Question about Northern Namibia itinerary

Hello, We already did a self-organized trip to Namibia in March 2019, covering Windhoek and the southern part up to the South African border, then heading back via Lüderitz, the dunes, the Atlantic coast, Swakopmund, and Erongo. We’ve organized a second trip for May 2026. Here’s our itinerary and the bookings we’ve made directly or through Booking. The 4x4 Toyota Hilux is reserved with Africa on Wheels in Windhoek—we used them five years ago and were happy with the service.

May 9: Arrival in Windhoek via Lufthansa; Okahandja Country Hotel in Okahandja May 10: Spitzkoppe, Spitzkoppe Tented Camp May 11: Brandberg, White Lady Lodge Tree House May 12 & 13: Twyfelfontein, Twyfelfontein Adventure Camp May 14 & 15: Palmwag, Grootberg Lodge May 16: Opuwo, Opuwo Country Lodge May 17 & 18: Epupa Falls, Omarunga Epupa Falls May 19: Etosha, Dolomite Resort May 20: Okaukuejo, NWR waterhole chalet May 21: Onguma, Mushara Bush Camp May 22 & 23: Waterberg, Waterberg Wilderness Valley Lodge May 24: Brakwater, Windhoek Gama Camp May 25: Return to Windhoek and flight home

- My first question is about the route between Opuwo and Epupa Falls. We’ll take the C43 and D3700. According to the Tracks4Africa map, it’s about a 3-hour drive. What’s the condition of the road? I’ve also heard that the local population, including children and adults, can be insistent and sometimes exhibit dangerous behavior toward tourists and vehicles, asking for food or other things. Is this accurate? After our stay in Epupa, we’ll retrace our steps back to Opuwo, then take the C41 to Galton Gate to enter Etosha National Park. - Do you know what time Galton Gate at Hobatere closes? We’ll need to leave Epupa very early to arrive before the gate shuts, as we’re heading straight to Dolomite Resort.

Thanks for your advice and experiences! Christine

Good evening,

We’re taking the C43 and D3700. On the Tracks4Africa map, it shows about 3 hours of driving. What’s the condition of the track?

T4A info is the most reliable for this region. The track condition can vary due to bad weather or depending on when the grader last passed through.

I’ve also been told that the local population, including children and adults, can be insistent and sometimes exhibit dangerous behavior toward tourists and vehicles to ask for food or other things. Is this accurate???

In any case, you need to be very cautious on these tracks for many reasons, but I’ve never witnessed what you’ve been told. If you stop near a village with the intention of handing out "food or other things," it’ll go smoothly.

- Do you know what time Galton Gate at Hobatere closes?

It depends on the sunset. In May, it’ll be around 6:30 PM. And Dolomite is a great spot.

Hi there,

You can check out this blog: https://msiafricaroadtrip.com You’ll find quite a bit of useful info.

Opuwo to Epupa Falls is no problem, even though kids at the exit of Opuwo might ask for some sweets or water. However, in Opuwo, make sure to lock your vehicle’s doors. Have a great trip!

JP