Kaokoland, Opuwo and Epupa Falls

Kaokoland and Epupa Falls

Kaokoland is one of Namibia’s most remote and fascinating regions. Mountains, desert valleys, ephemeral riverbeds and small settlements line the route to the Kunene River, which marks the northern border with Angola.

It is an ideal destination for those wishing to get off the beaten track, discover a deeply rural side of Namibia and visit the spectacular Epupa Falls.

Opuwo is the region’s main centre and the natural gateway for continuing on to the falls, meeting the Ovahimba communities and organising guided excursions.

Visiting Kaokoland requires time, a willingness to adapt and careful planning. Distances are considerable, amenities dwindle rapidly once you leave built-up areas, and track conditions can change after rainfall.

Kaokoland or Kaokoveld?

The name Kaokoland is still commonly used to refer to the north-western territory of Namibia, situated between Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast and the Kunene River.

Today, the area belongs administratively to the Kunene region. The term Kaokoveld, on the other hand, is used to describe the wider geographical and ecological region characterised by mountains, arid plains and desert habitats.

Beyond the definitions, it is one of Namibia’s least populated territories, where vast distances and isolation are an integral part of the experience.

Opuwo: the gateway to Kaokoland

Opuwo is the main town in Kaokoland and serves as a key stop on routes heading towards Epupa Falls.

The town offers petrol stations, shops, garages and a number of services that become much harder to find as you travel further north. Before leaving Opuwo, it is therefore important to check your vehicle, fill up with petrol and ensure you have a sufficient supply of water.

Opuwo is also a meeting place for different cultures. In its streets and markets, you’ll encounter the Ovahimba, the Herero and members of other communities from northern Namibia.

It should not be regarded as a folkloric attraction, but as a real, contemporary town where tradition and modernity coexist on a daily basis.

Where to stay in Opuwo

Opuwo offers a number of accommodation options that can serve as a base for exploring the region or as a stopover before reaching Epupa Falls.

The Opuwo Country Lodge is situated on a panoramic hilltop overlooking the town. Its location offers views of the surrounding landscape and provides a good standard of comfort before or after trips to more remote destinations.

Guided cultural tours can be organised from Opuwo, and – when the itinerary does not allow for an overnight stay on the Kunene River – very long excursions to Epupa Falls.

We recommend, however, that wherever possible, you stay right by the falls: the journey from Opuwo takes several hours each way, and a simple day trip leaves little time to appreciate the region.

The Ovahimba people

Kaokoland is also known as the territory traditionally inhabited by the Ovahimba communities, often referred to simply as the Himba.

The Ovahimba are a pastoral people whose livelihood is primarily based on livestock rearing. Some communities maintain traditions, clothing and social structures handed down through the generations, whilst living in contact with modern-day Namibia.

One of the most recognisable features is the use of otjize, a mixture of ochre, fat and aromatic substances applied to the skin and hair. Hairstyles, jewellery and ornaments can indicate age, social role and stage of life.

It is important to avoid descriptions that portray the Himba as a people frozen in the past. Every community and every individual has different experiences, choices and levels of engagement with modernity.

How to visit a Himba community responsibly

A visit to a Himba community must be organised with a reputable and authorised guide, preferably one with direct links to the community.

The guide introduces visitors, translates the conversation and explains what behaviour is appropriate. In this way, the encounter can become a moment of exchange rather than merely a photo opportunity.

During the visit, it is important to:

• ask for permission before taking photographs of people;
• respect homes and private spaces;
• do not give money, sweets or items to children on your own initiative;
• do not enter huts without being invited;
• follow the guide’s instructions;
• purchase any handicrafts directly from the people who make them;
• avoid making judgements or superficial comparisons with the Western way of life.

Visits are selected with a view to ensuring a tangible benefit for the host community.

We never present the encounter with the Himba as a spectacle. It is a cultural experience that requires sensitivity, respect and a willingness to listen.

Epupa Falls

Epupa Falls is situated along the Kunene River, which in this stretch marks the border between Namibia and Angola.

The river flows through an arid, rocky landscape, before splitting into numerous channels and waterfalls surrounded by makalani palms, baobabs and riverine vegetation.

The contrast between the water, the rocks and the desert mountains makes Epupa Falls one of the most striking landscapes in northern Namibia.

