Ruacana Falls


In the south-west of Africa on the river Canene is located the majestic waterfall of Ruacan, which is called the treasure of arid Namibia . It is not only an ornament of this region, but also the main source of water, which threatens its very existence on African soil.

Geography of the Ruacana Falls

This picturesque natural site is in the middle of the desert, about 1 km from the main basin of the river Kunene. On all sides the waterfall of Ruacan is surrounded by shrub plants, which are so rich in the African savannah. In 17 km from it is located the eponymous city, which can be reached only bypassing the river.

Ruacana is the largest and most powerful waterfall in the whole of Africa. With full water, the width of the river Kunene here can reach 695 m, and huge water currents - fall down from a height of 124 m.

Use of the Ruacana Falls

This rumbling miracle of nature is located in the middle of the oasis. In the vicinity of the Ruacana waterfall in Namibia, the nomadic Himba people have been living for several centuries. This indigenous population still maintains the way of life of its ancestors. Even their homes they build on the old technology, when the wooden frame of the house is smeared with a thick mixture of manure and clay. The people of the Himba live separately and do not use the benefits of civilization, preferring to engage in traditional cattle breeding.

Agriculture is not the only activity that is practiced in the area of ​​the Ruacana Falls. Slightly higher along the river is the hydroelectric dam, due to which during the drought the waterfall almost completely dries up. The main purpose of the HPP is not only the generation of electricity. It provides residents of southern Angola and northern Namibia with the amount of water needed to irrigate agricultural fields.

Features of tourism

The hydroelectric power station near the waterfall of Ruakana often caused political conflicts. In 1988, when there was a civil war in the country, the dam and equipment of the local HPP was blown up by rebels.

To visit the waterfall of Ruacan in Namibia follows in order to:

To go to the waterfall should be in the high water season, that is, in the period from January to March. In April, there comes a drought, because of which the bed of the river Kunene dries up, and from the waterfall of Ruakana there are only a few separate streams.

How to get to the Ruacana Falls?

To contemplate the beauty of this natural object, you need to go to the north of the country. The Ruacana waterfall is located on the border of Namibia and Angola in 635 km from Windhoek . From the capital, you can get to it only by land transport , by taxi or by sightseeing bus. Windhoek and Ruakana are connected by roads B1 and C35, whose sections pass through Angola. If you follow them in the north-west direction, you can find yourself at the waterfall of Ruakana after 13-14 hours.