The main fall
Water rushing into a narrow crack.
Hans Hillewaert — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Pavel Špindler — CC BY 3.0 · Pavel Špindler — CC BY 3.0 · Pavel Špindler — CC BY 3.0 · Hans Hillewaert — CC BY-SA 3.0
Epupa Falls is a series of large waterfalls on the Kunene River, on Namibia's border with Angola in the Kaokoland area. It is a rare oasis in the dry north, with palms, baobabs and fig trees around the roaring water. Though hard to reach, it is among the top goals for anyone heading to the far north-west of Namibia. The river here is about 0.5 km wide and drops in a series of waterfalls over 1.5 km, the greatest single drop being 37 m. The name means «foam» in Herero, referring to the spray. In Angola the falls are also known as Monte Negro Falls. This river habitat supports several aquatic species found only here. You see the wide river split among black rocks, then rush into narrow cracks filled with spray. Baobabs cling to the rocks above the water, and palms form a thick green line along both banks. From the nearby hill you see the whole valley, with the finest light at sunset. Camps stand close to the water. It is about 134 km in a straight line from Opuwo. Guides give about 180 km by road in three hours, and a 4WD is recommended. May to September is the best time. Do not swim, as one visitor reports possible crocodiles, and keep off slippery rocks. If you visit Himba villages, go with a local guide and ask before taking photos.
Water rushing into a narrow crack.
Roots on the rock.
Green along both banks.
Kunene River, on the Angolan border, Kunene Region, Namibia
It is not advised, as the current is strong and one visitor reports possible crocodiles.
By 4WD from Opuwo, around three hours on a rough road.