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Situated east of the Epupa Falls on the banks of the Kunene River
in northwest Namibia is Epupa Falls Lodge. It is a small luxury
tented camp that offers the visitor a relaxing, yet exhilarating,
few days of personalised service, excellent food and the seclusion
of a lush riverine wilderness.
With its waving palms, spectacular sunsets and perennial waters,
the Epupa area offers much to see, experience and do. Scattered
settlements of Himba, nomadic people of Herero descent who still
live and dress according to ancient customs and traditions, live
in this part of Namibia.
Several hiking trails provide wonderful photographic opportunities
of the spectacular views from the Epupa Falls (approximately 800m
from Epupa Falls Lodge) and Kunene River. Bird life in this riverine
paradise is rich and varied with some endemic species to the Kunene
River environs.
Epupa Falls Lodge consists of 9 luxury safari-style tents with
en- suite bathrooms.
Daily tariffs include accommodation, three excellent meals and a
guided visit to a Himba village. Epupa Falls Lodge also offers rafting
trips on the Kunene River.
Our accommodation consists of nine luxury safari-style tents with
two single beds in each. All tents are fitted with electrical lights
and mosquito netting at the door and windows. All nine tents have
en-suite bathrooms with water-borne toilets, showers and a hand
washbasin with hot and cold water.
The tents have each four windows on the sides, which can also close
from the inside. Shade netting covers the tent as well as the bathroom.
Seven of the nine tents face the Kunene River, and have a sitting
area in front of the tent. The other two tents are positioned underneath
large shady trees.
The dining room and outdoor relaxing area as well as swimming pool
face the Kunene River. The reception area doubles as a sitting room
with a well-equipped information centre. A generator supplies 220V
electrical power.
Apart from a guided visit to a Himba village and Himba gravesites
there are wonderful nature walks and informal hiking trails. Birdlife
in the area is rich and varied with some endemic species. Sundowners
from a hill overlooking the falls provide excellent photographic
opportunities of the spectacular views provided by Epupa Falls and
the Kunene River.
The Corkwood Walk – a one-hour, self-guided botanical hiking
trail has been designed to introduce our guests to some of the more
interesting plants in the area. Together with exciting views this
is an interesting way to learn more about the traditional usage
of the plants by the Himba people.
All activities (excluding river rafting) are included in the full
board rate.
RAFTING
As from July 2003 Epupa Falls Lodge offers a new and exciting activity
for our guests – river rafting on the Kunene River. This is
a complete new way to experience the Kunene River and surrounding
environment combined with the excitement of river rafting.
DISCOVER EPUPA – WHAT TO SEE, EXPERIENCE AND DO
With its waving palms, spectacular sunsets and perennial waters,
the Epupa area offers much to see, experience and do. As Epupa Falls
Lodge is not merely an overnight stop on the way to another destination,
but an experience in itself, we suggest a three-night stay, or at
least two nights, for our guests.
Following is an idea of what we offer to our guests. Most of our
guests have travelled quite long distances to reach Epupa and are
travel weary on arrival. This, together with the natural tranquillity,
excellent meals and personal service at Epupa Falls Lodge makes
it an ideal stopover for two or more days.
VISIT A HIMBA VILLAGE
Of the few nomadic tribes left in this world, one is found in Namibia.
The Ochre People or Himba, tall, graceful and lovely, who follow
the seasonal rains as their ancestors have done since time out of
mind, live in Kaokoland. We offer our guests a special introduction
to the Himba people by means of a guided tour to one of their temporary
villages. Learn about the sacred fire, the twin that stayed behind,
the holy oxen and how a day is spent in Africa by people who do
not have calendars.
There are many questions regarding this unique people’s lifestyle.
Our guides will introduce guests to the people in the village and
show them how they live their daily lives. Photography is allowed
after a customary request. To return the goodwill, we supply them
with foodstuff such as maize meal, salt and sugar. Guests will also
be taken to Himba graves and told about their customs regarding
the dead.
EPUPA FALLS
In former days the Kunene River, the border between Namibia and
Angola, was the destination of many early explorers. To this day
it has retained its aura of adventure and discovery. The confluence
of several rivers, which rise in the highlands of Angola, the Kunene,
becomes Namibia’s fastest-flowing river as it descends rapidly
westwards through narrow gorges and steep ravines to the Atlantic
Ocean.
With its richly coloured rock walls and dense variety of trees,
the Epupa Falls are one of Namibia’s prime scenic destinations.
The rushing water, which is clearly audible from Epupa Falls Lodge,
has a seasonal peak flow of more than 500 000 litres per second
and occasionally 1 000 000 litres per second.
A guided nature walk on a footpath along a hill will show your guests
not only the main falls, but also the little side falls not always
visible. Hundreds of little rock pools provide a relaxing time at
the falls.
Sundowners are served from a little hill overlooking the main and
side falls to offer guests the best photographic opportunities in
the orange glow of sunset
NATURE WALKS
There are several informal footpaths to discover the fauna and flora
of the area. The Epupa area is characterised by dense reed banks
and tall trees, of which the ana tree, Faidherbia albida, is the
most dominant. Also conspicuous are wild fig trees, baobab, borassus,
makalani and oil palms and many flowering shrubs. Fauna in the river
ranges from crocodiles and clawless otters to freshwater shrimps
and common water turtles.
The Kunene River with its associated vegetation makes for a very
unique birding experience. A host of Namibian inland endemics, including
Barecheeked Babbler, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rüppell’s
Parrot and White-tailed Shrike are common in the area. Specials
include Rufoustailed Palmthrush (resident in Epupa Camp), Grey Kestrel
(not so common) and Cinderella Waxbill (rare). The unmistakable
cry of the African Fish Eagle reminds one of the presence of water
where a number of aquatic species such as Black Crake, Goliath Heron
and a variety of Kingfishers can be observed.
RELAX AT EPUPA CAMP
For guests who just need time to relax, we offer some interesting
literature on the area, the Himba people and the proposed hydropower
scheme. Coffee/tea and cake are served every afternoon. Guests will
be amazed to see what can be served in the bush! In the evenings,
if not out on a sundowner drive, drinks are served at Epupa Falls
Lodge next to the river. Watch the sunset when the birds hurry to
their nests and the bats welcome the night. The opportunities for
star watching are endless after ‘lights out’ in the
pitch dark.
As Epupa Falls Lodge is situated on the banks of the Kunene River,
the sound of running water stays with you during your visit. Many
of the bird species can been seen and heard at Epupa Falls Lodge
as well. Therefore many guests enjoy sitting at the Camp next to
the river, relaxing and listening to the sounds of the Kunene and
its many unique inhabitants.
Epupa Falls Lodge is located on the banks of the
Kunene River in Kaokoland, northwestern Namibia, ± 700m east
of the main falls. The most suitable route to reach the area is
via Opuwo and Okongwati - road no DR3700. Epupa is about 950km from
Windhoek by road
The airfield is ± 7km from Epupa Falls Lodge on the road
to Opuwo. Pilots need to buzz Epupa Falls Lodge.
Co-ordinates: S 17° 03’ 00 E 13° 15’ 00 Length:
945m
In all cases, please ensure that our booking office knows your estimated
time of arrival.
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