Epupa Falls in Namibia's Kaokoveld
Accommodation and Tourist Attractions in Northern Kaokoland
Jun 22, 2009
On the northern border of Namibia, a spectacular multi-stream waterfall thunders down the rocks in the Kunene River.
The Kunene River forms the natural border between Namibia and Angola and mostly flows at a gentle gradient. At the Epupa Falls, however, a rock shelf extends at an angle of 45 degrees across the river, splitting the river in a multitude of channels with the main fall near the southern bank. This main waterfall is 36 meters high according to Willie and Sandra Olivier in African Adventurer's Guide to Namibia, Struik Publishers, 2004.Carrying an estimated one third of the water of the Kunene River, the water over the main fall plunges into a 6-meter wide gorge, while several other streams cascade downwards over the rock face.
Where is Epupa Falls
Traveling from Windhoek to Opuwo, the administrative capital of the Kunene Region, tourists follow the D3700 north. After some distance, the road swings in a northwesterly direction through the Steilrand Mountains to the southwest and the Ehomba mountains to the northeast. The Epupa Falls are approximately 177 kilometers from Opuwo and about 145 kilometers west of Ruacana. This road is accessible by normal sedan vehicle and a 4-wheel drive vehicle is not required to reach the falls.
Accommodation at Epupa Falls in Northern Namibia
Camping at Epupa camp comprises of level campsites with a brick and mortar fireplace. The Makalani Palms provide shade and water is close by. The ablutions are reed structures without roofs and have cold showers and flush toilets. The atmosphere in the campground is truly African with a touch of the exotic and is enhanced by the Himba people frequenting the campground.
The Epupa Camping site is a community project and the local people share in the proceeds of the camping ground that is situated on the banks of the Kunene a short walk away from the main falls.
Another campsite is the Omarunga Camp at Epupa Falls. This camp also provides camping sites on the banks of the Kunene. Besides the camping ground, Omarunga camp also provide accommodation in safari tents on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis or an all inclusive basis which includes dinner, breakfast, lunch, airstrip transfer as well as Himba and sun downer excursions.
Epupa Falls Lodge offers accommodation in nine luxury safari tents, each with electrical lights en suite bathrooms and mosquito netting. A fully licensed restaurant provides meals on request and guests can cool down in a sparkling pool.
Activities at Epupa Falls
Besides exploring the falls at leisure, tourists may make use of a guide. The guides are well versed in the local history, both of the area as well as the traditions of the Himba people. Tourists will for instance learn about the life cycle of the Baobab tree and how the trees were used as postal stations during the wars that raged through the area.
The Kunene River is the residence of several crocodiles and although swimming is possible in the pools formed downstream from the falls, great care should be taken and visitors should rather enquire from the local community where the crocodile- free pools are. Other animals inhabiting the water of the Kunene River are claw-less otters, water turtles and freshwater shrimps.
River rafting is another unique way to experience the beauty of the landscape around the Kunene River. Tourists should enquire about booking these excursions from their camp manager.
For nature-lovers a variety of bird species frequent the Makalani and Oil Palms, Baobab Trees, Wild Fig Trees, Ana trees (Faidherbia albida) and many flowering shrubs. Some of the species include Rufoustailed Palmthrush, Grey Kestrel and the rare Cinderella Waxbill. Tourists will often hear the cry of the African Fish Eagle while visiting the Epupa Falls.
A popular activity at Epupa Falls is the visits to a traditional Himba village where tourists learn môre about the Himba culture, history and way of life. As the Himba people are tall, proud people with traditions still predominant in the daily life, visitors should take care to observe the correct protocol while visiting these villages and only do so as part of a guided tour in order not to offend the tribe.
Regardless of where travelers choose to reside, the Epupa Falls in northern Namibia is an attraction not to be missed when touring the country.
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