The 85 kilometre route takes 45 days to complete and is a serious challenge even to experienced hikers. At the northern end of the national park, theres the hobas information centre, picnic sites, campgrounds, walking trails and access to some of the best viewpoints in the canyon. This hike manages to tick quite a few of the boxes in preparing you for the fish river canyon. Journeys namibia office requires a doctors certificate of fitness for every hiker taking part in the canyon hiking package activity. Namibia travel guide hiking in fish river canyon siyabona africa. Then you can walk along the cliffs where there are no facilities and absolutely no trees. At the southern end, aiais is a pleasant hotspring oasis. Here is our guide to hiking the fish river canyon yourself.
Fish canyon falls trail ends at the waterfall, so return the way you came for a 4. From sunrise to sunset, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of this geological wonder. Fish river hiking trail hiking in the worlds second. Once you are in the canyon it is impossible to get out and in the case of serious emergency hikers have to be airlifted out of the canyon. Fish river canyon was almost the first thing we did.
The canyon itself is breathtaking, and its the largest in africa. The fish river snakes through this vast canyon and rugged terrain, and hikers follow the river for 5 days, covering a distance of 88 km on reaching ais ais. It certainly is one of africas great natural wonders and the iconic fiveday hike is rated among the top treks in the world. The canyon has a main viewpoint with some explanations. The main attraction of the park is fish river canyon hike see information below. The fish river has carved out a spectacular canyon over 500m deep that snakes its way through southern namibia for 160km to the confluence with the orange river. Start of the trail palm sulphur springs camped 2km before, 5 hours. It will give you a good indication of your fitness levels and the second day provides a long and. The fish river itself is the longest interior river in namibia.
Fish river canyon hike namibia african reservations. The fish river canyon is located in namibia iit is the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in africa. The vast rocky landscape breaks up into a series of spectacular cliffs, formed by the fish river as it meanders between boulders over half a kilometre below. You can only do these between march and october otherwise it is just too hoy and dangerous and you do need a certain level of fitness as well. The blog post with photos, gps track and text is at fish river canyon trail. Fischfluss canyon, is located in the south of namibia. The descent to the bottom of the canyon took us a bit less than 1 hour. The red rock walls mimic those you might find hiking in zion national park or other. The hiking trail is open only during the winter months from may to september. It is approximately 180kms long and stretches south from seeheim down to the orange river which forms the border between namibia and south africa. Visit the fish river canyon in namibia the travelling chilli. The fish river canyon in the south of namibia is the second largest in the world and the largest in africa, in places it is 27kms wide and up to 550m deep in total it is over 160km long. The fish river canyon hiking trail, winding through one of the largest canyons in. It stretches 160 km long and is 550 meters deep in places.
Fish river canyon tuesday 10 september 2019 join us aug 05, 2019. Save big on a wide range of fish river canyon hotels. Most sources cite the fish river canyon as the second largest canyon in the world, after the grand canyon in america. You have to book well in advance and be able to produce a doctors certificate. The fish river canyon, is located in the south of namibia. Some guide books says this is the toughest hike in africa fish river is definitely a hike to add to your must do hiking list. World africa namibia one of the best hikes in the world is fish river canyon fish river canyon trek is one of the most popular in southern africa. The staff were the friendliest we encountered in namibia and thats saying something because all namibians have been very friendly. It is the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere. A holiday to the fish river canyon works very well as part of a longer trip to visit other areas of namibia, or a more focused southern namibia tour, as you can see in. Fish river canyon safaris, tours and holiday packages. We did the final 19km drive to the lodge in a twowheel drive saloon. It is the second biggest canyon next to arizonas grand canyon. Starting point multiple day fish river canyon hike.
The guided trip into fish river canyon is highly recommended. Beware that temperatures of 40c are not uncommon on the trail. At a glance located in the south of namibia 85km the standard route many take a short cut walking only. The fish river canyon is the largest canyon in africa and the second most visited attraction in namibia. Fish river canyon namibia attractions lonely planet. Hobas camp is the campsite at the start of the hiking trail at the north end of the fish river canyon.
Here a mountain stream passes through hundredfoot cliffs that are at time only twenty feet apart. If you are fit, you can also plan to hike down in the canyon as described on lonely planet. The complete guide to the fish river canyon no speed limit. The fish river canyon, in namibia, is reputed to be the second largest canyon in the world, only being surpassed by the grand canyon. The fish river canyon hiking trail offers an opportunity for an intense and fullon experience of this geological wonder. Individual hikers are not allowed for safety reasons. Arrival in windhoek, get rental 4x4 and drive to mariental.
Stay in hotels and other accommodations near fish river canyon park and aiais hot water spring. If you follow the river diligently, the route is about 90km continue reading top trek. In the worlds second largest canyon the hiker awaits grand landscapes, breathtaking vistas, unforgettable sundowners, intensive game and bird viewing, fascinating insights into the geology of namibia and much more. And that bugs crawl into your ears at night so you have to stuff them.
Hiking partners august 20th fish river canyon forum. This certificate needs to be presented at hobas, the starting point of the fish river canyon hike, before departure. Visitors have a few alternatives to choose between when deciding how to explore the lengthy gorge. Book your hotel in fish river canyon and pay later with expedia. Hobas camping site fish river canyon namibia wildlife. At the northern end of the gorge are amazing viewpoints and the start of a 5day, 86 kilometre 54 mile hike, along the river in the belly of the ravine. The canyon itself is the second largest in the world, only being surpassed by the famous grand canyon in colorado. I heard people lose their toenails on the steep descent. Enveloped by a deserted rocky landscape, the mighty fish river canyon is one of namibias greatest natural wonders and a photographers paradise. Its the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and boasts breathtaking landscapes and some interesting flora and fauna. The twenty chalets are perched on the brink of the canyon, far enough from each other to ensure peaceful exclusivity for all guests. There are also a number of shorter and easier hikes to enjoy inside. Whether youre getting a taste of the sheer scale and beauty of the place from one of the lookouts, or hiking for five days to immerse yourself in its multifaceted charm, fish river canyon is a special place. Hobas camp north high end of fish river canyon accommodation.
