Part of what made our Spaswinefood trip to Namibia special, was being introduced to some of its ethnic diversity. Namibia, a south-western African country, known for its amazing scenery and wildlife is also home to the San Bushmen. Namibia has been described as an adventurer's paradise and most visitor's only focus on that. However, since we had heard of the San people long before reaching Namibia, we were eager to visit a San community. The San Bushmen are a very special group of people who are struggling to survive amid rapid changes in the world around them. This post will reflection on my visit with the Ju/'Hoansi-San.
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| Ju/'Hoansi-San Community, Namibia © Spaswinefood |
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| Ju/'Hoansi-San © Spaswinefood |
After our Okavango Delta adventure in
Botswana we returned to the Rainbow Lodge in Divuvu. From Divuvu it was onto Roy's Rest Camp in Namibia for two
nights. Our primary reason for visiting this area near Grootfontein was to visit the Ju/'Hoansi-San community, just off Route C44.
Ju/'Hoansi-San Community, Namibia
When we arrived we were greeted by one of the local community leaders.
Upon meeting our host I was immediately stuck by the huge difference in their standard of living compared to other Namibians. During our travels from Nairobi, Kenya to Namibia we had met many diverse people however, none of the differences were as striking as the San people. Soon after we exchanged greetings we were heading down a trail towards an area setup to receive visitors.
After a short walk in the hot sun we arrived an area reserved for visitors.
The San are quite accustomed to meeting tourists during their African travels.
Upon arrival we were welcomed by community members.
After the welcome we were taken on a walk with our host. He described some important plants and survival skills used by the San.
When we returned from our walk the women started singing and dancing.
The women in our group were invited to join the dance. We accepted the invitation.
There were other activities, like demonstrating how to make fire. On our way out took a look at some the crafts for sell.
I could not help but notice the small child standing quietly near the craft display area.
While it was indeed very special for me to spend time with the San people I can not help but feel empathy for their daily struggles. Now as I look at the photo of this small child I feel over whelmed by the stark contrast in our lives.
World's Apart
After our visit to Ju/'Hoansi-San community I returned to our beautiful rustic cabin at Roy's camp.
I was reminded of the sharp contrast to world that I had just visited.
Ju/'Hoansi-San Community, Namibia
When we arrived we were greeted by one of the local community leaders.
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| Our San Host © Spaswinefood |
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| World's Apart © Spaswinefood |
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San Community, Namibia © Spaswinefood
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| Shelter, San Community © Spaswinefood |
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| Meeting San Community Members © Spaswinefood |
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| San Community Tour © Spaswinefood |
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| Tour with San Community Members © Spaswinefood |
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| Women, Ju/'Hoansi-San Community © Spaswinefood |
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| Visitors Dancing with San Women © Spaswinefood |
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| Ju/'Hoansi-San Community, Namibia © Spaswinefood |
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| Gathering Around the Fire, Ju/'Hoansi-San Community © Spaswinefood |
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| Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi-San, Namibia © Spaswinefood |
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| Child, Living Museum Ju/'Hoansi-San, Namibia © Spaswinefood |
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| Ju/'Hoansi-San Child © Spaswinefood |
While it was indeed very special for me to spend time with the San people I can not help but feel empathy for their daily struggles. Now as I look at the photo of this small child I feel over whelmed by the stark contrast in our lives.
World's Apart
After our visit to Ju/'Hoansi-San community I returned to our beautiful rustic cabin at Roy's camp.
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| Roy's Rest Camp © Spaswinefood |
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| Restaurant Menu, Roy's Rest Camp © Spaswinefood |
During our brief time with the Ju/'Hoansi-San I did gain some insights into their daily lives. The cultural insights gained from time
with the San Bushmen has helped me to critically frame our African overland
adventure. One cannot spend time with
the San, without coming to appreciate the uniqueness of their lives.
Still I walked away from that experience, with great sadness for what lies ahead
for the San people. Next day we continued our overland travels to the Etosha National Park.
Sharon
Namibia, Africa
© Spaswinefood
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| Reception, Roy's Rest Camp © Spaswinefood |
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