Opuwo was originally called Otjihinamaparero by the Himba, and some still refer to it by that name. The name Opuwo originated when the commissioner of Ondangwa, Hugo Hahn, came in search of land to build an office. Upon arrival he asked local headmen to give him some land where he could build an office. When the headmen wanted to gave him more than the small plot he needed, Hahn said “Opuwo” which means ‘enough for me’. Opuwo is the capital of the Ovahimba people and the Kunene Region.

Opuwo is the biggest town in the area and an important base from which to explore Kaokoland. The C43 road from Palmwag
north to Opuwo as well as the C41 from Ruacana south to Opuwo are gravel roads in relatively good condition and
can generally be traversed in a sedan car. During the dry season it is possible to drive north from Opuwo towards Epupa
on the C43 in a sedan vehicle. However, the rest of the roads around Opuwo are little more than tracks and generally
require an off-road vehicle. During the rainy season the entire road system in the region becomes challenging even if
you’re driving an off-road vehicle.

The town is not a tourist destination in itself but Opuwo is the last place to get fuel, food supplies and services before
you enter the remote Kaokoland.

Travellers heading north to Okangwati can visit the Living Museum of the Ovahimba which is situated just off the C43.
Apart from providing an insight into the Himba culture, visitors can also enjoy a guided tour to a cave with Bushman rock
paintings and a giant Baobab with an interesting history. Camping is also offered.

ACCOMMODATION:
Most campsites in town are quite noisy so the best place to camp is at the Opuwo Country Hotel.

FUEL:
Do not rely on fuel here, a shortage was reported in March 2020. There was supply at Omakange Service Station, which is on the turn-off from the Kamanjab to Ruacana road (C35), to Opuwo (C41).

Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

HIMBAS & DESERT ELEPHANT:
The Kaoko Information Centre in town offers a nice taste of the Himba lifestyle. They can also arrange tours to Puros to search for desert elephant. Their contact number is +264(0)81 691 7378.

ROAD INFO:
The C43 road from Palmwag north to Opuwo as well as the C41 from Ruacana south to Opuwo are gravel roads in relatively good condition and can generally be traversed in a sedan car. During the dry season it is possible to drive north from Opuwo towards Epupa on the C43 in a sedan vehicle. However, the rest of the roads around Opuwo are little more than tracks and generally require an off-road vehicle. During the rainy season the entire road system in the region becomes challenging even if you’re driving an off-road vehicle.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Opuwo is the biggest town in the area and an important base from which to explore Kaokoland. The town is not a tourist destination in itself but Opuwo is the last place to get fuel, food supplies and services before you enter the remote Kaokoland.

TOW-IN:
The Tow-in services is a private tow-in and costs NAD15 per km. If the tow in can’t help phone Polka 24hr at +264(0)81 129 7490. Alternative Tow-ins are: +264(0)62 500 132 / +264(0)62 504 250.

“Kunene Village Rest Camp in Opuwo,has recently been closed to the public. Best alternative is the campsite at Opuwo Country Lodge. Other campsites in town are very noisy and there have been a lot of reports of theft in recent months.” - Janine Reyneke, 2009/07/22

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