Himba people: I look for info ...

Do you not think that what remains of the OvaHimba way of life is endangered and influenced by people like yourself who want to turn up and film and photograph them in exchange for goods or payment? The degradation (by way of intrusion by outsiders) of indigenous peoples all over the world and indeed in Namibia and amongst the Ovahimba is well documented. Slowly, slowly their traditional ways are chipped away and eroded by this exposure to outsiders and what they represent and what they bring with them.

If people started to turn up at your home and camp in your garden or your spare room for a week and ask to make films about your way of life in exchange for something do you not think that this would soon start to change your life in some way? Would you appreciate all the ramifications that this would bring?

No one likes to think that their well intentioned journey to see one of the last vestiges of a unique culture and people will contribute to their decline or the dilution of their culture.

YOur question seems to be rather naive, hence the previous reply you got. YOu dont indicate what experience /equipment you have, making any reply nonsensical. Firstly you need a reliable 4x4 vehicle, well equipped for you to survive for 2 weeks, including water, food GPS etc. There are a number of concervancies in the area which are indicated on GPS or good maps. Do not try to stay with Himba, you will not be welcome. Stay at the conservancy, and you can meet them there.

Don't let anyone, especially uninformed, politically correct pseudo-adventurers, discourage you from visiting the Himba people. The world, and it's people, are in a constant state of change - the world is fluid. Apparently, everyone around the world are free to make decisions on their own, including how to make money, but not the Himba - they need other people to tell them what they can, and can't do. If the Himba didn't want people interacting with them, it would stop in short time. It's NOT degradation to interact with other people and cultures - it's done all over the world - and people enjoy it more often than not. The Himba are perfectly capable of holding onto their culture and traditions, just like anyone else - they're not stupid and they don't need outside nannies to look after them. People do show up to interact with other people - all over the world - it's called "hospitality" or "visiting" and it's ok. The only "ramifications" it brings are the ones that are allowed by the people - they're not idiots, they can think and they can make money if they want to. Why is it ok for other people around the world to welcome visitors (for free or $), but it's not ok for the Himba…? Instead of spreading politically correct, uninformed nonsense, why don't you simply ask the Himba if they would enjoy a visit from an outsider!! They love visits, they love learning from others, the enjoy making some spending money (or is that only for Westeners to enjoy…?). Do your research, go visit the Himba and have the time of your life. The Himba will only change as far as they want to.