A maintenance man named old joe fixed a puncture in my tyre for free. How to survive hiking the fish river canyon getaway magazine. The fish river hiking trail is one of the most famous hikes in southern africa. Fish river canyon, aiais resort hot springs spa and hobas. Fish river canyon information guide namibia travel booking service. The fish river canyon hike in namibia is one of the most famous and popular multiday hiking trips in all of southern africa, and its really worth the trip out to the desert. Not to be confused with fish canyon falls on the east end of the angeles national forest, the fish canyon narrows reside on the far west end of the angeles in the sierra pelona mountains north of santa clarita. Fish river canyon is known for its desert, riverfront, and sunsets. For the ones with good physical condition, a 85 km hike can be taken starting from the hikers viewpoint and will last for about 4 days. Fish river canyon, aiais resort and hobas resort namibia. Total distance of fish river canyon hike 86km, the river itself is longer but due to many shortcuts your walking distance is about 14km less. Namibias worldclass canyon is protected within the fish river canyon national park.
Snaking a path through a flat plateau in southern namibia, the. Information on the second largest canyon in the world. Situated in the far south of namibia, the startlingly beautiful fish river canyon is 550m deep, 27km wide and 160km long. The folks at no speed limit compiled an extremely thorough article that contains a lot of very useful logistical information about doing the fish river canyon hike. It is 86km and takes about 5 days more information on the fish river canyon. Approaching the fish river canyon from the north is like driving across mars. A permit is mandatory and can be organised with nwr in windhoek. Explore fish river canyon holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. We have 7 fish river canyon accommodations with prices starting at zar 1014. What types of hotels are available in fish river canyon.
Hikers must be over 12 years of age and have a recent medical certificate of fitness. Marvel in the spectacular, breathtaking scenery that stretches before you. It is firstly an overnight hike that will help you to sort out what equipment you will need to take with you to the fish, although it does have a very comfortable overnight hut, which fish does not. Just outside of south africa lies the fish river canyon in the south of namibia. The map is printed on duraflex waterproof material and is packaged in a. Best accommodation in fish river canyon 2020 book online. Canyon hikes midapril to midseptember hiking the fish river canyon is an amazing experience however it should not be attempted by inexperienced hikers as the area is very rugged.
The 86 km hike through the fish river canyon takes 5 days. Fish river canyon trek is one of the most popular in southern africa. The fish river canyon hiking trail is unique among trails in africa. Their campsite is a fantastic option just make sure to book all of this well in. Along the way, visit brukaros crater, keetmanshoop and quiver tree forest. Located 30 feet from the canyon edge, the chalets at fish river lodge include a terrace, large windows and dry stone walls. Guided hikes fish river canyon fish river canyon message. Though a very tough trail, the fish river canyon trail is one of the most popular hikes in southern africa. With farreaching views over fish river canyon just below, the private chalets at this property have rooftop windows.
The giant ravine is second biggest canyon in the world. Measuring 160 kilometres in length, 27 kilometres in width and 550 metres deep, it is the second largest canyon in the world. Fish river canyon hike, the cardboard box travel shop. The fish river canyon hiking trail is a fantastic, unique experience. Each has an outdoor shower, and an outdoor pool is available. Fish river lodge is the only lodge situated directly on the fish river canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Swimming pool, snack shop, toilets, showers a very relaxing start having set up camp in the afternoon, bought some homebakes from the small shop by the reception desk then eaten. Ablutions, braaibbq area swimming pool and a kiosk selling basics and cool. The camping site at hobas is one of the few in the area offering shady trees to camp amongst. It worked really well sleeping at aiais before and after the hike. Mountain fish river canyon lodge with indoor pool free parking restaurant bar outdoor pool central location. Fish canyon trail remains closed due to the fish fire closure area. So vast that your eyes cannot cope with the full view all at once. Hike the aweinspiring canyon may to september its an 86km hike and takes 4 to 5 days not for the feint hearted, but an unforgettable experience.
Chris davies and i tackled this infamous, and stunningly beautiful, 90km trail in namibia. Unfortunately, if you do not want to do a 9mile grueling hike to the falls, then the best bet is to wait for one of the eight days that the private land you have to cross is open to the public each year. The immense scale and rugged terrain draws visitors from all over the world. During the months of april to september the fish river lodge offers 25 day guided hikes in the fish river. Fish river canyon information guide namibia travel booking. When not affected by the closure, fish canyon falls is. Once you descend into the canyon, you truly escape from the outside world. No children under 16 years old may take part in the canyon hiking package activity. It is the largest canyon in africa, as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in namibia. Fish river canyon information and accommodation guide.
The intense 85km trail through it, which takes hikers through 1. Fish canyon falls, one of the premier southern california waterfalls, has been on my list for a long time. The fish river canyon hiking trail is a tough challenge, one that draws seasoned hikers and trail runners from around the globe. The fish river canyon is the largest canyon in africa and second most visited attraction in namibia. The fish river canyon can be reached driving down south on b1, turning to b4 towards luderitz, turning left on c12 and follow signs. The giant ravine, the second biggest canyon in the world, is in total about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and almost 550 meters deep. Camp site among shady trees, with light, water, power point, braaibarbecue, tent with mattress facilities. Fish river lodge do a day hike and also a 5 day hike from canon roadhouse, lodge or village you can do a 25 day trek. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters deep.