5 epic days, 1000+ km travelled, and oodles of incredible things to see and experience, visiting the Fish River Canyon is the perfect holiday experience for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Once you catch sight of the epic place, you will understand why few other landscapes inspire as much awe as the Fish River Canyon.
Nicknamed Namibia’s Grand Canyon, this colossal gash in the earth stretches for well over 160 kilometres, and in some places it reaches incredible depths of up to 550 meters! Its rugged beauty and spectacular ecosystem have long since been attractive to the sorts of adventurous travellers who are looking for an unforgettable experience.
And if you are such a traveller, with careful planning, you too can walk through this ancient land and see for yourself why so many consider this place to be one of the best destinations for hikers, campers, and thrill seekers.
Here’s your guide to making your way through this natural wonder!
How to get to the Fish River Canyon
Situated in the southern reaches of Namibia, a stone’s throw from another famous destination, the Kalahari Desert, the Fish River Canyon sits roughly 700 kilometres south of the capital Windhoek.
This geological marvel lies within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which is itself an example of collaboration between Namibia and South Africa in preserving this shared ecological treasure.
To get to the canyon, travellers usually head to Ai-Ais.
Ai-Ais is an immensely popular gateway to the canyon, and getting there is an adventure in and of itself. The best way to get there is to fly to Windhoek and then go on a road trip to the canyon. Along the way there are so many incredible things waiting to be seen and photographed, with the changing dry landscape being quite the thing to witness in person.
Another entry point is Hobas Viewpoint, which is about an hour closer to the canyon.
If you are driving yourself, be sure to have a high clearance vehicle. While there are a few gravel roads that will take you to the canyon, most are not in the best condition so you will want a vehicle that can at least safely take on the rougher-than-usual trek.
If driving yourself, or even being driven, is not your idea of the perfect adventure, you also have the option to fly in. The area has a couple of airstrips available for both private and chartered flights. Commonly used airstrips are those at Ai-Ais, at Fish River Lodge, at Seeheim and there are also airstrips in the Keetmanshoop, Bethanie and Grunau areas.
The Best Time to Book a Fish River Canyon Holiday
The Fish River Canyon is primarily a hiking destination.
While some do visit the area to kick their feet up and enjoy those spectacular views, the vast majority of visitors come here to take on the epic hiking trails.
This means choosing the best time of year to travel here is an absolute must.
Generally, the canyon has year round good weather. Its rainy season is nothing impressive; at most the canyon receives between 10 to 50 mm.
The best time of year to travel is between March and May, which are the canyon’s autumn months. During this time of the year, the days are warm to extremely hot, we’re talking between 26°C and 41°C, but the nights are blissfully cool.
Another great time to visit is during the summer, from December to February, although temps average between a scorching 38°C and 41°C. This is not a recommended time to visit if you wish to go hiking!
Since both of these times of year are so popular, the canyon can see a lot of feet.
If you are hoping to avoid the crowds, you can visit in winter. Between June and August, the days are still warm but incredibly comfortable and there is about no chance of rain. Winter is the best season to book a hike.
Self-Guided or Guided Tour?
The decision between a self-guided or guided tour depends on your experience, your comfort and your holiday expectations.
Seasoned hikers who relish independence and who appreciate planning will usually prefer to opt for a self-guided adventure.
However, for first-timers, families, or those seeking in-depth knowledge, a guided tour offers invaluable expertise and support.
Like all Namibia safaris, the longer you spend in the area, the more you get to see and experience. A 5 day Fish River Canyon holiday is about the perfect length, giving you and your family or travel group more than enough time to take in the full experience.
5 day tours of the Fish River Canyon are often designed to include more than just time in the canyon, especially since there are quite a few attractions, like the Kalahari Desert, close by. If you hope to see a lot more of the area, a guided tour is a great option because it will usually include a couple of other interesting sights and experiences.
Hiking the Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is not just attractive because of its breathtaking scenery, but it also offers hikers the unforgettable challenge of conquering its depths.
The crown jewel of the experience is the renowned Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail; a 5-day, 86-kilometer odyssey through the heart of the canyon.
This self-guided hike is not for the faint of heart (or the weak of leg).
It demands physical fitness, stringent planning, and a sense of self-reliance. Hikers bring along and carry all of their provisions, and along the way they rely on natural pools and strategically placed water tanks for hydration.
Although this is a tough hike, the rewards are immeasurable.
If you are a passionate hiker, you will be treated to sights of the ever-changing landscapes within the canyon while also experiencing exceptional wildlife encounters, from the majestic black eagle to the nimble klipspringer. Each day of the hike brings a new vista, a new hidden gem, and another moment of awe-inspiring beauty that will forever etch itself in your memory.
Before you rush to pack your boots and your backpack, we need to talk about some things first.
Because this is a beautiful and protected habitat, you must obtain the necessary permits and to keep safe along the way, you must familiarise yourself with safety regulations, both those relating to the canyon, and general hiking safety information.
When packing, you must make sure that you have all of your essential gear like sturdy (broken in) hiking boots, sun protection, and a first-aid kit. When hiking in the desert, you are hiking through a landscape of extremes, with scorching days and chilly nights.
Accommodation in the Fish River Canyon
Accommodation options within the canyon range from basic campsites to comfortable lodges.
Hikers tackling the famous 5-day Fish River Canyon Trail will mostly make use of the designated campsites found all along the route. These campsites are equipped with basic amenities like toilets and ablution facilities, and after a hot and sticky day on the trail, a shower will feel like heaven!
And at the end of the hike, you can book a stay at Ai-Ais Hot Spring Resort, where you will find comfortable lodging options and a rejuvenating hot spring to soothe weary muscles after your trek.
Those who are travelling to the canyon just to see it can look forward to staying at places like Fish River Lodge or Canyon Lodge. If you are booking a guided tour, your accommodation will generally be included, so you won’t need to worry much about planning where you stay.
Ready to Conquer the Canyon? Your Namibian Odyssey Starts Here!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker eager to tackle the challenge solo or if you are seeking a guided experience for peace of mind, let African Travel Concept help you plan your dream trip.
Visit our website or contact us today to discuss customised itineraries, guided tour options, and expert advice on tackling the Fish River Canyon. Don’t miss your chance to experience this natural wonder