Ruacana Falls
editRuacana Falls are waterfalls located near Ruacana on the Kunene River in Northern Namibia. Ruacana Falls is among the largest waterfalls in Africa both based on volume and width. The Cunene (or Kunene) River drops 352 feet (107m) over a broad semi crescent shaped, angled scarp into a narrow gorge which straddles the border of Angola and Namibia (the falls are listed in the database as being within Namibia because the primary viewpoints are found within that country). At times of peak discharge the falls may stretch over 3500 feet wide, but because the volume of the Cunene River varies greatly from season to season the actual width and volume of the falls varies greatly.
Additionally, the river has been harnessed for hydroelectric production immediately above the falls. During the dry season the river is syphoned off entirely and the falls run dry. From roughly December to June the annual monsoons provide ample sustenance to the river basin that the hydro project maxes out and the falls return to their impressive natural state. The Ruacana Falls reach a height of 120 m and a breadth of 700 m making this Namibian attraction a magnificent sight to see. White water rafting and canoeing are an added attraction on the river, although the appearance of the odd crocodile might hinder your Namibia safari enjoyment. However, with our trained safari guides it will be nothing to worry about. Ruacana area boasts some beautiful rock formations, with rich textured colouring, complemented by an array of trees, including the regal baobab. Spectacular sunsets and a wonderful array of birdlife from the African fish eagle to the family of kingfishers makes the Ruacana Falls an inspiring Namibia safari destination. Have a look at our Namibia safaris that pass through the Ruacana Falls and the areas below. Find other Namibian attractions below that you might want to visit on your Namibia Safari. SEASONAL DISCHARGE This waterfall occurs along a stream that is known to vary greatly in volume and as a result may not flow consistently year round or may dry out completely during certain periods. Ruacana Falls and Himba Tribes . Following this, we visited a traditional Himba tribe, who mostly shun modern society, living self-sufficiently in family groups with their animals. The most unique aspect of these people is the women’s tradition of painting their body and hair with red ochre to protect from the sun.
RATINGS MAGNITUDE 156.44 ABSOLUTE MAGNITUDE UNKNOWN IWC RATING 7.46 (Class 8)
GLOBAL SCORE 63.17% COUNTRY SCORE NOT RATED STATE SCORE NOT RATED
GEODATA LATITUDE -17.393611 LONGITUDE 14.216944 CREST ELEVATION ONLINE MAPPING: Maps Currently Unavailable PHYSICAL DATA TOTAL HEIGHT (DOCS) 352 feet 107 meters TALLEST SINGLE DROP 352 feet 107 meters TOTAL NUM. OF DROPS 1 AVG. WIDTH 2,280 feet 695 meters MAX. ACHIEVABLE WIDTH 3,500 feet 1,067 meters PITCH 70 degrees RUN 300 feet 91 meters CATEGORY / FORM Segmented Steep Cascade WATERCOURSE Cunene River GREATER WATERSHED Cunene River ESTM. AVG. VOLUME 10000 cfs 283 cms MAX. RECORDED VOLUME ANNUAL FLOW DURATION 6 months Sights Waterpower Plant Ruacana has a waterpower plant with three turbines, each of them generating 82 MW. A fourth turbine is in the planning to contribute more to the ever growing electricity requirements of Namibia. The power plant cannot be visited during the building works. Hippo Pools Below the waterfalls, 2 kilometres down the river, lies a wide strech in the river, called "Hippo Pools". Here lies a very beautiful shady camping ground, the Otjipahuriro Campsite. Sometimes one can watch hippos here. For reservations: NACOPTA, Tel 065-270120. Ruacana Village A few kilometres south-west of the waterfalls lies the village of Ruacana, with a small supermarket for the basics, petrol station, a take-away and guesthouse accommodation. Ruacana also offers a clinic and an airport with tarred landing strip.
Ruacana Falls, Northern Namibia References1.^ Ruacana Falls WorldWaterFallDatabase.com
2.^ http://www.jenmansafaris.com/african-countries/namibia/attractions/ruacana-falls-and-epupa-falls.html 3.^ http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com 4.^ http://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall 5.^ http://joshinafrica.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/ruacana-falls-and-himba-tribes 6.^ http://www.namibia-travel.net/travelguide/northern-namibia