Ruacana

Ruacana is a small town in northwestern Namibia, located in the Kunene Region on the border with Angola.



Location

Approximately 170 km north of Oshakati

Situated on the Kunene River

Border crossing point between Namibia and Angola

Main Attractions

Ruacana Falls



One of Namibia's largest waterfalls, Ruacana Falls is about:



120 meters high

Up to 700 meters wide during peak flow



The falls are most impressive during the rainy season when water releases from upstream create spectacular cascades.



Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station



This is Namibia's major hydroelectric facility, generating a significant portion of the country's electricity from the Kunene River.



Landscape



The area features:



Rocky gorges

Riverine vegetation

Baobab trees in surrounding regions

Semi-arid savanna landscapes

Wildlife



Wildlife commonly seen around the Kunene River includes:



Baboons

Vervet monkeys

Crocodiles

Various waterbirds and raptors

Access



Ruacana can be reached by road from:



Oshakati

Opuwo

Etosha National Park (via northern Namibia routes)

Tourism Circuit



Ruacana is often visited as part of a northern Namibia itinerary that includes:



Epupa Falls

Kaokoland

Hartmann's Valley

Marienfluss Valley



Coordinates: Approximately 17.39° S, 14.21° E. Ruacana serves as an important gateway to the remote wilderness areas of northern Namibia and the scenic Kunene River frontier.