The Topnaar
of Namibia

The Topnaar are part of the Nama Peoples and speak a beautiful “click” language.

Traditionally, Topnaar have survived by hunting, goat herding and harvesting Nara melons, a plant indigenous to the Namib Desert.

2,000 Topnaar still exist with an officially-recognized chief. Only 500 Topnaar remain within the Namib Desert.

Challenges they face:

• Most Namibian children must leave home to attend school.
• Educational expenses are costly and unaffordable for the majority of their young people.
• Topnaar lands are now located in a national park with herding and hunting restrictions.
• Coastal development and a dwindling water table threaten Nara melon habitat.
• Families are desperate to find employment.

Namibia is intimidating, wild and stunningly beautiful. It is a paradox in time and place with a multitude of fascinating cultures.

• Roughly twice the size of California
• 92% of land is classified as “hyper-arid, arid or semi-arid"
• Population of 2.5 million
• Capitol is Windhoek
• Stable, self-governing democracy
• Unemployment > 40%