Kaoko Mopane Lodge & Campsite · Opuwo, the gateway to KaokolandPark under the mopane trees and stay a while

A family-owned, solar-powered lodge and campsite, in the shade of mopane trees beside an old riverbed, 5 km from Opuwo in the Kunene Region. The last calm night before Kaokoland.

Accommodation & camping in Opuwo

Kaoko Mopane offers 10 luxury rooms, 1 luxury family room, 1 guide room (for tour guides or drivers travelling with guests) and 12 campsites in total (11 private sites and 1 big overlander site), with free Wi-Fi throughout the lodge and surrounds and security on site 24 hours a day. Choose a private terrace room, your own shaded campsite with its own hot shower, or space for the whole convoy. Rooms & campsite details →

Luxury room at Kaoko Mopane Lodge with a king-size bed, mosquito net and reclaimed-wood headboard
10 luxury rooms · 1 family room · 1 guide room

Luxury Rooms

Luxury twin rooms (2 twin beds, up to 2 guests), each with a private terrace overlooking the dry riverbed where birds gather throughout the day. En-suite, cool and quiet: everything you need after a long drive on gravel. The family room has 2 separate rooms with 1 double and 2 single beds and a shared en-suite bathroom, for up to 4 guests. Rooms are not self-catering and have no braai: breakfast is included and other meals are served in our restaurant. There is also a guide room for tour guides or drivers travelling with guests.

  • En-suite bathroom
  • Private terrace
  • Fan / water cooler
  • Coffee station
  • Fridge
  • Mosquito net
  • Breakfast included
  • Free Wi-Fi
Price range
N$2,200 – N$4,520 per room per nightLuxury twin room · B&B or dinner, B&B · 1–2 guests
N$2,200 – N$7,120 per nightFamily room · B&B · 1–4 guests

Final price confirmed when you book on NightsBridge.

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Private campsite in Opuwo with reed-fenced ablution block under mopane trees
11 private campsites

Private Campsites

Private campsites in the shade of mopane trees, with their own ablution facilities: toilet, hot shower and wash basin, plus a washing-up station, a 220V power point and your own braai place. Bring your own tent; up to 6 people per site. Campers can order meals from our restaurant.

  • Private ablutions
  • Hot water
  • 220V power point
  • Own braai place
  • Wash basin
  • Shade
  • Solar lights
  • 24-hour security
Price range
N$300 per person per nightAll camping, private and overlander sites · own tent · up to 6 per private site

Final price confirmed when you book on NightsBridge.

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Sandy campsite under mopane trees with a reed screen
1 big overlander site

Overland Campsite

One big overlander site with plenty of space for overland trucks and convoys, with a dedicated ablution block for men and women. A recent group of 15 people in 5 vehicles called it “perfect”.

  • 3 toilets & 8 showers
  • Hot water
  • Power point
  • Braai place
  • Shade
  • Solar lights
  • 24-hour security
  • Lots of space
Price range
N$300 per person per nightOverland groups & trucks · same rate as all camping

Final price confirmed when you book on NightsBridge.

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At a glance

Luxury RoomsPrivate CampsitesOverland Campsite
Units10 rooms + 1 family room + 1 guide room11 private sites1 big overlander site
BathroomEn-suitePrivate ablution per siteShared block, 3 toilets & 8 showers
Hot waterYesYesYes
PowerFan / water cooler, fridge220V power pointPower point
Braai placeNo (rooms are not self-catering)Yes, own braaiYes
MealsBreakfast includedOrder from the restaurantOrder from the restaurant
Best forCouples, families, a comfortable bedSelf-drive campersOverland groups & convoys
Price rangeN$2,200 – N$4,520 per room per night (twin); family room N$2,200 – N$7,120N$300 per person per nightN$300 per person per night

