Ruacana — The Ruacana waterfalls in Omusati region, attracted thousands of visitors over the Easter weekend, as they flocked to the breathtaking site to soak in the beauty of nature.
Laughter filled the air as families gathered, roasting juicy chunks of meat as they shared joyful moments.
Ruacana Falls is on the Kunene River in the Ruacana area, near Oshifo town in Omusati region, in northern Namibia. The falls stand 120 metres high and stretch 700 metres wide at full flow. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Africa by both volume and width.
The site typically attracts both locals and tourists. Over the long weekend, some people travelled from different regions of the country to visit one of Namibia’s natural wonders.
Parents brought their children to see the flowing and cascading water, and to experience the wonder of nature.
The area surrounding the waterfalls was packed with vehicles, and people sat under trees, playing music and dancing.
Those who New Era spoke to said spending time at the waterfalls was more affordable than other tourist destinations, as there is no entrance fee charged.
“Not like other places where you must pay for your family. We are happy to have this beautiful nature,” said Martha Thomas from Ondangwa.
Veenda Nependa, who was with her husband Willy and their son, said they had travelled from Otjiwarongo to witness the breathtaking Ruacana Waterfalls.
Veenda noted that the falls had been dry over the past few years, which prevented them from visiting the site in recent years. But this year, they couldn’t miss the chance to see nature in full flow.
A visiting tourist from France, Nina von Ronne, who has been in Namibia for two weeks, said she had always wished to visit the falls.
“The waterfalls are very amazing. I look forward to coming back because Namibia is a peaceful and special country,” she said.
Ronne, an artist, added that she enjoys drawing everything she sees.
“It’s fabulous to draw people from here because they are so kind to me. I love this country,” she added.
While some people marvelled at the falls, others visited the Hippo Campsite, located next to the Kunene River. The campsite is a community centre run by the indigenous Ovahimba people.
Visitors pay to use the facilities, which helps the community to generate income.
The centre reportedly attracted around 4 000 people over the weekend.