It is not a single, compact waterfall like Victoria Falls, but a succession of drops, rapids, channels and natural pools spread out along a wide stretch of the river.

The flow rate and appearance of the falls vary depending on the season and the rainfall in the Kunene catchment area. During periods of higher flow, the landscape is more spectacular and the water fills numerous channels; during drier periods, the rock formations and individual falls become more prominent.

Scenic walks at Epupa Falls

Guided walks take you to vantage points overlooking the falls, allowing you to view the river from above.

It is advisable to go on these walks during the cooler hours of the day, as the heat can be intense and the terrain is often rocky and uneven.

For some walks, closed-toe shoes with good grip are required. You must also keep a safe distance from exposed edges and follow the guide’s instructions.

One of the most evocative moments is sunset, when the light colours the mountains, the baobabs and the palm trees along the river.

The Kunene River

The Kunene is one of Namibia’s few permanent rivers and forms a green corridor within a predominantly arid landscape.

Numerous species of birds live along its banks and, in some areas, crocodiles may be present. For this reason, you must not enter the water or swim without specific instructions from local guides.

Some organisations arrange river activities, nature walks and birdwatching excursions. Availability depends on the season, water levels and safety conditions.

Any rafting or boating activities are carried out exclusively by qualified operators and only when conditions permit.

Birdwatching along the Kunene

The vegetation lining the river creates a habitat very different from the surrounding desert areas.

The area is home to kingfishers, bee-eaters, birds of prey, herons and numerous other species. Sightings depend on the season, the time of day and environmental conditions.

A guided walk along the river allows you to observe not only the birds, but also the vegetation and the small ecosystems that have developed thanks to the permanent presence of water.

Where to stay at Epupa Falls

To make the most of this stopover, we recommend spending at least two nights near the Kunene River.

The Omarunga Epupa Falls Camp is situated near the falls, nestled amongst the vegetation along the river.

Its location allows you to enjoy scenic walks, guided visits to Himba communities and nature-based activities organised by the camp.

The level of comfort should be assessed bearing in mind the remote location. The experience is not comparable to that of a city hotel: its main appeal lies in the setting, the proximity to the waterfalls and the atmosphere of Kaokoland.

How many nights should you spend in Kaokoland?

For an itinerary including Opuwo and Epupa Falls, we recommend a total of at least three nights.

A good itinerary might include one night in Opuwo and two nights at Epupa Falls. Alternatively, you could stay two nights in Opuwo if you prefer a more comfortable base, although the day trip to the falls will be very long.

To explore the more remote areas of Kaokoland, such as the Marienfluss and Hartmann valleys or the routes to the northern Skeleton Coast, you’ll need several days, suitably equipped vehicles and expert guides.

We do not recommend adding Kaokoland to a trip that is too short: the distances would risk turning the experience into a succession of long journeys.

Kaokoland by self-drive

Opuwo and Epupa Falls can be included in a well-planned self-drive itinerary.

We recommend a high-clearance, robust 4x4 vehicle, even though some main roads are passable in other types of vehicle. Conditions can change after heavy rain and some sections may have potholes, stones, sand or riverbed crossings.

Before setting off, the following must be checked:

• road conditions;
• the vehicle’s range and condition;
• availability of fuel;
• spare tyre and equipment;
• water supplies;
• realistic journey times;
• location of booked accommodation;
• mobile phone coverage and emergency contacts.

It is important to set off early, avoid driving at night and not rely solely on the journey times indicated by sat-nav apps.

The most remote tracks in Kaokoland are not suitable for ordinary self-drive travellers and should only be tackled with specialist guides or as part of organised expeditions.

Kaokoland with a private guide

A private guide allows you to gain a better understanding of the area, interact with local communities and tackle long distances with greater peace of mind.

This is a particularly suitable option for those wishing to explore the cultural aspects in greater depth, for those with no experience of driving on African tracks, or for those wishing to reach more remote areas.

We can organise a trip to Kaokoland as part of a private tour with a guide speaking Italian or English, subject to availability and the requested itinerary.

Fauna of Kaokoland

Kaokoland is home to animals adapted to extremely arid conditions.

In the wildest areas, you may encounter desert elephants, giraffes, oryx, springbok, hyenas and some predators. The animals roam over vast territories in search of water and food.

