There’s more to Namibia than beautiful landscapes and impressive wildlife. As Katutura tour guide and entrepreneur Anna Mafwila puts it, “a country without its people, basically, is not a country.” Often when tourists visit Africa, they come for the animals and forget to connect with the local communities, missing out on a rewarding and enriching cultural experience.
For those looking to experience the real Namibia, we recommend a welcoming start in the Katutura neighbourhood in Windhoek, where food and friends are a dime a dozen. The country has a long and complex history, yet the people remain some of the most welcoming and kindhearted in the world.
The next stop is Northern Namibia for the Nakambale Museum and Ongula Village. At Ongula Village Homestead Lodge, the local culture is all around. Traditional dances are often performed for guests, and if you’re lucky, you can learn to play one of the oldest games in Africa, ‘Owela.’
The views in this part of the country are stunning, so make sure to look out your window as we travel from Ongula to our next destination: the Royal Palace of Uukwambi. Visitors to the palace are welcomed with traditional songs and dance, which can be an exciting performance for those not familiar with the area. Visiting the palace is a great way to learn more about Namibian culture and society, as well as the preservation of traditional values and traditions. We recommend a visit to anyone who wants to experience the country as authentically as possible.
When visiting Namibia, we hope that travelers take with them an open mind and an open heart. While the scenery and wildlife are genuinely jaw-dropping, we urge you to take the extra step and learn more about the wonderful people who inhabit this beautiful country. We promise you won’t regret it! To learn more about what Namibia has to offer, check out our Northern Namibia episode of FLY BROTHER with Ernest White II, available for streaming now at PBS.org.