Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cially spindly legs suited for long walks in search of precious water. Beyond wildlife, the
Kaokoveld is also home to the Himba, a group of nomadic pastoralists who are famous for
covering their skin with a traditional mixture of ochre butter and herbs to protect them-
selves from the sun.
EXPLORING THE KAOKOVELD
Even if you're undaunted by extreme 4WD exploration, you still must make careful preparations for any trip off
the Sesfontein-Opuwo and the Ruacana-Opuwo-Epupa Falls routes. To summarise, you will need a robust 4WD
vehicle, plenty of time and enough supplies to see you through the journey. It's also useful to take a guide who
knows the region, and to travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles.
Poor conditions on some tracks may limit your progress to 5km/h but, after rains, streams and mud can stop a
vehicle in its tracks. Allow a full day to travel between Opuwo and Epupa Falls, and several days each way from
Opuwo to Hartmann's Valley and Otjinjange (Marienflüss) Valley. Note that Van Zyl's Pass may be crossed only
from east to west. Alternative access is through the Rooidrum road junction north of Orupembe (via Otjihaa Pass).
Camping in the Kaokoveld requires awareness of the environment and people.
OPUWO
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In the Herero language, Opuwo means 'the end', which is certainly a fitting name for this
dusty collection of concrete commercial buildings ringed by traditional
rondavels
and
huts. While first impressions are unlikely to be very positive, a visit to Opuwo is one of
the cultural highlights of Namibia, particularly for anyone interested in interacting with
the Himba people. As the unofficial capital of Himbaland, Opuwo serves as a convenient
jumping-off point for excursions into the nearby villages, and there is a good assortment
of lodges and campsites in the area to choose from.
Sights & Activities
Tourism is booming in Himbaland, as evidenced by the sealing of the road all the way up
to Opuwo (but not to the border with Angola!), and the inauguration of the Opuwo Coun-
try Hotel by the Namibian president himself. Ever-so-photogenic shots of Himba women
appear on just about every Namibian tourism brochure, and busloads of tourists can be
seen whizzing through Opuwo's dusty streets virtually every day.
