Namibia is the travel gift that keeps on giving. Some 500 meters (1,640 feet) deep and more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) long, this great rift is second only to the United States’ Grand Canyon in size, and during the dry season is characterized by beautiful turquoise pools of seasonally flowing water stretching into the distance.The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA. The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

The entrance to the Park is situated 10 kilometers from the well-known viewpoint of Hell`s Bend at the Hobas Rest camp.

Visitors have to report here. It is important to know that during the summer month the Canyon hike is closed due to the heat. The Fish River Hiking Trail can be conducted during the months of April – September and can be completed within 4 to 5 days, depending on fitness. It covers a length of 85 km and the descent into the Canyon is only allowed for hikers doing the trail. Day-visitors are not allowed to climb into the Canyon.

The Fish River is 800 kilometers long and thus the longest river in Namibia. It has its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains. After about 200 km the river flows into the Hardap Dam which is the largest water reservoir in the country with a circumference of 30 km and a surface area of 28 km².

After being retained the Fish River does not carry water continuously, only during the rainy season the river might turn into a torrent. During the dry season, sporadic pools supply water to many animals.

The Fish River Canyon commences at Seeheim, at the lower course of the River. The Canyon is 161 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550m deep. The Fish River Canyon ends at Ai-Ais and the river then flows into the Orange River, the border to South Africa.

Things to do at Fish River Canyon

Gondwana Canyon Park

In 1996 the private and scenic nature reserve ‘Gondwana Canyon Park’ was founded. Its landscape is dominated by plateaus which offer fascinating views over the widely spread and sparsely vegetated plains intercepted by granite hills and dolerite dikes. Quivertree and euphorbias are wonderful photographic motives.

Orange River Canoe Tours

Various canoe tours for active holidaymakers are organized on the picturesque Orange River, the border river between Namibia and South Africa. The offers range from an unguided half-day tour to an intensive seven-day package.

Quivertree Forest and Mesosaurus Fossiles

Travelers to the south of Namibia will find a fascinating point of interest near the town of Keetmanshoop: A large Quivertree Forest with thousands of quiver trees, close by a piece of land where a lot of Mesosaurus fossils have been found and added a picturesque dolerite rock field.

Fish River Hiking Trail

During the months of April to September, the Fish River Lodge offers 2-5 day guided hikes in the Fish River. In the world’s second-largest canyon the hiker awaits grand landscapes, breath-taking vistas, unforgettable sundowners, intensive game and bird viewing, fascinating insights into the geology of Namibia, and much more.

Fish River Canyon Viewpoint

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA. The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

The entrance to the Park is situated 10 kilometers from the well-known viewpoint of Hell`s Bend at the Hobas Rest camp.

Feral horses of Garub

An attraction in the southern part of Namib is the Feral Horses of Garub. These horses have successfully bypassed their role as working or breeding horses. They are independent of humans (more or less) and they fascinate us with their adapted live in a very inhospitable area and infinite freedom.

How to get to the Fish River Canyon Namibia

The Fish River Canyon is located in the south of Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia, and located 660 km from the main capital Windhoek and a7 hours’ drive will take you to one of the extraordinary landmarks in Namibia.

When to Hike the Fish River Canyon Namibia

Bookings need to be made well in advance as there is a limit of 30 people per day allowed in the canyon. The trail is only open for hiking between the 1st May and the 15th of September and a minimum number of hikers in a group is 3.

Where to stay during the Visit to Fish River Canyon Namibia

Provenance Camp

Provenance Camp is situated on the banks of the Orange River only 13 km away from the border to South Africa. The camp offers 17 cabanas, 2 family rooms, 1 honeymoon suite, and an a la Carte restaurant. A specialty trip on the Orange River.

Norotshama River Resort

Norotshama River Resort, situated on the banks of the Orange River, offers 30 luxury suites, 15 campsites, and an a la carte restaurant. Activities include Orange River rafting, fishing, fly fishing, and sunset trips on the Orange River.

Fish River Lodge

The Fish River Lodge is the only lodge located directly at the Fish River Canyon, providing spectacular views into the canyon. The lodge offers 20 chalets, a pool, a lounge, and a restaurant with a bar. Several activities such as scenic drives, sundowner drives, and canyon hikes can be made.