The first group of people known to have lived in the southern and western parts of Africa are often referred to as the San people, also known as Bushmen or Basarwa. They are indigenous hunter-gatherers who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Their ancestral lands include areas in modern-day countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and South Africa.
In addition to the San, the Khoikhoi people, who were pastoralists, also lived in the southwestern regions of Africa, particularly in what is now South Africa and Namibia. Together, these groups are part of the broader Khoisan population, characterized by distinct languages and cultural practices.
These groups represent some of the earliest human populations in Africa, and archeological evidence supports their long-standing presence in these regions. Their rich cultural heritage and historical significance continue to be subjects of study and recognition today.