About the Fish River Canyon

Namibia Tours

The Fish River Canyon is not on every Namibia tour list but it is certainly one place worth visiting.

The Fish River Canyon has some of the oldest rocks in Namibia.  It is estimated that about 650 million years ago a mountain range eroded into a plain that was flooded by the ocean.  The Fish River Canyon is a result of a graben that formed along old tectonic faults about 350 million years ago.  In places, the edges are more than 20km apart at the upper edges.  Back then the riverbed was about 300 metres higher than it is today.  It deepened with what is known as the Gondwana-Glaciation Glaciers.  Today the Fish River Canyon is 550 metres deep at its deepest point.

The Fish River is the longest river in Namibia at around 800 kilometres with its source in the Naukluft Mountains.  Two hundred kilometres down the river it flows into the Hardap Dam, the largest water reservoir of Namibia.  The Fish River does not have water continuously and during the dry season it consists of sporadic pools, but during the rainy season, it turns into a torrent of water.  The Fish River Canyon ends at Ai-Ais where it then flows in the Orange River.

The best way to experience this magnificent Canyon is by hiking it.  This can be done from May to September as the rest of the year is simply just too hot.  The hike is about 86 km long and is done over 4 or 5 days.  Although the days are still hot it is advisable to take warm clothing for the night that can plummet to about 5 degrees C at night.

To hike this trail you will need to be fit and you will need a medical certificate.  It’s not an easy hike as you will be hiking over rocks and sand and even a river crossing.  Also, be sure to be plenty of sun-screen as there are not many shady spots along the way.  There is river water to drink along the way but be sure to take purifying tablets or another way to purify the water.

After a day’s walk, you can set up camp anywhere on the sandy banks of the river.  By the second day, you should reach the Hot Springs.  The hot spring has very hot water but just where it flows into the river is a great place to take a swim and relax for an hour or so.  The trail gets difficult after this and by the end of the second day, you will welcome your sleeping bag.

There are shortcuts along the hike, some clearly marked and some not so clear.  Look out for them as the terrain gets more difficult and has more river crossings by the third day.

The hike has many interesting attractions apart from the sheer beauty of the environment.  At the southern end of the hike, you will find a grave of Lieutenant Thilo von Trotha, who was killed in 1905 in a confrontation between the Germans and the Nama.  Several animals, insects and reptiles can also be seen along the way as well as interesting rock formations.

 

Tips for Hiking in the Fish River Canyon

Situated in the South of Namibia, the Fish River Canyon, one of the biggest of its kind in the world, is a popular addition to many Namibia safaris. On a typical trip to the canyon, guests will be able to walk a little along the edge of the canyon, sometimes going all the way down to the canyon floor, depending on the tour. But for those who are keen for a more memorable adventure, a Fish River Canyon hike is a great choice.

Hiking the Canyon is something that only the most ardent hikers will generally do. This hike can really take it out of a person. For the unprepared and the unfit, it can be a very challenging trip and one that will definitely test both their physical and mental fitness.

If you are an avid hiker, this is one adventure that you do not want to miss out on. While it is considered to be one of the toughest hikes in Africa, the sights and sounds are absolutely unique to the area and something that will make for the best kind of photos and a lifetime of memories.

The total distance of the hiking trail is around 86km, following the Fish River. Although the river is far longer, the hiking trail includes numerous shortcuts which reduce the full length of the trail by about 14km.

The hike can take between 4 to 5 days to complete, depending on the fitness of the group, and it is best to take on this hike between the months of May and mid-September. These are Namibia’s cooler months so being outdoors, doing something as physically demanding as taking on this hike, is more comfortable and less dangerous.

The hike starts at Hobas and ends at Ai-Ais Hot Springs. Depending on where you have left your vehicle or depending on the arrangements you have made, you will be able to catch the shuttle back to your transport and from there you could either explore more of Namibia or head home.

Hiking Tips

To make the most of your hike, there are some things that you need to know.

  1. Never bring brand new, never worn before shoes. This is no every day hike and you will want to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout your days on the trail.
  2. Pack loads of water and rehydration kits. Your body is going to be pushed to its limits while out on the trail and you will need to regularly replenish the energy and salts that it is using.
  3. Start early and take breaks. The earlier you start your hike, the better it will be for your energy levels. Even in the middle of winter, the day time heat can get a little too much for some. The earlier you start your day, the earlier you can take a break.
  4. Don’t rush. Any hike you do is meant to be enjoyed and with so many interesting things to see along the way, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to take it all in.