The drive from Kaokoland to Etosha is the standard southern exit route from the Kunene Region: Opuwo to Kamanjab (280km south on the C43), then east to Outjo and the Etosha Anderson Gate.
The Route
Opuwo → C43 south → Kamanjab (280km; 3.5 hours) → C40/C38 east → Outjo → Anderson Gate (approximately 150km from Kamanjab; 2 hours)
Total Opuwo to Anderson Gate: approximately 430km; 5.5 to 6 hours.
A direct single-day drive is possible with an early departure from Opuwo; an overnight in Kamanjab is more comfortable and leaves the afternoon at Anderson Gate free for the first Etosha game drive.
Sequencing Kaokoland and Etosha
Etosha first, Kaokoland second: Drive north through Etosha, exit at King Nehale Gate (northern), continue west to Kamanjab then north on C43 to Opuwo. Natural west-to-north progression.
Kaokoland first, Etosha second: Exit Kaokoland via Opuwo and Kamanjab; enter Etosha at Anderson Gate. Natural north-to-south descent toward Windhoek.
Both sequences work. The Kaokoland-first approach means arriving at Etosha with adjusted expectations of scale and wildlife concentration; the Etosha-first approach provides context for the contrast with Kaokoland’s remoteness.
Full Etosha guide: Etosha hub Contact Mat-Travel for combined Kaokoland and Etosha programme planning.