15Kunene

After the long trek through Kaokoland north of Opuwo, it will feel like you’ve found the Promised Land when you arrive at Epupa Falls: water, greenery and a lodge with a deck where you can sip a cold Savanna. Bring it on!

Epupa Falls Lodge is next to the river. It’s a unique landscape with the waterfall as its focal point. Soak it all up, and stay at least two or three nights to explore the area properly. If you want to visit a Himba kraal and learn more about local cultures, you can arrange a tour from the lodge.

Rates: Camping R125 per person (max six people per stand; there are seven stands) plus R50 – R100 extra per trailer/caravan. Groups bigger than 10 people: Camping R110 per adult; free for children under 12. Five chalets on stilts with good views; rates from R1 150 per person sharing (meals included). Enquire about B&B discounts for SADC residents. The lodge has a restaurant. Meet the local Himba people – R500 per person. Sunset tour R200 per person, including drinks and snacks. Where? Epupa is 174 km north of Opuwo, on the C43. GPS: S17.00242 E13.24450 Contact: 00 264 81 250 8225 (Mariëtte); epupafallslodge.com; koos.cunene@iway.na (campsite bookings); bookings@epupafallslodge.com (lodge bookings)

– Toast Coetzer