The Kunene River

The Kunene River
Rivers of Namibia

The Cunene River (Portuguese spelling) or Kunene River (Namibian spelling) is a river in Southern Africa. It flows from the Angola highlands south to the border with Namibia. It then flows west along the border until it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Kunene River is one of the few perennial rivers in the region. Kunene is about 1,050 kilometers (652 mi) long, with a drainage basin 106,560 square kilometers (41,143 sq mi) in area. Its mean annual discharge is 174 m³/s (6,145 cfs) at its mouth. The Epupa Falls lie on the river. Olushandja Dam dams the river. Depending on water level Kunene River offers rapids up to 5 grade. Rafting trips from Kunene River Lodge range from half day to four days overnight. Half day tours depart from Ondoruso Falls ending at Kunene River Lodge, rapids 1 to 3. Kunene River make almost 90 degree turn at Ondoruso. Other rapids include Grandma's Featherbed, Corkscrew, S-Bend, Three Sisters, Defy, Judgement Day, Devil's Backbone, Birthday Chute, Shake, Rattle and Roll and Surprise. Two days tour starts ay Hippo Pools near Ruacana Falls when first day to Kunene Stein mostly covers flat water. Second day paddle takes to Ondoruso Gorge. The four days option explore 100 km part of Kunene River from Kunene River Lodge to Epupa Falls. Equipment used include two-man inflatable crocs and eight-man rafts. Rafting guides at Kunene River Lodge are fully trained and registered with African Paddling Association.

Proposed Epupa Dam

The Namibian government has proposed building the Epupa Dam, a controversial hydroelectric dam on the Cunene. The dam may threaten the local ecosystem and therefore the economic basis of the local Himba ethnic group.

Attractions

Tourists frequent the Kunene River Lodge which offers water sports on the river including camping, rafting and canoeing.

Related	Maps	Accommodation in the area					Activities in the area
Related	Maps	Hotels	Pensions	B&Bs	Lodges	Camping & others	Activities in the area
Himba	General map	-	-	-	Epupa Falls Lodge	Omarunga Camp	Excursions to Epupa Falls from Opuwo
Opuwo	Kaokoland	-	-	-	Kunene River Lodge	Kapika Waterfall Camp	Kaokohimba Safaris
Kaokoland	Regions	-	-	-	Serra Cafema Camp	Epupa Falls Camp Sites	Himba tours
Oshakati	-	-	-	-	Ruacana Eha Lodge	-	Crocodile trails
-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Sundowner tours/info@namibweb.comCar rental

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