Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE JU/'HOANSI SAN TODAY
The enforcement of conservation laws, most notably the establishment of Khaudum National Park, has negatively
affected the ability of the San to continue hunting and gathering. While some communities have successfully shif-
ted to agriculture and herding, the majority scrape by on a subsistence lifestyle.
On the other hand, the Ju/'hoansi San are permitted to hunt with traditional bows and arrows within their con-
cession, and the reintroduction of game has enabled some successful hunters to earn a respectable living.
The Nyae Nyae Conservancy was also successful in facilitating the passage of the Traditional Authorities Act
by the Namibian government, which officially recognised the political power of local chiefs. Today, these indi-
viduals work alongside the Nyae Nyae Conservancy at the local, regional and national levels to find sustainable
land-use solutions. Furthermore, tourism has firmly taken hold in Otjozondjupa, and the Nyae Nyae Conservancy
now envisions Tsumkwe emerging as a prominent ecotourism hot spot.
While visiting Otjozondjupa, please be extremely sensitive to the plight of the San, though do take comfort in
the fact that your visit can indeed help. Revenue from tourism plays a vital role in the development of the region,
particularly if you are buying locally produced crafts or paying for the services of a guide. Perhaps more import-
antly, indigenous tourism helps to reassure communities like the San that their traditional culture is worth pre-
serving, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn about our common human heritage.
TSUMKWE
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Tsumkwe is the only real permanent settlement in the whole of Otjozondjupa, though it's
merely a wide spot in the sand with a few rust-covered buildings. Originally constructed
as the regional headquarters of the SADF, Tsumkwe was then given a mandate as the ad-
ministrative centre of the Ju/'hoansi San community, and is home to the Nyae Nyae Con-
servancy. While organised tourism in the region is still something of a work in progress,
Tsumkwe is where you can arrange everything from bushwalks to hunting safaris, and in-
ject some much-needed cash into the local community.
Sights
Hunting and foraging trips are the highlight of any visit to Otjozondjupa. Much as they
have for generations, the San still use traditional gear, namely a bow with poisoned arrows
for men, and a digging stick and sling for women. In the past, men would be gone for sev-
eral days at a time in pursuit of herds, so you shouldn't expect to take down any big game
on an afternoon excursion. But it's fascinating to see trackers in pursuit of their quarry,
and you're likely to come across spoor and maybe even an antelope or two.
