Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon of USA. You will find it in the south of Namibia near to the border with South Africa.
The Fish River is Namibia’s longest river, 375 miles in length. It twists its way from the Naukluft Mountains south to the Orange River on the border with South Africa.
The Canyon itself is between the Namib and Kalahari deserts. You’ll only find it by crossing vast areas of flat and barren land. This landscape is sparsely populated with desert plants, quiver trees and cacti. As a result of this physical isolation, the whole place feels magical and unvisited, despite being a major tourist attraction.
The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.
Hiking the Fish River Canyon
The Canyon’s immense scale and rugged terrain attracts many visitors. It is a draw for serious hikers and walkers alike. It’s also possible to camp at the canyon so appealing to those in search of 4-7 day hikes. This 85 km Fish River Hiking Trail is reputed to be one of Africa’s top (and toughest) walks for nature enthusiasts.
The trail is definitely not for the faint-hearted. However, if you’re up for the challenge, make sure you obtain a permit and book well in advance. You can only undertake the challenge if you are a minimum of 3 hikers. Be warned there are absolutely no facilities en route. You will need to carry everything with you. Top-up’s of water to be filled from the occasional rock pool.
You can only hike the Canyon trail during April-September due to the excessive heat during the summer months. Furthermore, you can only descend into the Canyon if you are hiking the trail. If, however, you are visiting the Canyon as a day-visitor, then you will not be allowed to climb into the Canyon.
From the Comfort of your Car
Don’t worry if you’re not a hiker. You can still experience the wonder of this canyon from the comfort of your car. In fact, more than likely, you’ll have spectacular views all to yourself as there are rarely more than 2 or 3 cars at any viewing point at any one time.
The most popular viewing times are sunrise or sunset, as the reflected light bounces of the canyon walls creating a beautiful warm colour. Make sure you venture to the northern end of the canyon. This viewpoint across the canyon offers probably the most photographed shot. The viewing point is easily accessible by a gravel road.
Hiker’s View Point, just a short drive away, is the start of the 85 km Fish River hiking trail. In addition to being another spectacular view of the canyon, it also offers a fantastic perspective of just how steep the canyon walls really are.
More Viewpoints, Different Perspectives
Following this, an 18 km gravel road also goes along the eastern side of the canyon to a series of other viewing points, all of which give a different perspective of the view from the canyon edge. It is possible to drive in a 2WD down to the Sulphur Spring viewing point, approximately 7 km down this road, and a short walk leads you to a wonderful view down the canyon gorge. If you want to reach the southernmost viewing point at Eagles Rock, you’ll need a 4WD.
The canyon and its surroundings are home to wild life such as baboons, springbok, steenbok, klipspringer and the occasional kudu and zebra. Leopards also live around the canyon, but are the hardest animal to spot. However, the real appeal of the experience is being alone in the still of the desert in one of the most remote spots on the planet.