Sightings are not guaranteed, and Kaokoland should not be considered an alternative to Etosha National Park for those seeking a traditional safari.

The wildlife is an added bonus on a trip focused primarily on the landscapes, culture and sense of isolation.

When to visit Kaokoland?

The easiest time to visit the region generally coincides with the driest months.

During the southern winter, days can be hot and sunny, whilst evening and night-time temperatures can drop significantly.

In the hottest months, the heat can become intense. Any rainfall can rapidly alter track conditions and make certain crossings difficult.

Epupa Falls changes in appearance depending on the flow of the Kunene River. There is therefore no single ‘perfect’ time to visit: the decision should be made in the context of your entire trip to Namibia.

Is Kaokoland suitable for families?

The region can be visited by families with children who are used to travelling, but care is required.

The long distances, the temperatures, the unpaved roads and the remoteness can prove challenging for very young children. Accommodation must be selected by checking for family-friendly facilities and any restrictions on activities.

For children interested in nature and African cultures, Kaokoland can become one of the most educational stops on the trip.

Kaokoland on a honeymoon

Kaokoland is ideal for couples seeking an adventurous honeymoon off the beaten track.

A stay along the Kunene River, sunsets over the Epupa Falls and the chance to visit remote lodges create an experience very different from traditional honeymoons.

For a high-end itinerary, we can arrange air transfers and exclusive lodges, combining Kaokoland, the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Sossusvlei and Etosha.

How to combine Kaokoland and Etosha

From Opuwo, it is possible to continue on to Etosha National Park, organising entry depending on the route chosen, lodge availability and accessible entry points.

This option allows you to move from the landscapes and cultural experiences of Kaokoland to the safaris of Etosha.

The journey should be planned with realistic timeframes, and without scheduling demanding activities on the same day as the transfer.

Itineraries that include Kaokoland

Kaokoland is included in our itinerary:

• Namibia Highlights – 20-day self-drive.

The itinerary connects the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, Lüderitz, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Kaokoland and Etosha National Park.

We can also create private, bespoke itineraries, adding extra nights at Epupa Falls or arranging a guide for the more remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth visiting Epupa Falls? Yes, especially if you have at least two nights to spend in Kaokoland. The waterfalls, the Kunene River and the cultural context make the region very different from other destinations in Namibia.

Can Epupa Falls be visited as a day trip from Opuwo? Yes, but the trip involves several hours’ driving each way. 

Can you reach Epupa Falls by self-drive? Yes, with a carefully planned itinerary and a suitable vehicle. Road conditions must be checked before setting off.

Is it possible to visit a Himba village independently? We do not recommend it. The visit must be organised with a guide who knows the community, can translate and ensures a respectful encounter.

Can you take photographs of the Himba people? Only after asking for permission. The guide will explain when and how it is appropriate to take photographs.

Is it possible to swim in the Kunene River? You must not enter the water without instructions from local guides. There may be crocodiles and dangerous currents in the river.

How many nights are recommended? We recommend at least one night in Opuwo and two nights at Epupa Falls, or two nights in Opuwo with a full-day guided tour to Epupa Falls. To explore remote Kaokoland, you’ll need several more days.

Is Kaokoland a safari area? Wildlife is present, but sightings are unpredictable. For a traditional safari, we recommend combining Kaokoland with Etosha National Park.

Important note: Visits to Kaokoland, Opuwo, Epupa Falls and the Himba communities are organised exclusively as part of complete itineraries put together by South African Dream.&We do not provide individual bookings for hotels, cultural visits, excursions or transfers.

Tour prices are quoted excluding international flights. Any domestic flights or fly-in transfers are specified and quoted where included in the itinerary.

Plan your trip to Namibia with us

Discover our trips to Namibia or contact us to create a complete, personalised itinerary including Kaokoland, Epupa Falls, the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland and Etosha National Park.

Sei interessato?

Scrivici via email e risponderemo ad ogni tua domanda ;)

Nome:

E-mail:

Telefono:

Oggetto:

Richiesta:

I tuoi preferiti (se vuoi gestire i tuoi preferiti, clicca qui):

Consenso al trattamento dei dati personali:

Acconsento al trattamento dei dati personali secondo l'informativa disponibile all'indirizzo /it/privacy

Invia la richiesta

Inviando la richiesta dai il consenso a quanto illustrato nella
Privacy Policy

Website