Khwe Living Museum Travel Guide: Top Sights in Namibia, Tours &

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Khwe Living Museum- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Namibia; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 3 hours

The Khwe Living Museum, located just east of Divundu in northern Namibia, emerges from a collaborative effort between the Khwe community and the Living Culture Foundation Namibia. Its mission is both cultural and economic: designed as an authentic village with traditional grass huts, it functions as a living preservation of a hunter-gatherer society whose customs and language—such as Khwe-||Ani—face increasing vulnerability. This open-air interpretation center not only safeguards ancestral knowledge but also returns its proceeds directly to the community, reinforcing local ownership. Visitors are invited into interactive programs that bring Khwe traditions to life. One can participate in a "Life in the Village" experience—witnessing how clothing, jewelry, mats, fire lighting, and healing rituals are crafted and performed—or opt for a guided bush walk demonstrating tracking, foraging, and blacksmithing techniques used in making arrows and traps. These engagements reveal not just cultural practices but the enduring relationship the Khwe maintain with their environment, making the museum a meaningful intersection of heritage, education, and sustenance.

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Reviews of Khwe Living Museum

Andreas Rothe

3
Reviewed: 2025-03-30

Must have picked a bad day. 1.5-2h program lasted less than an hour and guide spoke more to other San people than us. Big disappointment compared to other living museums
Silke Groß

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-29

A group of San present the traditional way of life of the Bushman people with demonstrations and typical songs. Very friendly and not intrusive.
András Szőllősy

5
Reviewed: 2024-01-09

An unforgettable experience. Absolutely worth visiting. Hands down this was my favorite village I've visited in Namibia, because everyone was smiling and did their best to make us enjoy our visit. Our local guide, Allie explained everything in a very clear way and answered all of our questions. The bushwalk provided an insight into how the San people navigate themselves in the wild by paying attention to every small detail both on the ground and on the trees. At the end of the walk the villagers showed us how they make their jewelry and how they make fire. At last, they performed some of their traditional dances and a healing ceremony. All in all, I cannot recommend this place enough. Thank you! :)
Cassandra B

5
Reviewed: 2022-11-11

Nice tour and explanation of the traditional way of life. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and having the opportunity to watch traditional songs being sung.
Monique B.

5
Reviewed: 2022-09-14

Small museum led by the San Community. Very interesting information was given by the guide. Nice also to support the San people community.