Namibia is located in the south southwest of Africa. It is about the size of Texas and Louisiana combined, but only has a population of about 2 million. It is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. The country has suffered heavily from the effects of HIV/AIDS.
There is a thin piece of Namibia, referred to as the Caprivi Strip, that extends from the main body of the country at the northeast corner across the top of Botswana over to the "four corners" area where Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. Near the eastern point of the Caprivi Strip is a small island in the Chobe River called, Impalila Island. We visited a local village on the island during our stay in Botswana.
It is rainy season and the Chobe River was running full.
We hiked about a mile inland to reach the village.
The village children came out to greet us.
In the center of the village was a huge Baobab tree. It is estimated to be about 3,000 years old. The baobab is regarded as the largest succulent plant in the world.
The fruits from the baobab tree are used the make Cream of Tartar.
As with most villages in Africa, living conditions were rather minimal. This was the village chief's house, located behind a tall reed wall.
Each family within the village would have their house enclosed behind a reed fence. But the Chief had the largest enclosed area. Houses without a fenced enclosure were those of single individuals or young couples.
Inside a family enclosure.
Houses are constructed by first building a framework from tree limbs.
Then mud is placed between the framework.
A smooth outer surfacing of mud is than spread on the outside to finish the walls.
The village grows its own vegetables.
They get meat from chickens, goats, cows and fish. This little structure is a chicken house.
This one is for goats.
The villagers were selling hand-made crafts to make some money.
We bought the bowl in the second row, 5th from the left.
If you ever think you have it rough...come back and look at these photos.
Next stop Zimbabwe.
