Unique African tribal experiences
April 23, 2024
Unique African tribal experiences
|At TravelLocal, we passionately believe that tourism can and must be a force for good. So, we take the ethical considerations around indigenous tourism in Africa (and all over the world) very seriously. We’re proud to offer some amazing tribal and indigenous community experiences across Africa. Through these activities, visitors can gain a much deeper insight into life in these often-remote places, connect with the people who know the land intimately, and learn about unique cultures and their ways of being in and interpreting the world.
The life of a Bushman in the Kalahari Desert is likely as far removed from your daily routines as you can imagine. Having said that, the essential stuff of life, with all its joys and sorrows, is universal. Birth, death, coming of age, marriage; eating, drinking, providing for family – these are things that occupy and sustain us the world over. It’s simply the detail of how we go about them that changes from culture to culture. Learning how the ancient tribes of Africa relate to and revel in life is endlessly engaging and, in our opinion, an integral part of a well-rounded African exploration.
Many of Africa’s indigenous tribes have lost large areas of their homelands due to wide-ranging factors. Environmental issues, land use and population growth have all had an impact. But thankfully, there are still some African lands where the indigenous peoples can live and go about their daily lives much as they have done for centuries.
Visiting these special places and people will almost certainly be one of the standout experiences of any trip to Africa. Whether it’s seeing the intricate processes of weaving and beadwork, feeling the emotion of a traditional song and dance, or simply sharing a smile. Spending time with Africa’s tribal people always holds a special place for those lucky enough to journey there. Here are some of the tribes you could meet on your Africa adventure.
Tanzania’s Maasai, Datoga and Hadzabe tribes
Swathed in crimson cloth, staff in hand or propelling themselves like an arrow into the air, Maasai warriors represent a potent image of Africa. This semi-nomadic tribe inhabit parts of Kenya and Tanzania and has a growing population of around 400,000 in Tanzania alone. Life for the Maasai revolves around their cattle, and a man’s wealth is partly measured by the number of cows he owns. Traditionally, the tribe move their homesteads with the seasons to search for the best cattle grazing. As such, their homes are temporary shelters made with found materials, and they are usually constructed by the women of the tribe.
Maasai society is firmly patriarchal, with the elder males making the important decisions. Both men and women dress in bright robes, but women will spend many hours creating colorful beaded necklaces, headdresses and earrings to adorn themselves.
The Datoga are another of Tanzania’s tribal people with a similar lifestyle to the Maasai, in that they are semi-nomadic cattle herders. They are less numerous than the Maasai and these days tend to move around less, instead growing crops on small farmsteads around the Lake Eyasi area. Their clothing has earthier tones, and they practice ritual markings, creating patterns of cuts on the face and shoulders.
Also living around the remote Lake Eyasi, the Hadzabe are one of Africa’s last-remaining hunter-gatherer tribes. Living off the land, they hunt wild animals using handcrafted bows and arrows and forage for edible plants. They don’t farm, keep livestock or store food and have few possessions. They sleep either in flimsy shelters or out under the stars. This tribe of around 1,200 individuals are an incredible living link to man’s original way of life in the distant past.
Zimbabwe’s Ndebele
The Ndebele are a Bantu-speaking tribe native to South Africa and Zimbabwe who live in small villages where they farm and keep cattle. The women are particularly distinctive with their elaborate beaded finery in vibrant colors. Their creativity extends to the walls of their homes, which are brightly painted, often in geometric patterns. Visiting one of their villages on a trip to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls is a must.
Botswana’s San Bushmen
The Kalahari Desert has long been home to the San Bushmen, one of the oldest known peoples in the world. Traditionally hunter-gatherers, their territories have been greatly diminished, and today they mostly live in small villages throughout southern Africa. In Botswana, some San can live something like their traditional way of life in a small area around Botswana’s Okavango Delta. As part of our Botswana tours, visitors can join San guides on educational walks to learn about their unique culture, clicking-based languages and fascinating desert survival skills.
The Himba in Namibia
In the remote Kunene region of Namibia, the Red People, as the Himba are sometimes called, are a tribe of hunter-gatherers and farmers. Their name stems from the mixture of butter fat and reddish earth they paint on their skin and hair as protection from the sun. Something else that sets the Himba apart is their matriarchal society, where the women take an important role in decision-making.
South Africa’s Zulu Nation
The Zulu were traditionally a fierce warrior tribe known for their ferocity in battle. Today they are the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with a population of around 11 million. Modern-day Zulus save their intricately-beaded traditional clothing for special occasions, such as weddings and funerals. During these ceremonies, they will sing ancestral songs and dance together.
Although they have adopted modern dress and lifestyles, many Zulu maintain a link with their roots and traditions. This can be through the symbolism of the jewelry and colors they wear or via small sacrifices to ancestral spirits. On any trip to South Africa, you’ll encounter some form of Zulu culture, but if you’d like to explore more deeply, just ask our local experts.
The Ashanti in Ghana
Living mainly in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, the Ashanti or Asante are a major ethnic group in present-day Ghana. Although many live in the capital, Kumasi, their roots are in village life and most are farmers. The Ashanti people are organized in clans, and their lineage stems from a common female ancestor. Their sumptuous weaving of brightly-colored silks and cotton is well celebrated, and they are also skilled in wood carving, pottery and metalwork. Shoppers beware, you’ll be sure to need extra space in your case.
Make it happen
If you’re inspired to meet some of Africa’s tribal peoples and learn first-hand about their culture and lifestyle, talk to our local Africa experts and start planning.
