Ruacana Falls, Border waterfall in northern Namibia.
Ruacana Falls is a waterfall where the Kunene River drops about 120 meters over a width exceeding 700 meters, carving a deep gorge along the Namibia-Angola border. The water plunges across an enormous span, shaped by the river's flow over time.
A hydroelectric power plant was constructed near the falls in the 1970s and has shaped the region since then. The facility harnesses the river's force to generate electricity for surrounding areas.
The Kunene River and its falls hold meaning for local communities who have lived along these banks for generations. The waterfall shapes both the landscape and daily life in this border region.
The best time to visit is between December and June when water levels are higher and the falls appear more powerful. During drier months the water flow is noticeably less impressive, so plan accordingly.
During peak water flow periods the river creates one of Africa's most powerful waterfalls with tremendous force. Such intense events occur only a few times each year, making them rare natural spectacles.
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