There’s a quiet kind of magic in the northwestern corner of Namibia, where the Kunene River gently carves a natural border between Namibia and Angola. Here, beneath towering Makalani palms and baobabs, lies Omarunga Epupa Falls-Camp – part of Gondwana Collection Namibia, a serene base for exploring one of the country’s most breathtaking regions.
From this vantage point, a river adventure awaits, not the kind defined by wild, crashing rapids, but a calmer, more introspective kind of voyage. On a recent outing, two travellers set off on a river rafting excursion along the Kunene, and what followed was an experience that beautifully balanced scenic calmness with occasional burst of thrill.
Getting the rafting boat ready for the adventure.
The trip started with peaceful floating. The boat drifted effortlessly over calm waters, framed by lush riverbanks and reflections of the sky. In the distance, crocodiles lying on rocks, unbothered observers of this slow-moving journey. The atmosphere was hushed and humbling, as though the river itself were inviting silence and awe. At intervals, the Kunene revealed its power. Surprising, energetic rapids surged beneath the raft, demanding attention and a firm grip on the paddle. These short-lived challenges added excitement without overpowering the serenity of the route.
A highlight of the journey was a brief stop on one of the river islands in Angola. Guests disembarked and explored a quiet patch of foreign land, offering a rare perspective and a moment to stretch their legs in the middle of the river. As the boat continued downstream, the rhythm of the water became a kind of meditation. Nature revealed itself in its purest form, untouched, unhurried, and rich in detail.
On an island in Angola.
Returning to Omarunga Epupa Falls Camp, the distant roar of the falls welcomed the adventurers back. This river journey wasn’t only about rafting. It was about immersion, into landscapes, borders, ecosystems, and stillness.
Back at Omarunga Epupa-Falls Camp after river rafting excursion.
For those who seek a different kind of thrill - one put together with calm moments, unexpected wildlife sightings, and a unique cross-border stop, a day on the Kunene in the Epupa area is a chapter worth adding to any northern Namibia adventure.
Author: Jandia van Wyk
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT