 Kaokoveld : Travel Information and Accommodation
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Planning a Kaokoveld Tour
Preparation
In Kaokoland there are no petrol stations or any other service facilities, except for the little town of Opuwo at the southern end of the Kaokoveld. But even here the offers are rather limited. Before embarking on a trip to this remote terrain, stock up on suffficient water, food and fuel. The vehicle must be in good shape. The tank size needs to grant a range of at least 800 kilometres, if you are heading for the Marienfluss valley to the Kunene and from there to Purros and Fort Sesfontein. Count with a 30% higher consumpton in the difficult terrain. Also, be aware that there is no mobile phone reception north of Opuwo. In case of a breakdown you are on your own. A GPS divice is advisible, because you hardly ever encounter a roadsign. Most important: carry enough water.
Vehicle Equipment
Only four-wheel drive vehicles can drive into the remote Kaokoveld. Talk to your car rental company before deciding on a tour through the adventurous Kaokoveld. Insist on getting 2 (proper!) spare wheels, spare canisters, a comprehensive set of tools, a good jack, air pump, fire extinguisher. Be prepared to change a tyre in the Kaokoveld and find out beforehand where to apply the jack. Get good maps and possibly a GPS. Get thorough instructions, how to drive an expeddition vehicle in four-wheel mode. If possible, rent a vehicle with diff locks. Prefer a vehicle with a big reserve tank. Filling the tank with fuel from a jerry can is an unpleasant affair.
Easy and Tough Stretches
Some road streches in the Kaokoveld are easy to drive, e.g. the route from Opuwo to Epupa Falls on the track C43. Others require experience. Avoid the Van-Zyl's Pass, if you are not experienced in handling a four-wheel drive in difficult terrain. Don't visit the Kaokoveld, if it has been raining there.
Starting Base
Best base is the town of Opuwo. There are two supermarkets, two petrol stations and affordable accommodation. Highly recommendable is the Opuwo Country Hotel. Opuwo also has a hospital for an emergency and a police station.
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Photo: Opuwo Country Hotel
Kaoko Information
Visit the Kaoko Information Centre on Main Road at the entrance to Opuwo. Here one gets updated information and can hire a local guide. You should definitely consider this if you're going to travel with only one vehicle and are not familiar with the Kaokoveld yet. Tel 065-273420.
Himba
The Kaokoland (Kaokoveld) tourism is affecting the traditional life style of the Himba. Don't give begging children or adults any sweets (they don't know tooth brushes) or other items alien to their culture, especially no alcohol or medicines (even if they ask). Don't enter a Himba Kraal without permission and, of course, don't drive through a Himba settlement. If you want to take photos, pay a small fee for it upfront.
Photo: Balloons for Himba kids – make a nice photo but are not a good idea.
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