Kunene

Kunene is a toponym used for several geographical and cultural entities in southwestern Africa. It is most commonly associated with a region in Namibia, a province in Angola, and the Kunene River that flows through the area. The name originates from the river, which anchors much of the geography and identity of the region.

Kunene River: The river rises in southern Angola and flows westward to the Atlantic Ocean, forming a long stretch of the border between Angola and Namibia. It is known for rugged scenery and ecotourism opportunities around features such as Epupa Falls. The river basin supports communities and wildlife adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions, particularly in the Kaokoland area along the Namibian side.

Kunene Region (Namibia): Located in the northwest of Namibia, it borders Angola to the north. Its capital is Opuwo. The region encompasses rugged desert and savanna landscapes, including the Kaokoland, home to Himba and other communities. Economic activity centers on pastoralism, small-scale mining, and tourism, with attractions that include wildlife, cultural heritage, and dramatic riverine scenery along the Kunene.

Kunene Province (Angola): A northwestern province of Angola, situated along the Angolan coast and inland borders with Namibia. The landscape is largely arid to semi-arid, with dispersed settlements and economies based on subsistence farming, mining, and border trade.

Together, Kunene refers to a cross-border cultural and geographic zone defined by the Kunene River and the arid regions of Namibia and Angola, with diverse communities and a shared ecological heritage.