The Epupa Falls, also known as Monte Negro Falls, are dramatic waterfalls with quite scenic views, which are created by the Kunene River, located on the border between the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Angola. The canyon that creates these astonishing falls is less than a kilometer wide, where the river drops in a series of waterfalls that are spread over 2 km (1 mi), with the highest drop measuring 37 meters (121 feet).
Due to the annual rains or droughts, the water level is always changing; however, the most interesting part is the name Epupa, which comes from the Herero language, which is part of the Bantu subfamily of the Niger–Congo group, meaning “foam”, and according to some sources, it can be found as “falling water”.
Surrounded by truly enchanting scenery, with palm and baobab trees lining the riverbed, and with some rocks that are also exposed to the landscape, Epupa Falls are one of the most visited attractions in Namibia, even though it is somewhat difficult to get there.
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Once there, the Ovahimba people, together with the other tribes like Ovatjimba, Ovazemba, and Ovatwe people, will show every visitor what nomadic life is like in the area, each visitor will be able to get an understanding of the local life here, and interestingly enough, with the growing tourism, there are other tribes that are migrating into the area.
Staying for a couple of days in the lodges or campgrounds in the vicinity of Epupa is definitely worth since plenty of activities will make every visitor’s experience greater with the guided tours of the villages, excursions to see the crocodiles living in the river, bird watching, rafting, and the most memorable would be the 4×4 vehicle adventure in the wilderness filled with many Baobab and Mopane trees.
In conclusion, as Epupa Falls are visible from either side of the two countries’ border, they will certainly be one of the most intriguing natural wonders of Namibia that should not be missed. Even though this natural gem cannot compete with the deserted town of Kolmanskop, or perhaps with the Angolan Miradouro da Lua, it still captures the attention of people who would like to see a different landscape from Angola and Namibia, and Epupa Falls is precisely the place where this can be offered.
