Tsintsabis | Tsumeb

Information

Landmark: Tsintsabis
City: Tsumeb
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Tsintsabis, Tsumeb, Namibia, Africa

Tsintsabis is a rural settlement and San cultural hub located in the Oshikoto Region of northern Namibia. It serves as a primary residential area and a center for the preservation of the traditional knowledge and artisanal skills of the Hai||om and !Kung San communities.

Visual Characteristics

The village consists of a combination of modern brick-and-mortar government structures and traditional San dwellings made from locally harvested wood, grass, and mud. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense Kalahari broad-leafed woodland and sandy, pale-colored soil. Tall tamboti and silver cluster-leaf trees dominate the vegetation, providing a high canopy over the dispersed homesteads and community garden plots.

Location & Access Logistics

Tsintsabis is situated approximately 65km northeast of Tsumeb. It is accessed via the C38 paved road heading north, followed by a turnoff onto the M111 (D2295) gravel road. While the road is generally accessible for 2WD vehicles, a 4WD is recommended during the peak rainy season (January–March) due to sandy patches. There is no formal public transport; travelers typically rely on private vehicles or local "hike" taxis departing from the Tsumeb minibus terminal.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The settlement was formally established as a resettlement project following the displacement of San communities from the Etosha National Park and surrounding commercial farms during the 20th century. Ecologically, it sits within the Tree-and-shrub Savanna biome, a region historically used by the San for nomadic hunter-gathering. The cultural village initiative was developed to create a sustainable economy through ethno-tourism and the sale of traditional crafts.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can participate in guided "bush walks" where San trackers demonstrate traditional fire-making, trap-setting, and the identification of medicinal plants. Craft demonstrations include the intricate assembly of ostrich eggshell beads and the carving of wooden hunting tools. Traditional dance performances are held in the communal central area, often depicting historical hunts or healing rituals.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The village contains a government clinic, a primary school, and a small community office. Basic groceries and refreshments are available at several small "shebeens" or informal kiosks. While there is a community-run campsite with basic ablution blocks, visitors seeking full services must travel back to Tsumeb. 4G cellular coverage (MTC) is functional but can be intermittent near the woodland perimeter.

Best Time to Visit

The most favorable time for cultural activities is during the dry winter months (May to September) when the weather is mild and the bush is less dense, making tracking demonstrations easier. Photography is best during the "golden hour" (16:30–17:30) when the low sun highlights the textures of the grass huts and the orange hues of the Kalahari sand.

Facts & Legends

A unique local feature is the production of Mangetti nut oil, harvested from the fruit of the Schinziophyton rautanenii tree, which has been a staple San food and skin-care resource for millennia. A local "secret" tip: ask the elders about the history of the "Hidden Water" spots, which were traditional underground reservoirs used by the San to survive long droughts before modern boreholes were drilled.