Opuwo

In the far north-west of Namibia, where roads become rougher and the wilderness stretches a little further, lies Opuwo, the capital of the Kunene region and gateway to the Kaokoland. This is the last major hub before heading deeper into the north, so fuel up, stock up and make sure you have everything you need. Its name means “the end” in Herero, which is quite fitting, given that beyond Opuwo, things start getting seriously remote. But there’s much more. It’s the cultural heartland of the Himba, one of Namibia’s most distinctive communities, still maintaining strong connections to traditional ways of life. In Opuwo, however, tradition and modern life don’t exist in separate worlds – they share the same streets. Visit a traditional homestead with a local guide and get to know the Himba heritage.