Road notes from Kaoko Mopane · 5 km from OpuwoWindhoek to Opuwo

The route in short

From Windhoek you take the B1 north past Okahandja to Otjiwarongo, then carry on to Outjo and Kamanjab. At Kamanjab you turn north onto the C35 to Omakange, and from there west on the C41 to Opuwo. Depending on the route planner it comes to roughly 700–740 km, and all of it is tarred.

Plan on 7 to 9 hours of actual driving, plus time for fuel and leg stretches. Many people prefer to break the trip with a night along the way, for example around Outjo or Kamanjab, and arrive in Opuwo with daylight to spare. Try not to drive the last part after dark, because livestock and wild animals wander onto the road out here.

Coming from Oshakati or the north

From Oshakati and the towns of the north, the C41 brings you west via Okahao to Opuwo, about 224 km on tar. At Omakange it meets the C35 from Kamanjab, and from there it is the same road into Opuwo, so you reach our turn-off just before town either way.

Opuwo is the last proper town before the Kaokoveld, with fuel stations, grocery shops and banks. If you are heading on to Epupa Falls or further into Kaokoland, this is where the tar ends, so fill up here. Our Epupa road notes cover the gravel part.

Where to sleep when you arrive

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. Coming up from Kamanjab, you reach our turn-off just before town. Please don’t trust Google Maps for the last bit: it shows the wrong turn-off, so look out for the very big Kaoko Mopane sign at the road, or use the GPS point under How to find us.

After a long day in the car there is a pool to cool off in, and dinner in our restaurant for staying guests. 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 →   Himba tours from Opuwo →

Questions about the drive