Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 061-374750;
www.namibialodges.com/opuwo_en.htm
; campsite per person N$100,
s/d from N$920/1320; )
Far and away the area's swankiest accommodation op-
tion, the hilltop Opuwo Country Hotel is an enormous thatched building (reportedly the
largest in Namibia) that elegantly lords it over the town below. The hotel faces across a
valley towards the Angolan foothills, and most of your time here will be spent soaking
your cares away in the infinity-edge pool. If the standard rooms are taken and you can't
afford a luxury version, consider pitching a tent in the secluded campsite, which grants
you complete access to the hotel's amenities, including a fully stocked wine bar and a
regal dining hall. The turn-off leading up to the hotel is a bit tricky to find, but there are
signs posted throughout the town.
Shopping
Kunene Craft Centre
( 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat)
Opuwo's brightly painted self-help curio shop
sells local arts and crafts on consignment. You'll find all sorts of Himba adornments
smeared with ochre: conch-shell pendants, wrist bands, chest pieces and even the head-
dresses worn by Himba brides. There's also a range of original jewellery, appliquéd pil-
lowslips, Himba and Herero dolls, drums and wooden carvings.
CRAFT
Information
Kaoko Information Centre
( 273420; 8am-6pm)
KK and Kemuu, the friendly
guys at this information centre (look for the tiny, tiny yellow shack), can arrange visits to
local Himba villages in addition to providing useful information for your trip through the
Kaokoveld region.
Getting There & Away
The paved C41 runs from Outjo to Opuwo, which makes Himbaland accessible even to
2WD vehicles. Although there is a temptation to speed along this long and lonely high-
way, keep your lead foot off the pedal north of the veterinary control fence, as herds of
cattle commonly stray across the road. If you're heading deeper into the Kaokoveld, be
advised that Opuwo is the last opportunity to buy petrol before Kamanjab, Ruacana or
Sesfontein.
SWARTBOOI'S DRIFT
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