Is Opuwo Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Opuwo largely offers a safe environment for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and crime rates are generally low. However, like any other place, it is important to remain vigilant, especially at night, and avoid isolated areas. Also, cultural sensitivity is needed while visiting the traditional tribes in the region.

Safety rating

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How safe is Opuwo?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Walking alone at night in Opuwo is not recommended. Although not an entirely dangerous city, there aren't too many well-lit areas and the town tends to be quite quiet and unpopulated at night. Also, as is common in many places, unsavoury activity does tend to increase after dark. As a solo female traveler, it's best to plan your activities during daylight hours or ensure you have reliable transport arranged for night-time movements.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Opuwo, is relatively safe. The town operates minibuses and taxis which are typically well-maintained and reliable. Most drivers adhere to traffic rules and incidents of crime related to public transport are low. However, be aware of your belongings to avoid theft and try to travel during daylight hours.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Opuwo is generally considered as a calm and safe city. Street harassment is relatively low, especially when compared to more populous cities. The locals are respectful and tend to mind their own business. However, like anywhere else in the world, it is advised to exercise basic safety precautions such as avoiding venturing out alone late at night.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Opuwo generally has a lower occurrence of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching compared to other urban areas. However, travelers are advised to exercise the usual precautions, such as not displaying high-value items or carrying large sums of money in public. Be vigilant about your surroundings and personal belongings at all times. Local authorities also maintain a good level of safety measures.
Tap water:

Tap water:Moderate

Tap water in Opuwo, is generally regarded as safe for locals, but it may not suit everybody, especially foreign travelers due to potential differences in water processing and mineral content. It is often suggested to boil tap water thoroughly or consume bottled water to prevent any potential health issues, especially on a short visit.

Is Opuwo safe to travel?

Is Opuwo safe right now?

Before your visit to Opuwo, it's essential to check travel advisories for Namibia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
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United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Namibia due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: November 27, 2023
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Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Namibia, due to the high level of crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 14, 2024
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 21, 2024

Safety in Namibia