Fish River Canyon

Africa's largest canyon, with rim viewpoints overlooking the winding river and the five-day canyon hike as a classic challenge.

Fish River Canyon lies in the Karas Region of southern Namibia, about 100 km from the South African border. It is the largest canyon in Africa: roughly 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and as much as 550 m deep. Its northern section belongs to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, while the privately run Gondwana Canyon Park lies to the east. The area breaks down into three zones. The first is the group of rim viewpoints (the Main Viewpoint, Hikers' Viewpoint and South Viewpoint) beyond the Hobas gate at the northern end, which are the core spots for panoramic views and sunset. The second is Gondwana Canyon Park and Canyon Roadhouse on the east side, the main base for accommodation and self-drive supplies. The third is the Ai-Ais hot springs at the southern end, where you can soak in natural thermal water and where the hike ends. The Fish River Canyon Hike is about 85 km long and takes 4–5 days. It is open only from 1 May to 15 September, and you must book in advance with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and submit a medical certificate.

Climate: in winter (May–Sep), daytime highs are in the 20s °C and nights can drop to freezing. In summer (Nov–Mar), temperatures on the canyon floor can exceed 45°C, hiking is prohibited, and even rim viewing should avoid the midday hours.

Getting there: from Windhoek, take the B1 south to Keetmanshoop, then the C12/C37. It is about 7–8 hours by car, and the latter part of the route is gravel, so a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. You can also come north from Cape Town in South Africa via the Noordoewer border crossing.

We suggest staying 1–2 nights. The canyon is often combined with Lüderitz/Kolmanskop and the Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop as a southern Namibia loop.

Notes: park entry is about N$150 per person plus a vehicle fee (check the latest NWR rates). There are no guardrails at the cliff edge. There is almost no mobile signal in the area, and fuel is available only at Canyon Roadhouse, Ai-Ais and Grünau, so always start with a full tank.

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