The Ruacana Falls are located near the town of Ruacana in the Kunene River in Northern Namibia. The waterfall is 120 meters (390 ft) high and 700 meters (2,300 ft) wide when the Kunene river is in full flood. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Africa, both by volume and width. It is regarded by the World Waterfall Database as number 14 of the top 100 waterfalls in the world.

During the dry season, most of the water is channeled through the hidden turbines of the hydroelectric power station and thus bypasses the falls. The falls could be completely without water at some times during the year.

On the current images of Google Maps (on the right), the falls are completely without water. Go to the falls on Google Earth and change to the 2003 images to see the falls in flood.

B. On the map

1. At the top, in Angola, is the Calueque Dam.
2. The falls start where the names "Angola/Namibia" is and moves down and left in a half-circle
3. The Namibia and Angola border posts are to the right of the "Angola/Namibia" names.
4. The main viewpoints are the stretch below the "i" in the "Angola/Namibia" names. Access is through the Namibia border post - no formalities needed
5. A viewpoint giving a complete view of the falls is to the left, bottom of the reservoir in the middle of the map
6. The Hippo Pools community camp is to the right of the large pool in the Kunene river at the bottom left.
7. The water outlet of the hydroelectric power station is just above the Hippo Pools camp.

B. Road advisory

1. from Oshakati via a good tarred road 178 km
2. from Opuwo 77 km tar and 85 km gravel which is normally in a good condition.
3. from Kamanjab 226 km tar and 85 km gravel which is normally in a good condition.
4. from Angola via the border post at the Ruacana falls
5. from Namutoni in Etosha via King Mohale Gate and Oshakati (59 km gravel and 299 tar)
6. from Namutoni in Etosha via the Von Lindquist Gate and Oshakati (420 km all tar)
7. from Windhoek via Tsumeb and Oshakati (899 km all tar)
8. from Swakopmund via Hentiesbay, Uis and Kamanjab 303 km tar and 408 km gravel which is normally in a good condition.
9. from Epupa via Opuwo 270 km gravel and 77 km tar, allow 4 hours for Epupa - Opuwo (180 km)
10. from Epupa via Kunene River Lodge by difficult 4x4 route (2 day trip, do not do single vehicle)- may be impassible during floods
11. from Epupa via road D3701 to Kunene River Lodge then by 4x4 route - may be impassible during floods
12. from the town of Ruacana, drive approximately 14 km to the West and turn right to the border post. Turn again right after a few 100 m to the border post or continue to the alternative viewpoint at the reservoir on the map.

C. When to visit

D. Access Permit  

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).
Unfortunately, the border post gate times will not allow you to be at the main viewpoint during the last few minutes before sunset for most of the year, but you have unrestricted access to the viewpoint at the reservoir.

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 F1 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.

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. Ruacana is not only about the falls - be on the lookout for birds, reptiles, interesting plants and insects
3. Look for the Baobab tree in the middle of the falls and the group of Baobabs at the right hand bottom of the falls
4. Walk around until you find a rainbow in the spray of the falls
5. Walk around and peep through all openings in the vegetation to find interesting views