FISH RIVER CANYON – 15th June 2023
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 Transfontier Park. The entrance to the Park is situated 10 kilometers from the well-known viewpoint Hell`s Bend at the Hobas Restcamp.
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 ā 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 kmĀ².
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
Vegetation along the way is mostly dry with beautiful scenery and hot springs in specific places which make for a good cool-off beach before continuing on the hike. Trail stages Day 1 – 20 km (Ā± 7 hours) Hobas Rest Camp – Palm Sulphur Springs Day 2 – 12 km (Ā± 7 hours) Palm Sulphur Springs – Three Sisters Day 3 – 15 km (Ā± 9 hours) Three Sisters – Von Trotha’s Grave Day 4 – 16.7 km (Ā± 6 hours) Von Trotha’s Grave – Ai-Ais Day 5 – 9.8 km (Ā± 5 hours) Ai-Ais – Hobas Total distance Ā± 75 km.
Trail Map
At a glance
Check in: Very important to bring aĀ medical certificate proving you donāt have any health problems. The certificate must not be older than 40 days. A form will be sent to you after you make a payment for the hike or you can download it.