Luxury Rooms

Units
10 rooms + 1 family room + 1 guide room
Bathroom
En-suite
Hot water
Yes
Power
Fan / water cooler, fridge
Braai place
No (rooms are not self-catering)
Meals
Breakfast included
Best for
Couples, families, a comfortable bed
Price range
N$2,200 – N$4,520 per room per night (twin); family room N$2,200 – N$7,120

Private Campsites

Units
11 private sites
Bathroom
Private ablution per site
Hot water
Yes
Power
220V power point
Braai place
Yes, own braai
Meals
Order from the restaurant
Best for
Self-drive campers
Price range
N$300 per person per night

Overland Campsite

Units
1 big overlander site
Bathroom
Shared block, 3 toilets & 8 showers
Hot water
Yes
Power
Power point
Braai place
Yes
Meals
Order from the restaurant
Best for
Overland groups & convoys
Price range
N$300 per person per night

Price ranges per night: luxury twin room N$2,200 – N$4,520 per room; family room N$2,200 – N$7,120; all camping (private and overlander sites) N$300 per person; tour rates on request. Final price confirmed when you book on NightsBridge. Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 10:00. A small conservancy fee supporting local Himba communities is part of every stay.

Guided Himba tours

Half day or full day, with a guide, leaving from the lodge.

A Himba woman seated at the entrance of a traditional dome-shaped hut
  • Half day
  • Full day
  • ~30 km from the lodge

Himba Tour: half day or full day

Spend time with one of Namibia’s last semi-nomadic communities. Your guide introduces you and helps you talk with the Himba about daily life: butter making, traditional washing, jewellery crafting and the red ochre and butterfat that protects skin and hair from the harsh climate.

Rates
Rates on request / see NightsBridge

Final price confirmed when you book on NightsBridge.

More about our Himba tours →

Travel respectfully. Our Himba visits are always guided, so you meet people properly and with respect. Please ask before taking photographs and follow your guide’s lead. Tours are arranged through the lodge; let us know if you’d like the half day or full day when you enquire.

A family dream, rooted here

“It’s quiet here. Sit down, put your feet up and take your time.”

Kaoko Mopane is owned and run by our family, your hosts Gerrit and Jana.

We fell in love with Mopane Camp many years ago. Since our first venture in Opuwo some 15 years ago, we have become business owners and true locals of Kaokoland, and when the chance finally came to make our dream come true, we jumped at it.

We wanted to build it our own way. Kaoko Mopane is built from locally sourced, recycled materials and runs entirely on solar power. A greenhouse with more than a thousand seedlings grows produce for the kitchen, and free-range chickens provide the eggs at breakfast.

Our inspiration comes from the Himba, who have lived self-sufficiently in this land for generations. That is why every stay includes a small conservancy fee that helps Himba families earn a living.

Quiet before the road north

Out here it is quiet. Wild grass, mopane trees, mountains in the distance, birds calling all day and the wind in the leaves. We come here to rest ourselves, and it is a good place to catch your breath before you drive on into Kaokoland.

About us & what to expect →

Self sustainability at Kaoko Mopane: chillies and seedlings in the lodge greenhouse Self sustainability at the lodge: free-range chickens for breakfast eggs Vintage car at reception, Kaoko Mopane Lodge
100% solar

The whole lodge runs on solar power under Namibia’s big skies.

Recycled build

Locally sourced, reclaimed materials give the lodge its creative character.

Grown on site

1,000+ seedlings in the greenhouse and free-range chickens for breakfast.

Supporting the Himba

Conservancy fees from every stay help local Himba communities.

In our guests’ words

“We were treated like family by the owners and enjoyed a really delicious dinner with plenty left-over for next day padkos / road snacks.”
Mike, overland group of 15 in 5 vehicles · Tripadvisor, Jul 2025
We stayed at Kaoko Mopane Lodge for 2 nights during our honeymoon trip to Namibia. It was a brilliant place to stay. The lodge is truly beautiful, using natural materials with modern amenities…
LindsayGoogle review
Excellent facilities under a mopane forest canopy. Nice and cool under the trees, lots of birdlife. Huge swimming pool.
BenjaminTripadvisor · Feb 2026
Fantastic campsite! Private and quiet. Each campsite has its own washing up station, basin, shower, and toilet. As well as private braai area… Fantastic use of recycled material…
MeganGoogle review
Beautiful decor of the hotel, dinner area is gorgeous and it’s a peaceful place in an otherwise busy Opuwo… made sure we had a delicious vegan meal!
Willem, Netherlands
Great campsite with very good facilities, including a pool and plenty of space for the car… Friendly staff and excellent value for money! Important to note: the directions on Google Maps are not correct.
KomatorTripadvisor · Sep 2025
Great place to stay in Opuwo, a few km out of the city in nice, quiet surroundings, alongside a river bank. The place itself is shady and green, the campsites clean…
DorotaGoogle review
The campsite is really nice, with private shower and bathroom. Electricity available in every tent place. A really nice bar and restaurant!
VittoriaTripadvisor · Oct 2025
We found the location excellent from Opuwo. Everything was proper and clean. Always had hot water for the shower, and were able to refill our water tank, as a hose was provided.
Tripadvisor guestTripadvisor · Jul 2026

Read all reviews on Tripadvisor →

How to find us near Opuwo

Kaoko Mopane is on the C41 road, 5 km southeast of Opuwo. Coming from Kamanjab, it is just before you reach Opuwo. Follow the road signs to Kaoko Mopane Lodge.

GPS
-18.079148, 13.884557
Plus code
WVCM+8R Opuwo (5FHMWVCM+8R)
Google Maps shows the wrong turn-off. Coming from Opuwo, our turn-off is 700 m before the one Google shows; from the Kamanjab side it is 700 m after it. Look for the very big Kaoko Mopane sign at the road. From there the gravel road is clearly signposted. Use the buttons below: they navigate to our exact GPS point, not to the business name.

Opuwo & Kaokoland travel notes

Useful basics for planning your self-drive or overland route through Opuwo. Road conditions change with the rains, so always check locally before you set off.

Fuel, shops & cash in Opuwo

Opuwo is the regional centre of the Kunene Region, with grocery shops, fuel stations, banks, a post office and a hospital. It is the main place to fill up, stock up and draw cash before heading further into Kaokoland. The road south to Kamanjab (C35/C41, about 236 km) is tarred.

Opuwo to Epupa Falls

Epupa Falls on the Kunene River is roughly 180–200 km north of Opuwo on the C43 gravel road via Okongwati. Allow about 3 to 4 hours, more after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended; check river crossings in the rainy season. Ask us about the road before you go.

Van Zyl’s Pass & the Marienfluss

Van Zyl’s Pass is one of Namibia’s toughest 4x4 routes and needs a proper 4x4 and experience. Plan remote Kaokoland routes carefully, ideally with more than one vehicle, and carry enough fuel and water.

Ruacana & Swartbooi Drift

Opuwo is a common stop for routes to Ruacana and along the Kunene River to Swartbooi Drift. Ask us about the current road conditions before you set off.

Visiting the Himba from Opuwo

Our guided Himba cultural visit goes to a village about 30 km from the lodge, with around 2 hours in the village. A guide makes it a respectful, genuine encounter. See our tours.

Distances are approximate and taken from published route guides (e.g. Epupa Falls lodges and Namibia Transport). Please confirm road conditions before travelling.

Good to know

Questions, answered

Can’t find what you need? Message us on WhatsApp.

How do I book?

The quickest way is our secure online booking page (NightsBridge), which shows live availability. You can also email reservations@kaoko-namibia.com, call the reservations office on +264 81 333 3448 (weekdays 8am–5pm), or use the enquiry form below.

Where can I camp in Opuwo?

Kaoko Mopane has 12 campsites in total under mopane trees: 11 private campsites and 1 big overlander site for groups and trucks. The private campsites come with their own toilet, hot shower, wash basin, 220V power point, solar lights and braai place (bring your own tent; up to 6 people per site). All camping, including the overlander site, is N$300 per person per night. Campers can order meals from our restaurant, and you also get the pool, restaurant and bar, Wi-Fi and 24-hour security.

