Epupa Falls lie in the far north of Namibia on the Kunene, which forms the border with Angola here. On the Angolan side they are called Monte Negro Falls. The river is about 500 metres wide at this point and splits into many channels and drops over about one and a half kilometres. Epupa is an Otjiherero word meaning foam.
- highest drop, depending on the source
- 37 to 40 m
- width of the falls
- about 1.5 km
- of gravel from Opuwo
- 180 to 200 km
- downstream of Ruacana Falls
- 135 km
Sources give different heights: one says about 40 metres, another 37 for the largest single drop. The Kunene carries more water than any other river in Namibia because it is fed by the Angolan highlands. Fig trees, baobabs and makalani palms grow along the banks, with mopane dominating further away.
There are several lodges at the falls and a community campsite, Motjikutu. Guided trips start from there, to the falls, to the crocodiles on the river and to Himba villages. Western Kunene carries a moderate malaria risk all year, so discuss prevention with your doctor before you travel.
Getting there on the C43
The tar ends in Opuwo. From there you head north on the C43, about 180 kilometres according to one guide and about 200 according to a travel report. The road is gravel and often corrugated unless a grader has been through. Even in the dry season it can easily take four hours. In September 2025 travellers reported the road in good condition. During and after the rains, riverbeds can flood, and then a 4x4 is no longer optional.
Fill up with fuel, water and supplies in Opuwo, as there is little to buy at Epupa. The state-owned Namcor opened a fuel station in Opuwo in December 2022.
Visiting the Himba
The area is home to the Ovahimba, regarded as Namibia's last semi-nomadic people, and to the Ovatjimba, Ovazemba and other groups. The lodges and the campsite arrange village visits. Go with a local guide who translates and checks first whether a visit is welcome. Ask before you photograph anyone. You are a guest in someone's home, not in a museum.
The dam plans
A hydropower scheme right at the falls was shelved after strong protests from the Ovahimba. Planning has moved to the Baynes Mountains, 48 kilometres downstream. Angola and Namibia signed an implementation agreement for it in November 2024. Financing is meant to be in place by the end of 2026, with construction to start in 2027 or 2028, depending on the source. According to one report, power is expected by 2031.
Today, as of October 2026In November 2024 Angola and Namibia signed the agreement for the Baynes dam, 48 kilometres below the falls. No start of construction had been announced by October 2026.
- Time needed
- two nights, since the drive from Opuwo alone takes half a day
- Cost
- accommodation and guided trips vary by lodge or campsite (as of October 2026)
- When
- in the dry season, since riverbeds on the C43 can flood during and after the rains
Our tipLeave Opuwo early in the morning and allow four hours or more. Fill up there and carry enough water, as there is little to buy at Epupa.
Places to stay in Opuwo and Kaokoveld
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Opuwo Country Lodge Campsite
Kaokoveld
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €36per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoEpupa Falls: frequently asked questions
How far is Epupa Falls from Opuwo?
Opuwo to Epupa Falls is about 180 to 200 kilometres on the gravel C43, depending on the source. Even in the dry season the drive can easily take four hours.
Do you need a 4x4 for Epupa Falls?
A 4x4 is recommended for the drive from Opuwo to Epupa Falls. During and after the rainy season, riverbeds along the C43 can flood.
Is a dam being built at Epupa Falls?
A power station right at Epupa Falls was shelved after protests from the Ovahimba. The Baynes dam is planned instead, 48 kilometres downstream; Angola and Namibia signed the agreement in November 2024.
Can you visit the Himba at Epupa Falls?
Lodges and the Motjikutu community campsite at Epupa Falls arrange visits to Himba villages with a local guide. Always ask permission before taking a photo.