Opuwo is the capital of the Kunene Region of Namibia. It is also the only town of any consequence in the area and therefore an important base from which to explore the Kaokoland area and visit the nomadic Himba people. There aren't any tourist attractions here, but as it's the only settlement in the area where petrol and a limited supplies of groceries can be purchased, so it warrants at least a last-minute shopping trip.

It's out of the way location is emphasized with commercial buildings surrounded by traditional rondavels and Himba huts. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise to learn that Opuwo in Herero means 'The End

The main C43 road from Palmwag to Opuwo as well as the C41 from Ruacana are gravel roads in relatively good condition and can generally be traversed in a sedan car (although during the rainy season the road system in the entire region becomes trickier). During the dry season it is also often possible to drive north from Opuwo towards Epupa (on the C43) in a sedan vehicle but the rest of the roads around Opuwo are little more than tracks and generally require a four wheel drive.

Opuwo has petrol, shops with limited supplies, several lodges and markets where you can purchase Himba jewellery.

There are a number of decent hotels and lodges in the area, including Ohakane Lodge and Mopane Tented Camp (under the same management) and Opuwo Country Hotel.