The San at Omandumba – A Living Heritage in the Heart of the Erongo

Since 2008, visitors have been able to explore the Living Museum of the Ju/’Hoansi San, also known as the Bushmen, on Omandumba Farm. Open all year round, the museum offers a calm, interactive, and authentic presentation of San culture, growing in popularity among guests interested in history, nature, and traditional ways of life.

Traces of the San in the Erongo

The Erongo region is rich in rock paintings and archaeological sites, showing that the San lived, hunted, and left their mark here centuries ago. Due to colonization and conflicts, the San were displaced from the area long ago. Today, the Living Museum at Omandumba gives them the opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral land while sharing their culture with visitors and earning a sustainable income.

Insights into the Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle

The museum offers fascinating insights into the San’s ancient way of life. Visitors can take part in bush walks to see rock art, learn about traditional plants, and engage in hands-on activities such as setting traps, making bows and arrows, crafting jewelry from ostrich eggs and seeds, or twisting ropes from plant fibers.

Highlights of a visit include traditional dances and rituals as well as playful activities that are both entertaining and educational. The interactive approach allows guests to actively participate and experience the culture firsthand.

A Museum and School in One

The Living Museum serves as both school and museum: San children have the chance to rediscover their heritage, while adults pass on their traditional skills. The museum is run independently by the San, with 90% of proceeds going directly to the community and 10% supporting the farm’s services.

A small souvenir shop offers handcrafted items such as jewelry, bows, tools, and pouches – the perfect way to take a piece of San culture home.