Epupa Camp

Accommodation in Kaokoland - Namibia

Situated east of the Epupa Falls on the banks of the Kunene River, in north-west Namibia is Epupa Camp. It is a small luxury tented camp that offers you a relaxing, yet exhilarating, few days of personalised service, excellent food and the seclusion of a lush riverine wilderness. Daily tariffs include accommodation, three meals, wine with dinner, coffee/tea and cake in the afternoon, all activities, taxes and duties.

With its waving palms, spectacular sunsets and perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see, experience and do. Exciting geological and archaeological sites can be seen in the area. Birdlife in this riverine paradise is rich and varied, with some species endemic to the Kunene River environs.

Epupa Camp consists of nine luxury safari-style tents, each with two single beds and en-suite bathroom. All tents have electricity and mosquito netting. A dining room and sitting area face the Kunene River.

The camp offers guided tours to one of the Himba 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 have no calendars. Epupa Camp works closely with the local community to provide them with access to development opportunities and direct benefits through tourism. Epupa Camp has a sound ecological policy that includes removing all solid waste from the area and whenever practical, recycling waste.

The Epupa Falls, although not the biggest or highest in Africa, have unique beauty that entices visitors from all over. The falls are a short walk from Epupa Camp.

Facilities

Our accommodation consists of nine ensuite 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.

Bathrooms with water-borne toilets, shower and hand washbasin with hot and cold water.

The tents each have 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. 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 an information centre.

A generator supplies 220V electrical power.

Other Lodges at Epupa Falls: Omaranga Camp

Activities

Wonderful nature walks and informal hiking trails invite you to discover the flora and fauna of the area. Epupa's arid savannah, rocky cliffs, the river, and the accompanying vegetation create a bird lovers paradise.

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. 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.

Interesting archeological sites close to Epupa Camp can also be visited.

Relax with a sundowner on a hill overlooking the falls, giving you a breathtaking view and wonderful photographic opportunities of the Epupa Falls and Kunene River.

Rock Engravings - Two very well preserved rock engraving sites dating back to the late Stone Age are within walking distance of Epupa Camp. It is said that San (Bushman) healers or shamans in a trance-induced state made these. The engravings consist mainly of geometric patterns and concentric circles believed to have been images from the outside world seen by the shamans.

Birding - The Kunene River with its associated vegetation makes for a unique birding experience. A host of Namibian inland endemics, including Barecheeked Babbler, Monteiro's Hornbill, Rüppell's Parrot and Whitetailed Shrike are common in the area. Specials include Rufoustailed Palmthrush (very common), Grey Kestrel (not so common) and Cinderella Waxbill (rare). The unmistakable cry of the African Fish Eagle reminds you 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.

River Rafting - Epupa Camp offers the opportunity for 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. The river rafting experience lasts about 3 hours.

Directions

The best way to reach Epupa Camp is via Opuwo and Okongwati on the road D3700.