Local guide in Opuwo

I'm looking for a local guide to visit a Himba village near Opuwo in a respectful way. There’ll be two of us (my wife and I) with a car starting from Opuwo. If anyone has a contact—or even better, several contacts—for local guides to arrange this visit, thanks a million! Bernard

The Opuwo Country Lodge organizes tours. It's also a very comfortable stop where the luxury contrasts with the rest of the town.

You can also meet the Himba people in a "respectful way" without a guide. You stop near a village, preferably far from Opuwo, and the Himba will come to you. Plan to bring some useful gifts.

Awesome! Thanks for your reply! I really like the second option... We'll give it a try!

Hi there, In Opuwo, there’s also the Kaoko Mopane Lodge and campsite, a really peaceful spot south of town where we had a great stopover in December 2022.

I can confirm that hitching a ride near a remote village is a good idea. Gifts: rice, sugar, water containers, fruit...

Otherwise, if you make it up to Epupa, the Himba people are in their element there—you’ll cross paths with them and meet them naturally. If you’d like, you can reach out to Thom, a local guide (contact him through your accommodation, like Omarunga Camp or another place). He’s a friendly, English-speaking Himba who can take you to a nearby village.

Best regards,

Thanks Titaille. I think Epupa is a bit too far from Opuwo... Are there any Himba villages closer by where we could go on our own with our car?...

I recommend Omungunda campsite. It’s run by John, a Himba who offers a tour of the local village with some activities and demonstrations of local life (Ovahimba living museum).

Happy exploring!

Estelle

I confirm, a getaway near Epupa is amazing. Meeting the Himba can happen along the trails. Bring water containers and some fruit (apples)—they’ll appreciate it. Of course, I’m talking about the Himba you meet outside of official tours.