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Namibia

Fish River Canyon

PLAN MY TRIP

One of Africa’s greatest natural wonder, impressive Fish River Canyon in the south of Namibia is the largest canyon in Africa.

The numbers don’t lie, Fish River Canyon’s massive ravine is in total about 100 miles long, up to sixteen miles wide, and in places almost 1,804 feet deep. Whereas, the 403-mile long Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia. The river which cuts through the rocky and arid plateau flows intermittently with flooding usually occurring in late summer while the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. Unlike the Grand Canyon, Fish River Canyon was not carved out by the river but a result of a fracture in the earth’s crust that collapsed the valley bottom forming a broad valley running north-south about 500 million years ago. The canyon is part of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Animals are scarce in this harsh environment though there are Hartmann’s zebras, kudu, steenbok, gemsbok, springbok, and klipspringer whose hoof structure enables this ‘rock jumper’ to walk on the tip of its hoof as it bounds over smooth rock surfaces and leaps from boulder to boulder to escape predators. These predators include leopard, jackal, brown hyena, and bat-eared fox.

There are only about sixty bird species found in the region including the black eagle and jackal buzzard who build their nests high in the steep cliffs. Along the permanent pools of the Fish River live African marsh warbler, great reed warbler, Cape reed warbler, red bishop, masked weaver, and red-billed quelea.

Fish River Canyon is renowned for its challenging hikes. The nearby lodges offer a half or full-day hike of the canyon from April to September with the aid of an expert guide. Hikers can climb down the sheer face of the upper canyon wall, traverse the rocky wilderness, and descend through a spectacular gorge while enjoying a picnic lunch. For an easier walk, a guided canyon rim walk teaches visitors more about the local flora and fauna. Or for those wishing to see the canyon without all the hiking there are seven-hour canyon day drives with a stop for refreshments by the river or a fly-in visit with breakfast at the Canyon Nature Park. The more adventurous can partake in the five-night canyon hike if they are in good physical condition and a permit from Namibia Wildlife Resorts in Windhoek. Hikers can choose to undertake a self-guided hike for three or more people or can enjoy a supported hike through Fish River Lodge with a guide and staff to set up camp.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys
1 of 6
2 of 6
3 of 6
4 of 6
5 of 6
6 of 6

Namibia

Fish River Canyon

PLAN MY TRIP

One of Africa’s greatest natural wonder, impressive Fish River Canyon in the south of Namibia is the largest canyon in Africa.

The numbers don’t lie, Fish River Canyon’s massive ravine is in total about 100 miles long, up to sixteen miles wide, and in places almost 1,804 feet deep. Whereas, the 403-mile long Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia. The river which cuts through the rocky and arid plateau flows intermittently with flooding usually occurring in late summer while the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. Unlike the Grand Canyon, Fish River Canyon was not carved out by the river but a result of a fracture in the earth’s crust that collapsed the valley bottom forming a broad valley running north-south about 500 million years ago. The canyon is part of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Animals are scarce in this harsh environment though there are Hartmann’s zebras, kudu, steenbok, gemsbok, springbok, and klipspringer whose hoof structure enables this ‘rock jumper’ to walk on the tip of its hoof as it bounds over smooth rock surfaces and leaps from boulder to boulder to escape predators. These predators include leopard, jackal, brown hyena, and bat-eared fox.

There are only about sixty bird species found in the region including the black eagle and jackal buzzard who build their nests high in the steep cliffs. Along the permanent pools of the Fish River live African marsh warbler, great reed warbler, Cape reed warbler, red bishop, masked weaver, and red-billed quelea.

Fish River Canyon is renowned for its challenging hikes. The nearby lodges offer a half or full-day hike of the canyon from April to September with the aid of an expert guide. Hikers can climb down the sheer face of the upper canyon wall, traverse the rocky wilderness, and descend through a spectacular gorge while enjoying a picnic lunch. For an easier walk, a guided canyon rim walk teaches visitors more about the local flora and fauna. Or for those wishing to see the canyon without all the hiking there are seven-hour canyon day drives with a stop for refreshments by the river or a fly-in visit with breakfast at the Canyon Nature Park. The more adventurous can partake in the five-night canyon hike if they are in good physical condition and a permit from Namibia Wildlife Resorts in Windhoek. Hikers can choose to undertake a self-guided hike for three or more people or can enjoy a supported hike through Fish River Lodge with a guide and staff to set up camp.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys