People in Africa

Few African peoples grace as many coffee-table books as the Himba, considered one of the continent's most photogenic people. And this is true: not only are they remarkably relaxed about having their pictures taken, but their red ochre skin and fabulous hair create a striking contrast to the ever-blue skies of northern Namibia. The Himba are a semi-nomadic pastoral tribe, closely related to the Herero, and live in the most inhospitable part of Namibia, the arid north. They settled there as a result of decades of persecution by other tribes. Many Himbas adhere to a largely traditional way of life, despite the availability of modern clothing, housing and technology. Visiting a Himba village is a surprisingly genuine experience, but please take care to do this responsibly. Employ a Himba guide from one of the settlements (such as Epupa or Opuwo). This will ensure fair payment to the members of the village, usually in the form of mais, sugar, salt and other much-needed foodstuffs. Never give gifts directly to the children, as this encourages begging. And don't haggle too much when shopping for handicrafts - this is one of very few sources of income for the Himba. Visiting a Himba village is a fascinating experience, allowing a glimpse into a simple but hard way of life, and is easily combined with a visit to Epupa Falls.

If you always wanted to meet a king, a visit to Oussouye might be your chance. Residing in a sacred forest on the outskirts of the small town, this animist king is an important figure in central Casamance. The king is chosen by the village elders, on a rotatory basis between the areas' three oldest families, and keeps this position for the rest of his life. His role is to act as adviser, broker, conflict manager, and social security (if villagers go hungry, they can ask for rice from the king's field) for the villagers of the seventeen villages that this traditional kingdom consists of. Seeing him walking around town in his all red dress is certainly possible, but otherwise, ask local friends to help you arrange an audience as this must be done through the proper channels.

Every week wrestlers fight out in a small stadium in Khartoum. The tradition comes from the Nuba Mountains, further south in Sudan, and the wrestlers are all originally from the Nuba Mountains.
In Khartoum, this is probably the best entertainment you can get. One thing are the fights itself, but the other attraction, would be the crowd. They are so into this, and they yell, scream, dance and sing. If their favorite wins, they go crazy. But the same happens if he's defeated. Then they will scream; fraud, cheating! Sometimes the police have to calm them down.
To find the arena, just ask in your hotel or take a cab.