On the way to Epupa Falls at Cunene River

 Epupa Falls: A Hidden Gem on the Namibia-Angola Border

Epupa Falls, a green oasis, the name is a reference
 to the foam created by the falling water,
Namibia, 2019.

After 5 very exciting and challenging days completely off the grid in the remote western Kaokoland, and a day of recharging in the wild west town of Opuwo, we are now about to drive the 179 km from Opuwo to Epupa Falls, also known as Monte Negro Falls in Angola Timorrow. Epupa Falls are a breathtaking series of waterfalls created by the Cunene [Kunene] River, right on the border between Namibia and Angola. We will still be in the stunning Kaokoland. 

In 2019, we visited Epupa Falls together with our children, and we clearly remember how suddenly, there was an amazing green oasis as we came over a hilltop, after hours of driving along a dry track through the desolate landscape. It was like reaching a little paradise in the middle of the wilderness. We really look forward to revisit the place, this time together with our good friends from Denmark.

At Epupa Falls, the river stretches to about 500 meters wide, cascading down in a series of falls over a distance of 1.5 kilometer, with the highest single drop reaching an impressive 37 meters. The nearby settlement, also called Epupa, offers a great base for exploring this dramatic and remote natural wonder.

Some weird extra information

Epupa Falls are shown in the 2011 non-narrative documentary film Samsara (close to the beginning). Completed over a period of five years in 25 countries around the world, Samsara explores the wonders of our world - it´s not a traditional documentary! If you are curious, see Samsara  at YouTube. It's the part with the Himba tribe, known for covering themselves in red ochre after 2 minutes film.

Blog author, Epupa Falls, Namibia, 2019.
Link blog 2019

Exploring the Mighty Cunene River

Kunene River, Namibia, 2019.

The Cunene River (often spelled Kunene in Namibia) is one of Southern Africa's few perennial rivers. Originating in the highlands of Angola, it flows southward toward the Namibia-Angola border, then turns west, creating a natural boundary between the two countries before eventually emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

This impressive river stretches over 1,050 kilometers and drains a vast area of 106,560 square kilometers. The Cunene’s flow is a lifeline for the region, with an average discharge of 174 to 222 cubic meters per second at its mouth. Along its course, the river forms the stunning Epupa Falls and supports vital infrastructure like the Olushandja Dam, which supplies water to the Ruacana Power Station.

"Shall we do it?" My daughter asked. Not all parental advices are good!

Canoeing at Cunene River,
Namibia, 2012.

Last time, my daughter and I went canoeing on the Cunene river, which nearly got out of control

Suddenly, I'm under the Kunene River, swirling around completely out of control. I can glimpse light from the surface, but I can't get up! I remember thinking:

 "I wonder how long it will take before I pop up, before or after I need to breathe?" 

I think my heart rate is at 180! Finally, I surface. I cough up river water for a long time. It also comes out of the nose. I see the canoe with the guide is to my right and grab the rescue line.

Read the story and see the video here link 

Canoe ready for the blog author and daughter,
Kunene River, Namibia, 2019.
Link blog 2019

blog author and daughter,
Kunene River, Namibia, 2019.
Link blog 2019