read animal tracks in the earth, identify which bush plants treat which ailments, and speak a few words of their click-language. The consonant sounds that are central to how they communicate. You watch them create fire using traditional methods, no matches or lighter involved, and they perform traditional dances. The whole thing is designed to be easy. The operator notes it suits all ages and fitness levels.

You'll make your own piece of jewellery from ostrich egg shell, something the San have crafted for generations. The tour includes an infosheet about their ancient knowledge and the chance to take pictures and video. Children under six enter free. A short introduction to the non-profit organisation running the farm rounds out the visit, so you understand how the income from these walks helps sustain the San families who depend on it.

What’s included

• A two-hour guided walk with San Bushmen in their natural setting.
• an English-speaking guide.
• instruction in reading animal tracks, identifying medicinal bush plants, and click-language basics.
• a traditional fire-making demonstration.
• traditional dance performance.
• materials to craft your own ostrich egg shell jewellery.
• an infosheet about San ancient knowledge.
• free entry for children under six.
• the chance to photograph and video the experience.
• a short introduction to the non-profit farm and its work.

Options for this experience

2 options

Bushman walk (pickup not provided)Guide in English · 08:30 and 16:00

Walking tour with a guide, led by the San in WindhoekGuide in English · 08:00 and 15:30Pickup is included

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30, 15:30 and 16:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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 33 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bushmen Walk

Is this one for you?The fixed two-hour walk means you get the full range of San skills and knowledge without a longer time commitment, and the farm location near Windhoek keeps travel time short. Pickup is available if you want it included, or you can arrange your own transport to Brakwater.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Bushman Walk take from start to finish?

The walk itself runs two hours, and with travel time to the farm in Brakwater it takes about three hours total from when you start.

What exactly do you learn to do on the walk?

You learn to read animal tracks, identify bush plants and their traditional uses, speak basic click-language sounds, make fire the traditional way, and craft a piece of jewellery from ostrich egg shell. The San also perform traditional dances during the visit.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Pickup is included in the Guided Walking Tour option. The Bushman Walk option without pickup is also available. Choose which one suits your plans at checkout.

What should I bring or know before I go?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for being outdoors in Namibian sun. Cold drinks and water bottles are available for purchase at the farm for 20 NAD. Bring cash if you want to buy craft items like ostrich egg jewelleries or Bushmen knives from the San.