Founder's fav's · Namibia

Opuwo

The last real town before the far north. Fuel, food, and Himba country all around.

Opuwo is not pretty, and doesn't try to be. It's a dusty working town where Himba women in ochre shop next to farmers in khaki and lost tourists in rented Hiluxes. It's also your last proper fuel, food and tyre repair before Epupa and the Kunene.

I've stopped there on both northern trips and both times spent longer than planned. It's the kind of place where you just sit and watch.

Opens the planner with Opuwo as your finish. Set where you start and how many days, and it works out the route, fuel, night stops and weather.

Good to know

• Fill everything: fuel, water, food.
• If you visit a Himba village, go with a local guide who knows the family.
• The Opuwo Country Lodge on the hill is worth it for the view alone.

The trip it's from

Places change. Check opening times and conditions before you go.