Nyae Nyae Conservancy
conservancy area in Bushmanland, Namibia
The Nyae Nyae conservancy which was previously known as Eastern Bushmanland, is one of the most remote wilderness areas of Namibia. Nyae Nyae is the home of the Ju/'hoansi people (or !Kung Bushmen) who traditionally practised their hunter gatherer lifestyle in the area. Nowdays most Ju/'hoansi bushman have changed their lifestyle, but some traditional elements remain. In Nyae Nyae you will have the opportunity to meet these remarkable Bushman people as well as discover the Kalahari Desert.
The Nyae Nyae is well known for its beautiful pans. After good rains these pans fill with water attracting birds and plentiful game. South of Tsumkwe is a complex of pans, the most stunning of which is the Nyae Nyae pan to the north are the Klein and Groot Dobe pans.
This area of Bushmanland also has numerous Baobab trees, the Grootboom (big tree) has a diameter of over 30 meters. In 1891 the ill-fated Dorslandtrekkers passed through the area and carved their names into the Dorslandboom which can be found on the road to the Khaudum Reserve.
Before entering the conservancy you will need to pay the relevant entrance fees (about N$25 per person) at the Nyae Nyae conservancy office in Tsumkwe, you can also pay your camping fees here. Fees for the activities must be paid at the villages. It is extremely important that you pay the correct amount in cash. Contrary to popular belief bartering is not common and you should not attempt to pay with clothing, alcohol, food or tobacco.
Have a look at the map of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy Activities - Traditional Hunting - These skilled hunters will take you out in search of prey, together you will set traps, make rope from leaves and catch spring hares. Be warned the capturing of hares is a fairly gruesome activity involving a long stick with a hook, vegetarians and animal lovers are advised that they may find this a traumatic experience.
- Music and dancing - In the evening the men perform the elephant, porcupine and melon dance around the campfire while the women clap and sing. This is a truly memorable experience.
- Gathering Food - The village women will show you how to gather tubers, berries and nuts. They will also show you how to collect water from various plants, this is a desert survival course from the masters of desert survival.
- Elephant Tracking - Walking trips (from one to three days) can be arranged, you may come face to face with an elephant, or successfully track a kudu or leopard. This is the best way to experience the Nyae Nyae.
Accommodation - Campsites are situated near the villages. Southeast of Tsumkwe is Djokhoe campsite while to the east is Makuri. Water is normally available from the village. It is important to ask the village headman for permission to set up camp.
Local Guides - Guides are available both at the campsite and the conservancy office in Tsumkwe. The guides can schedule an itinerary to meet your wishes but you should remember that most of the activities are part of daily life.
Driving - Tsumkwe which is situated in the centre of the Nyae Nyae can be reached in a normal sedan vehicle. The conservancy itself requires a four wheel drive vehicle but even then some of the roads are inacessible during the rainy season.
Arts and crafts - Crafts are made from ostrich shell, Tamboti wood and other natural materials. Popular items include bow and arrow sets, bracelets, necklaces and beadwork. These crafts can be purchased from the conservancy office or directly from the villages.
A few do's and dont's - Pay your fees at the conservancy office in Tsumkwe
- Ask permission before taking photographs of people, if they say & quot;no& quot; respect their wishes
- Only camp in designated areas
- Ask permission from the village headman before setting up camp
- As hyaenas, leopard and lion freely roam the Nyae Nyae it is worth considering this before camping out under the stars
- Water is scarce, the villages usually have some available but ask permission to use it
- Be careful with fires
- Take your rubbish to the dump near Tsumkwe, hyaena dig up rubbish which is buried
- Ask the villages to assist in the collection of firewood, wood should be collected at least 5km from the village. Often wood is available from the village for a fee
- Only visit the areas designated for tourism
- Pay the correct price for services provided by the villagers. Do not attempt to trade items for services
- Leave the wildlife alone
- Do not drive off road
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This information was kindly supplied by the Nyae Nyae conservancy Email us for more information and bookings
