101 Reasons to visit Namibia: Off the Beaten Path: A Journey to Epupa Falls

The rust-coloured mountains rise in all directions as the last rays of sunlight touch the 
earth. The rocky red earth is covered with makalani palms and baobab trees that cling to the edges of a canyon. As the day gives way to the night it is only the sound of rushing water that testifies to the beauty of the location.

One of the most beautiful characteristics of Namibia is probably the vast open 
landscapes that are defined by kilometres of nothing. Or so it might seem. In the far 
northern stretches of the country just before you think the end of the world is finally 
reached, a cascading sheet of water plunges 37 meters into an abyss. Himba women 
and children walk around the edges of the Cunene River, washing clothes and even 
bathing. The Epupa falls is one of Namibia’s grandest waterfalls although it cannot 
compare with the mighty Victoria Falls in size, it is a must-see!

Photo credits: Janke Murray

The Epupa Falls is also known as the Monte Negro Falls in Angola and consists of a 
series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River. At the falls the river is
approximately 0.5 km wide and drops in a series of waterfalls for about 1.5 km. The 
Cunene River forms the border between Namibia and Angola and is one of five perennial 
rivers in Namibia – yes Namibia might be a desert, but we do have some water! Although 
this area of Namibia seems uninhabited and it is home to the Ovahimba people. In their 
native tongue, Herero, Epupa means foam or falling water, which describes the falls
perfectly. 

Photo credits: Janke Murray

To reach the Epupa Falls, tourists must travel the northwards to Opuwo. This is the last 
town where the local people can buy food or intermingle with tourists and the outside 
world. Although they still live in their traditional houses with their traditional culture, the 
effects of globalization are certainly fascinating as tradition and modernity meet in this 
tiny metropolis. From Opuwo onwards the dusty road to Epupa takes about 3 hours. But 
at the end of the road, one is greeted with a spectacular sight of water and life. The 
environment is breathtaking almost like a set of a National Geographic article.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

The falls create a memorable spectacle of indigenous plants and a landscape like no
other place in the world. This a place where one can sit back and relax while hearing the 
rush of the water and the birds chirping. It is a photographer’s jungle! For the brave and 
adventurous the crocodile tours, whitewater rafting, and cultural outings are a must!
This isolated region at the edge of the world is one of Namibia’s wildest frontiers!

Author: Janke Murray