Waterfalls

 

With only five perennial rivers in the entire country, all of which are shared with other countries, it is no wonder that rivers take on a magical, almost mystical feel.  They are providers of life in this country, and without them, many places would be too inhospitable to tolerate.  The Kunene River, which makes the northwest border of the country with Angola, was my nearest river and to become my favorite place in Namibia.  I will never forget my first time dropping into the Kunene river valley coming from the flat expanses of Owamboland.  It is such a dramatic change in landscape; as if the Kunene is an oasis in the desert.  I would later learn to appreciate all the magic of the Kunene which lies in its people and its remarkable waterfalls.  There is something special about waterfalls, something which I can’t quite put my finger on.  Waterfalls are so simple, yet their constant movement and power are humbling.  The waterfalls of the Kunene are the only places in this country that I have gone out of my way more than once to visit and I will go out of my way again just to be able to experience the magic of these places one more time.