There are over 500 tribes in Africa, some have been identified and the rest of the 'lost' tribes are yet to be discovered.
Each tribe has its own traditional and social values. Their social background is influenced by language, religion and way of life. These tribes have been in existence for thousands of years and therefore have a rich cultural heritage. Therefore their life styles have not changed significantly by western influences. A few changes such as the attire and changes in religious beliefs have been observed.
Most tribes have similar characteristics such as the clothing, music, art and dance. These tribes also use a variety of languages and dialects. Zulu and Swahili are some of the languages still being used.
Here are some of the famous tribes that exist in Africa.
Tribes of Kenya
The Masai tribe in Kenya is the most famous tribe in Africa. They are not difficult to sport with their trade mark red robes and spears. The Embu, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kisii, Luhya, Luo, Meru, Mijikenda, Samburu, Swahili, Taita and Turkana are some of the bigger tribes in Kenya. There are many smaller tribes in Kenya.
Tribes of Ethiopia
A number of ancient tribes live in the Omo Valley region in Southern Ethiopia. There are many tribes here called the Murusi tribe, Aari tribe, Bana and Hamer tribe. The Murusi tribe is still a primitive tribe. The Aari tribe is more civilised. Some Bana people wear normal clothes while some other elders still wear animal skins and pain themselves. The Hamer tribe people wear metal plates on their head and metal rings around their arms and necks. Other tribes do exist but have adopted a modern lifestyle.
Tribes of South Africa Travel Guide
The Zulu people are an ethnic group on South Africa Travel Guide and believed to be descendents of ancient civilization. Many of these Zulu people are still in existence and still practice traditional customs. Other than the Zulu people there were many tribes that lived in the Kalahari Desert land. These tribes are Kung, San Bushmen, Khoi or Hottentot people, Namaqua and Griqua people. Some of these tribes still prefer to live in isolation and others have integrated into the western culture. The Xhosa tribe played an important part in development of South Africa Travel Guide and are famous for their bead work. Nelson Madela is a descendant of the Xhousa tribe.
Tribes in Sudan
The Nubian, Bija, Kababish, Baggara, Nuba, Nuer and Dinke are a few of the hundred multi cultural tribes in Sudan, which are in existence today. Their origins and religion is based on Islamic influences.
Tribes in Namibia
The Owambo, Damara, Herero, Kavango, Himba, Nama, Coloureds, Rehoboth, Basters, Bushmen, Tswanas, Whites are some of the many tribes found in Namibia.
Undiscovered tribes
Remains of two lost tribes known as Kiffia and Teneria were discovered by a team of archaeologist and palaeontologist during an expedition. These tribes were found in the Tnr Desert in Nigeria. There were thought to have lived 10,000 to 5,000 thousand years ago in the green Sahara times.
There are many more tribes in other countries in Africa and they live in isolation or have blended into modern day culture.
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