Popa Falls | Rundu

Popa Falls is a series of rapids located on the Okavango River in the Kavango East Region of Namibia, approximately 200km east of Rundu. It serves as a vital geological bottleneck where the river drops four meters over a broad quartzite ledge before entering the Bwabwata National Park.

Visual Characteristics

The falls are characterized by a series of cascading rapids rather than a single vertical drop, extending across the full 1.2km width of the river channel. The area features numerous small islands composed of dark quartzite rock, densely populated by riparian vegetation including papyrus, reeds, and large leadwood trees. The water color shifts from deep blue in the main channel to white foam and spray as it traverses the jagged rock formations.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated on the C48 road, 5km south of the Divundu bridge and the B8 national highway. It is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road that leads directly to the Popa Falls Resort entrance. Travelers from Rundu reach the falls in approximately two and a half hours, while the Mohembo border post with Botswana is located 15km to the south. Dedicated parking is available for both day visitors and overnight guests.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Geologically, the falls are formed by a geological fault line where the Okavango River encounters a hard quartzite barrier, a remnant of the Damara Sequence. This obstruction prevents the river from eroding deeper into the Kalahari sands. The site was proclaimed as the Popa Falls Game Park in 1989 and is a critical habitat for the African clawless otter and the rare rock pratincole.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can utilize a series of wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms that extend over the rapids for photography. Guided boat trips depart from the resort, offering birdwatching opportunities for species such as the African fish eagle and various kingfishers. Guided walks across the islands are possible during periods of low water to view the rock formations and hippopotamus pods in the deeper pools.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site features the state-owned Popa Falls Resort, which includes a restaurant, bar, and public restrooms. There is a communal campsite with power points and braai facilities. 4G cellular signal is generally stable throughout the resort area. While basic snacks are available on-site, full grocery services and fuel stations are located 5km north in the settlement of Divundu.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography and viewing the rock formations is during the low-water season from October to December. During the high-water season (March to May), the rapids are often submerged by the sheer volume of the Angolan floodwaters, reducing the visibility of the falls. Early morning is the optimal time for birdwatching and to avoid the midday humidity typical of the Kavango region.

Facts & Legends

Despite its name, Popa Falls is technically a rapid and not a waterfall; the drop is insufficient to meet the official geological criteria for a waterfall. Local Thimbukushu lore suggests the rapids are a sacred site protected by river spirits, and historically, the area was used as a strategic river crossing for the Hambukushu people moving between the islands and the mainland.

Nearby Landmarks

Bwabwata National Park (Mahango Core Area) – 14.2km South

Divundu Bridge – 5.1km North

Andara Catholic Mission – 9.8km West

Buffalo Core Area – 12.5km Southeast