Road notes from Kaoko Mopane · 5 km from OpuwoOpuwo to Epupa Falls
Most people who drive up to Epupa Falls spend a night in Opuwo first, and plenty stop again on the way back. Here is what we tell our guests about the road, plus a calm place to sleep before you go.
The road in short
From Opuwo you head north on the C43, and this is where the tar ends. After roughly 100–120 km you reach Okongwati, and from there it is about another 78 km to Epupa on the Kunene River. All in, it is roughly 180–200 km of gravel. Allow 3 to 4 hours in normal conditions, and more after rain.
A high-clearance vehicle is the minimum, and the lodges at Epupa recommend a 4x4, especially in the rainy season when the dry river crossings can run. Roads out here change with the weather, so ask us how it looks before you leave. We are happy to help.
Before you leave Opuwo
Opuwo is the last proper town on the way. It has fuel stations, grocery shops, banks, a post office and a hospital, so fill the tank, draw cash and stock up on drinking water and food here. Check your spare tyre too. Epupa Falls Lodge mentions fuel and cold drinks at Okongwati, but it is safer not to count on it.
Coming from Ruacana instead? Epupa Camp’s route along the Kunene River via Swartbooi Drift is about 250 km and around 5 hours, and that river road can close when the Kunene floods in the rainy season.
Sleep near Opuwo, start fresh
The road from Kamanjab to Opuwo (about 236 km) is tarred, so you can get to us in the afternoon, sleep well and take on the gravel early the next morning. We are Gerrit and Jana, and our family lodge sits under mopane trees beside an old riverbed, 5 km southeast of Opuwo on the C41.
Choose one of our 10 luxury twin rooms (N$2,200 – N$4,520 per room per night) or the family room for up to 4 guests (N$2,200 – N$7,120 per night), both with breakfast included. Campers have 11 private campsites, each with its own hot shower, toilet and braai place, plus 1 big overlander site for trucks and convoys. All camping is N$300 per person per night. Final prices are confirmed when you book on NightsBridge. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 10:00.
Rooms & campsite details → Where to stay in Opuwo → How to find us →
Questions about the Epupa road
How far is Epupa Falls from Opuwo?
Roughly 180–200 km. Epupa Falls Lodge gives 121 km from Opuwo to Okongwati and another 78 km to Epupa, about 199 km in all; Epupa Camp gives about 180 km.
How long is the drive from Opuwo to Epupa Falls?
Allow 3 to 4 hours in normal conditions, and more after rain. It is gravel all the way, so leave early and don’t rush it.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Epupa Falls?
A high-clearance vehicle is the minimum, and the lodges at Epupa recommend a 4x4, especially in the rainy season when river crossings can be tricky. Ask us about the road before you go.
Is there fuel between Opuwo and Epupa?
Fill up in Opuwo, which has fuel stations, grocery shops and banks. Epupa Falls Lodge mentions fuel and cold drinks at Okongwati, but it is safer not to depend on it.
Where should I stay before driving to Epupa Falls?
Opuwo is the natural last stop. Kaoko Mopane is 5 km southeast of Opuwo on the C41, with lodge rooms and private campsites, so you can arrive on tar from Kamanjab, sleep well and set off on the gravel fresh in the morning.
Distances and road notes are approximate and come from the published directions of Epupa Falls Lodge and Epupa Camp. Please check road conditions locally before you travel.
We’d love to welcome you
Book on NightsBridge and you see straight away what is free. All other bookings and booking enquiries go by email to our reservations office, and we’ll gladly help you plan your stay and tours.
Reservations office: reservations@kaoko-namibia.com · +264 81 333 3448 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Lodge direct & after-hours emergencies: +264 81 128 3452 · +264 81 255 5457
WhatsApp +264 81 128 3452 is for restaurant menu orders with Gerrit only. For bookings please email reservations@kaoko-namibia.com.