Flying Adventure: Southern Angola – Day 6 (FYTF – FYEF):
We are flying up to the most northerly point of Namibia. The Epupa falls on the Kunene river, which forms the border between Namibia and Angola.
As we depart we meet a lonely elephant grazing close to the threshold of the Twyfelfontein airstrip. It’s a beautiful start of the day.
The north of Namibia is very rugged terrain. It is a rocky and hilly landscape. Options for an emergency landing are very few. Cruise flight risk management is thus important when flying over this kind of terrain, in particular at the low level of altitude where we fly. It is important to constantly scan and be aware of the surrounding terrain and to identify spots within gliding distance, where a forced landing could be executed in the rare event of an emergency. When that emergency does happen, time is limited and staying ahead of the situation is key to keep things safe, or as safe as they can be.
On our route to Epupa we overfly and inspect the Okangwati airstrip. It is the only safe alternative in the event that we cannot safely land at the Epupa strip. The Epupa airstrip is quite technical to fly into. For one about a quarter of its length is not useable due to erosion, leaving only about 600 – 700 meters of useable length. It can also easily be flooded after rainfalls. In addition it is situated between rocky hills on all sides. Proper approach planning is critical before attempting to land, as margins for error are small.
Notwithstanding this, it is an absolutely stunning place and a fantastic destination to fly into. Truly remote, far away from civilization in the true spirit of N3 Aviation.
Epupa Falls
Once parked we are picked up and head over to the Epupa Falls Lodge right on the banks of the Kunene river.
We spend day 7 of our tour exploring Epupa and the sandy beaches of the Kunene river. The river forms a line of life in this otherwise arid harsh land. The vegetation around the falls form breathtaking scenery. An oasis in the middle of nowhere.
It is without a doubt a highlight destination on this tour. And a perfect spot to wind down, relax and get excited for our next stop on the other side of the Kunene river. Southern Angola, the place that inspired this adventure after all.
