Epupa Falls: The Gem of Namibia’s Kunene Region

The Gem of Namibia’s Kunene Region

Situated in the Kaokoland area of Namibia, Epupa Falls is one of the five perennial rivers in Namibia. This series of large water is set near the border of Angola and Namibia in the Kunene Region. Named by the Herero People after the spray it crates, the name Epupa means “water falling”.

Epupa Falls consists of a series of little waterfalls created by the Kunene River as it drops 60 meters creating hundreds of natural pools that provide the Himba People and visitors with a fantastic recreation spot.

The Kunene is an invaluable source of water for the local Himba People and it has been the mainstay of their existence for hundreds of year. For Travelers on a trip to Namibia, the river’s most strinking feature is the Epupa Falls which cascades over a distance of more than a kilometer downstream, with a total vertical drop of around 60 meters.

The spectacular Epupa Falls create a beautiful contrast to the arid desert and rugged surrounding mountains, visitors to the falls can look forward to discovering the unspoilt environment, the majestic baobabs and wild fig trees dotting the surroundings.

Keep your eyes out for colorful birds, the water falls offer world-class bird watching opportunities and a chance for visitors to see an array of species including the bee-eaters, king fishers, Goliath Heron, African Fish-Eagle, Monteiro’s Hornbill among others.

Opuwo: Hub of Namibia’s Kunene Region

Opuwo is a cultural heart of Northern Namibia’s Kunene Region formerly known as Kaokoland, the region’s hub has many activities of a myriad of people hailing from diverse culture backgrounds. These people come to Opuwo from the far reaches of Kaokoland and blend into the multi-cultural atmosphere of this tiny region.

These groups of people live in a world that is uniquely their own, but they are not wholly untouched by modernity.

In Opuwo, it is possible to see Himbas in grocery stores or at bars – topless and covered in ochre – while simultaneously enjoying your drink. The complex relationship between tradition and modernity, local culture and globalization is certainly fascinating to witness and difficult to capture in words that is why your phone is an important accessory.

Opuwo is described as “The heart of a modern Africa” by the New York Times article The Lure of Namibia, tangled by time and defined by the collision of centuries and traditions.

Driving from Opuwo to Epupa Falls

Visiting the Opuwo Falls will make you feel like entering the last town at the edge of Earth.

The Epupa Falls sits literally at the edge of Namibia on the Angolan border, the Kunene River divides the two countries and from the waterfall, you can even see the beautiful Angolan mountains.

The drive from Opuwo to Epupa Falls is long, bumpy and dusty. Along the drive marvel at the scenery around, the environment is breathtaking and it will feel like you are living in an episode of National Geographic article.

Watch the Himba women chatting by the dry riverbeds, men wrapped in animal skins carrying spears and led their cattle to pools of scarce and precious water. You will also children walking along the dusty roads, collecting firewood to bring to their remote Himba Villages.

The drive from Opuwo to Epupa Falls takes approximately three hours, the road is an uneven dirt track that crosses dried riverbeds similar to most roads in Namibia best navigated in a 4×4 vehicle.

Additionally, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset over the Kunene River and falling asleep under the sparkling canopy of Namibia’s night sky.

The Spectacular Epupa Waterfall

The magnificent Epupa Waterfalls is a cascading sheet of water that plunges 37 meters into an abyss, it is the grandest waterfall in Namibia and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country.

Though its size and scale cannot be compared with the thunderous Victorial Falls in nearby Zambia, the waterfalls is a must see attraction worthy visiting.

The part of the Epupa Falls is dramatic and beautiful, but it is merely a fragment of the entire waterfall. The entire Epupa waterfall comprises of a series of smaller cascades that stretch out over the span of one and a half miles.

Best Time to Visit Epupa Falls

The best time to visit this magnificent falls is during the rainy season when the spray is at its peak.

Where to stay

There are four lodges in the immediate vicinity of the falls including Epupa Camp, Epupa Falls Lodge, Kapika Waterfall Lodge and Omaranga Lodge offering visitors total relaxation and personalized services.

Epupa Camp

Epupa Camp is located east of the Epupa Falls in the Kaokland area of Namibia, it is a small tented camp offering visitors total relaxation, personalized service, delicious meals as well as seclusion in the lush wilderness.

The camp has a dining room adjacent to the lounge area and both of these face the Kunene River, there is a small plunge pool where guests can relax and cool off.

Facilities include a telephone and fax machine, internet facilities.

There is a small suspension bridge connecting the lodge to its own private island where hammocks, benches and lounge chairs have been place close to the river for the guests to enjoy. The camp’s restaurant serves three meals a day as well as afternoon cake and tea/coffee which are included in the full board price, breakfast consists of a healthy buffet of fresh fruit and nuts, cereals, homemade muesli, freshly baked bread, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers and eggs,

Accommodation at the camp consists of nine luxury safari-style tents which are each equipped with two single beds, en-suite bathroom, bedside lights and mosquito nets. 220v electricity is available six hours a day.

Kapika Waterfall Camp

The camp is not located on the banks of the Kunene River, it was built on a hill above the Epupa settlement giving the camp its own special feel. Kapika has a restaurant and bar which are both situated in the outdoor lapa which is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of wine or to relax. The swimming pool overlooks the river and is a popular area for guests to unwind and cool off.

Accommodation at the lodge consists of ten spacious chalets each with two single beds, the rooms are equipped with en-suite showers, toilet and hand basin.

Omuranga camp

Omuranga Camp is set on the banks of the Kunene River, a short walk upstream from the Epupa Falls, the camp has a restaurant, a bar and lounge which are located in an open sided thatched building.

Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the river and the Makalani Palms while seated right at the bar. The camp’s restaurant serves a light lunch and a three course dinner. There is a Himba Curio Shop where souvenirs, gifts and other little trinkets can be purchased.

Accommodation is in 13 comfortable thatched chalets which are separately located and have en-suite bathrooms, mosquito nets and an outdoor washbasin. Furniture and finishing include wooden beds with quality bed linen, bedside table/lamp and a small verandah.

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