Where is the best place to stay in Opuwo for Kaokoland and Epupa Falls?

Kaoko Mopane sits on the C41 5 km from Opuwo, so it is an easy last stop to refuel and rest before driving north to Epupa Falls or deeper into Kaokoland, and a calm place to recover on the way back. Choose a luxury room with a private terrace or a private campsite.

How far is Epupa Falls from Opuwo?

Roughly 180–200 km north on the C43 gravel road via Okongwati. Allow about 3 to 4 hours, more after rain. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Is there fuel and shopping in Opuwo?

Yes. Opuwo has fuel stations, grocery shops, banks, a post office and a hospital. It is the main place to fill up and stock up before heading further into Kaokoland.

What are your rates?

Luxury twin room: N$2,200 – N$4,520 per room per night (bed & breakfast or dinner, bed & breakfast, 1–2 guests). Family room: N$2,200 – N$7,120 per night (bed & breakfast, 1–4 guests). All camping (private and overlander sites): N$300 per person per night. Tour rates: on request, or see NightsBridge. Final price confirmed when you book on NightsBridge.

What are your check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.

Is breakfast included?

Yes, breakfast is included with our luxury rooms, with free-range eggs from our own chickens. Dinner is included when you book the dinner, bed & breakfast rate. Campers can order meals from our restaurant too. Rooms are not self-catering and have no braai.

Can campers order meals?

Yes. Campers on the private and overlander sites can order meals from our restaurant and bar, which is open from early until late. Add dinner when you enquire, or let us know when you arrive.

What facilities do the private campsites have?

Our private campsites sit in the shade of mopane trees and come with their own toilet, hot shower, wash basin, washing-up area, 220V power point, solar lights and braai place, with 24-hour security on site.

Can overland groups and trucks stay?

Yes. Our big overlander site has plenty of space and its own ablution block with 3 toilets and 8 showers, hot water, power and a braai place. Camping for overland groups is N$300 per person per night, the same as all camping. Please send a group enquiry with your dates, number of people and vehicles.

Is there a restaurant, bar and pool?

Yes. Our restaurant and bar overlook the dry riverbed, and there is a swimming pool to cool off in. Our greenhouse aims to supply the kitchen with fresh produce. The restaurant is for staying guests only (no walk-in diners) and is open from early until late, with no fixed hours. Please let us know about any dietary needs in advance; a recent guest praised the vegan meal prepared for them.

Can non-staying guests eat at the restaurant?

No. The restaurant and bar are for our staying guests only (lodge and campsite guests); we don’t take walk-in diners.

Are the rooms self-catering?

No. The rooms are not self-catering and have no braai. Breakfast is included, and other meals are served in our restaurant. The campsites do have their own braai places.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge and its surroundings.

Which tours can I do from the lodge?

We offer guided Himba tours, as a half day or a full day. Rates are on request. The Himba village is about 30 km from the lodge and you’ll spend around 2 hours with the community. Please tell us which one you’d like when you enquire.

Can I visit a Himba village from Opuwo?

Yes. Our guided Himba cultural visit goes to a village about 30 km from the lodge, where you spend around 2 hours with the community. Your guide introduces you and helps you talk with the Himba about daily life. Please ask before taking photographs.

What is the conservancy fee?

Every stay includes a small conservancy fee that goes towards helping local Himba communities make a livelihood.

Who do I call in an emergency after hours?

The reservations office is closed on weekends and public holidays. For after-hours emergencies only, call the lodge directly on +264 81 128 3452 or +264 81 255 5457.

Book your stay

We’d love to welcome you

Book on NightsBridge and you see straight away what is free. Questions first? WhatsApp or email us and we will help you plan your stay and tours.

WhatsApp: +264 81 333 3448

Send an enquiry

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