During the dry season, many of the 35 falls could be dry.
On the photo above, the camp sites are at the far right next to the spray of the falls.

B. On the map (reload page if necessary to go to the default view)

1. At the bottom, right, with a red roof is the shop (very basic - have exact amount of cash ready).
2. A little less than halfway from the shop to the left end of the map, where the swimming pool is visible, is the Omarunga camp.
3. Directly to the left of the Omarunga camp is the Epupa Falls Lodge & Camp Site.
4. From default view, click three times on the left arrow on the map - the Sundowner Hill viewpoint overlooking the falls becomes visible.
5. From default view, click four times on the right arrow on the map and one down arrow - the Kapika Waterfall Lodge becomes visible.
6. From default view, navigate with the left and top arrows on the map to see the complete falls (up to 3 times left, 14 times up) or use the link at the bottom of the map to open a larger map.

1. from Opuwo 180 km gravel which is normally in a good condition, but may be impassible without 4x4 in the rainy season. Allow 4 hours during the dry season.
2. from Kamanjab to Opuwo 226 km tar and 85 km gravel which is normally in a good condition.
3. from Windhoek via Otjiwarongo and Kamanjab to Opuwo (736 km all tar)
4. from Swakopmund via Hentiesbay, Uis and Kamanjab to Opuwo - 71 km salt road, 261 km tar and 333 km gravel which is normally in a good condition.
5. from Swakopmund via Hentiesbay, Skeleton coast to Torra Bay via road C43 to Opuwo - 71 km salt road and 610 km gravel which is normally in an acceptable condition during the dry season. 4x4 not needed in dry season.

D. When to visit

E. Climate  

View Larger Map

Have a look at the following tutorials and tips:
a. "4 Tips for Shooting Drop Dead Gorgeous Waterfalls " by Eric Leslie
b. "How to Photograph Stunning Waterfalls" by Steve Berardi
c. "Quick Tip: Learning to Shoot Waterfalls" by Simon Bray
d. "Photography tips" by Grobler du Preez

2. Timing

The most beautiful photos are usually created during the "golden hour" (the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset).
Fortunately, you have unrestricted access to the falls and may be at any viewpoint any time of the day or night.

3. Technique

Use a tripod at all times to ensure sharp photos, even if you use a cheap point and shoot camera. You will see the difference. If possible, use a remote trigger or use the camera timer to further reduce camera shake. Even a cell phone camera could take much better photos if you use some sort of support to stabilise it.

Experiment with long exposures to make the water creamy white (See the tutorials in I1 above).

There is no need to use a high ISO if you use a tripod unless you want to freeze the action in bad light.

A tripod is a must if you want super shart photos or use long exposures for that creamy look. A remote shutter release is also handy to decrease camera movement. You will need standard, telephoto and wide angle lenses. During my last visit I used a 50-500mm and a 24-70 f2.8. The photo to the right was shot at 500mm with a D300s. Remember to take a macro lens for insects and small subjects.

5. Ideas for stunning photos

1. Use people in the photos to show the size of the falls
2. Epupa is not only about the falls - be on the lookout for birds, reptiles, interesting plants and insects
3. Look for the Baobab trees in the middle of the falls
4. Walk around until you find a rainbow in the spray of the falls
5. Use a telephoto lens to zoom in on interesting parts of the falls
6. From the Sundowner Hill viewpoint, use a telephoto lens to make a stitched panorama of the falls. The photo at the top of this page was created using this technique
7. Look out for water monitor lizards which visit the camps.

View Larger Map           Epupa Falls Lodge and Camp Site

View Larger Map                    Omarunga Camp

View Larger Map                    Community Camp

View Larger Map

View Larger Map