The river is 0.5 km wide and drops in a series of waterfalls spread
over 1.5 km, with the greatest single drop being 37 m. The name "Epupa"
is a Herero word for "foam", in reference to the foam created by the
falling water.
Due to the specialised nature of this steep riparian
habitat, the Epupa Falls are the locus of endemism for a number of fish
and other aquatic species
Despite being difficult to reach (a 4WD
vehicle is recommended to reach them from Opuwo), the falls are a major
visitor attraction in Namibia, because of the largely unspoiled
environment, with fig trees, baobabs, makalani palms, and colored rock
walls framing the falls.
The Epupa Constituency is named for the falls.
The Ruacana Falls in northern Namibia are located 135 km upstream
