The wall of water
700 m wide in flood.
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Ruacana Falls is among Africa's largest waterfalls in full flood, on the Kunene River in northern Namibia. It reaches 120 m in height and 700 m in width at its peak. It does not look like this all year, though, as a power scheme diverts the water most of the time. Its appearance therefore depends entirely on timing, so choose your moment carefully. The name comes from the local Herero phrase «orua hakahana», meaning «the rushing of the water». The Kunene River is 1,050 km long and forms part of the border between Namibia and Angola. A press report from April 2025 described a flow of 2,400 cubic metres a second at that time, an exceptional sight. In flood you see a broad wall of white water falling into a deep green gorge, with a cloud of spray rising above the cliff. In the dry season the rock face stands bare in browns and greys, and the water may shrink to a thin thread, leaving only the geology to admire. It is about 84 km in a straight line from Opuwo. April and May are the best months, but the flow depends on rain in Angola, so nothing is guaranteed and you should ask before going. The site is near the border, so carry your passport just in case, follow local instructions and keep away from the cliff edge.
700 m wide in flood.
Above the cliff.
Bare rock in dry times.
Kunene River, near Ruacana, Omusati Region, northern Namibia
No. The water is mostly diverted for power, and the best chance is April and May.
No. The flow depends on rain in Angola, so ask before going.