Irrespective of whether you fly or drive, getting to Epupa is an experience in itself. By road, you will see the landscape gradually becoming wilder and more desolate. You will pass Himba villages, large herds of cattle or goats, and see Himba walking long distances.
The guidelines below are based on normal conditions. A sudden down pour during rainy season can change parts of the gravel road into fast flowing rivers.
Please note the road signs, as the sudden drops on the road can catch you of guard.
From Opuwo, take the DR 3700 gravel road towards the north. Epupa is about 180 km or three hours’ drive from Opuwo.
You will encounter various scenes like dry river beds, herds of domestic animals, and the nomadic Himba during your journey. After driving for 100 km, you will reach Okongwati.
On arrival at Epupa, follow the signs for Epupa Camp as it winds through the picturesque village. We are about 800 meters upstream from the main falls.
A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season. The coordinates are S16°59′ 55.34″ E13°15′ 17.91″
Drive west along the Kunene River via Swartbooisdrift, take DR 3701 towards Epembe and then turn right onto DR 3700 via Okongwati. It is approximately 250 km or a 5-hour drive from Ruacana to Epupa Falls. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
The road gravel road along the Kunene River has been upgraded and is quite a scenic drive, about 140km taking more or less 3 hours. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
This road is not passable if the river is in flood, normally during the rainy season October to May.
At Epupa, simply follow the signs for Epupa Camp. We are about 800m upstream from the main falls.
Fly to the Epupa airstrip, a gravel landing strip about 8 km from Epupa Camp.
Fly in guests are collected by one of our guides with our safari-style vehicles and are transported through the mountainous landscape.
Stepping out of a small plane in this part of the world feels like stepping into Karen Blixen’s Out of Africa.
However, the first sight of the Kunene delta is unsurpassed.
Landing strip details: S17°01’ 45.6″ E013°12’ 36.6″,11/29, 950 x 30 m, Gravel, Elevation: 2500 ft
