Exploring The Beauty Of Namibia, Angola, And Monte Negro Falls

The Monte Negro Falls, also known as the Epupa Falls, are a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia, in the Kaokoland area of the Kunene Region. The river is about 0.5 kilometres wide and drops in a series of waterfalls across a length of 1.5 kilometres, with the greatest single drop being 37 metres. The falls are a major visitor attraction in Namibia due to the largely unspoiled environment, with fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colourful rock walls framing the falls. The Ovahimba people, together with other tribes, showcase their nomadic way of life to visitors, and the increasing tourism to the area is encouraging other tribes to migrate there.

Epupa Falls, also known as Monte Negro Falls, is a series of waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia

Epupa Falls, also known as Monte Negro Falls in Angola, is a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia. The river is about 0.5 kilometres wide in this area and descends into a series of waterfalls over a length of 1.5 kilometres, with the highest single drop measuring 37 metres. The settlement near the falls is also called Epupa, which comes from the Herero word for "foam", in reference to the foam created by the falling water.

The Epupa Falls are located in the Kaokoland area of the Kunene Region, which is known for its rugged and sparsely populated countryside. The drive to the falls from the nearby town of Opuwo is long, bumpy and dusty, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Despite the challenging journey, the falls are a major visitor attraction in Namibia due to their dramatic beauty and the largely unspoiled environment that surrounds them. The scenery includes fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colourful rock walls framing the falls.

The Epupa Falls are also known for the semi-nomadic Ovahimba people who live in the area, as well as other tribes like the Ovatjimba, Ovazemba, and Ovatwa. Tourism to the falls has been increasing, leading to migration and the establishment of lodges and campgrounds in the vicinity. Activities in the area include guided tours to the falls and local villages, birdwatching, excursions to see crocodiles, and whitewater rafting.

The Epupa Falls are a true natural wonder, offering stunning views and a unique experience of the local culture and environment. They are a highlight of Namibia's Kunene Region and a popular destination for those seeking adventure and untouched natural beauty.

The river is about 0.5 kilometres wide and drops in a series of waterfalls with the greatest single drop being 37 metres

The Epupa Falls, also known as Monte Negro Falls, are a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia. The river is about 0.5 kilometres (1,600 ft) wide and drops in a series of waterfalls across a length of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 miles), with the greatest single drop being 37 metres (121 ft).

The canyon that creates these astonishing falls is less than a kilometre wide. The river drops in a series of waterfalls that are spread over 2 kilometres (1 mile). The water level is always changing due to annual rains or droughts, but the river's width at this point remains relatively consistent.

The name "Epupa" comes from the Herero language, which is part of the Bantu subfamily of the Niger–Congo group. It means "foam" and refers to the foam created by the falling water. The Epupa Constituency and the settlement near the falls are both named for these impressive falls.

The Monte Negro Falls are an oasis in northern Namibia, surrounded by palm trees and water, with the desert around them. They are one of the great natural wonders of Angola and a major visitor attraction in Namibia due to their remote and unspoiled environment. The falls are framed by fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colourful rock walls.

The settlement near the falls is called Epupa and is home to the semi-nomadic Ovahimba people

The Monte Negro Falls, also known as the Epupa Falls, are a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia. The river is about 0.5 kilometres wide and drops in a series of waterfalls across a length of 1.5 kilometres, with the greatest single drop being 37 metres. The falls are a major visitor attraction in Namibia due to the largely unspoiled environment, with fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colourful rock walls framing the falls.

The Ovahimba are predominantly livestock farmers who breed fat-tailed sheep and goats but count their wealth in the number of their cattle. They also grow rain-fed crops such as maize and millet. Their main diet consists of sour milk and maize porridge. The Ovahimba are polygamous and practice early arranged marriages, with young girls often married off from the onset of puberty. They are considered the last semi-nomadic people of Namibia.

The small settlement of Epupa is situated on the Namibian side of the Kunene River directly at the Epupa Falls. There is a gravel airstrip about 8km southwest of the settlement, but there are no scheduled flights. The only access is by road, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. There are lodges and campgrounds in the vicinity of Epupa that offer accommodation for visitors, and plenty of activities such as guided tours of the falls and Himba villages, birdwatching, and excursions to see crocodiles.

The Epupa Falls are a major visitor attraction in Namibia due to the largely unspoiled environment, with fig trees, baobabs, and colourful rock walls

The Epupa Falls, also known as the Monte Negro Falls, are a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia. The river is about 0.5 kilometres wide in this area and descends into a series of waterfalls over a length of 1.5 kilometres, with the highest single drop measuring 37 metres. The name "Epupa" comes from the Herero word for "foam", in reference to the foam created by the falling water.

Despite being somewhat difficult to reach—a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended to navigate the long, bumpy, and dusty roads from Opuwo—the Epupa Falls are a major visitor attraction in Namibia. This is due, in large part, to the area's largely unspoiled environment, with an abundance of fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colourful rock walls framing the falls. The falls are also known for the semi-nomadic Ovahimba people who live there, along with other tribes like the Ovatjimba, Ovazemba, and Ovatwa people.

The Epupa Falls offer a variety of activities for visitors, including guided tours of the falls and surrounding Himba villages, birdwatching, excursions to see crocodiles, and whitewater rafting. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the palm and baobab trees lining the riverbed, as well as the colourful rock walls that surround the falls. The falls are visible from either side of the border and are considered one of the most intriguing natural wonders in Namibia.

The lodges and campgrounds in the vicinity of Epupa Falls provide accommodation options for visitors. The journey to the falls takes visitors through desolate and sparsely populated countryside, with few signs of habitation beyond the occasional groups of people seeking shade under baobab trees. The isolation and pace of life in this region offer a unique experience for visitors.

The falls are accessible via a four-wheel drive vehicle and activities in the area include guided tours, birdwatching, and whitewater rafting

Epupa Falls, also known as Monte Negro Falls, is a series of large waterfalls formed by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia. The river is about 0.5 kilometres wide and drops in a series of waterfalls across a length of 1.5 kilometres, with the greatest single drop measuring 37 metres. The settlement near the falls is also called Epupa.

The falls are difficult to reach and a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to get there from Opuwo. However, the effort is worth it as the falls are a major visitor attraction due to their dramatic and scenic views, with an unspoiled environment featuring fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colourful rock walls. They are also the locus of endemism for a number of fish and other aquatic species.

There are several lodges and campgrounds in the area that offer accommodation to visitors, including Kapika Waterfall Lodge, Omarunga Camp Lodge, and Epupa Camp Lodge. Activities in the area include guided tours of the falls and the nearby Himba and Ovahimba villages, birdwatching, excursions to see crocodiles, and whitewater rafting at Epupa Camp. The Ovahimba people, along with other tribes like the Ovatjimba, Ovazemba, and Ovatwa, offer visitors a glimpse into their semi-nomadic way of life.

The falls are also a popular destination for 4x4 vehicle adventures, with many Baobab and Mopane trees in the surrounding wilderness. With its natural beauty and cultural experiences, Epupa Falls is a must-visit destination and one of the most intriguing natural wonders in Namibia.

Frequently asked questions