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Home>Namibia>What to see | 
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| Namibia: What to see | |||
| Fish River Canyon National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for Widely regarded as the world's second largest canyon surpassed only by the Grand Canyon in the USA. This area was proclaimed a reserve in 1969 and is known mostly for the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail considered one of the most challenging in Southern Africa. The Kokerboom Forest is situated 14 kilometres north of Keetmanshoop and although on private property is open to the public and an attraction for those visiting the Fish River Canyon National Park. Location The Fish River Canyon is situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River in southern Namibia in the eastern Namib Desert. The canyon is in the fissured Koubis massif and ends at Ai-Ais. The main information/ tourist centre for the Canyon is at Hobas, in the northern end of the park. This is also where one commences the Fish River Hiking Trail by climbing down 500 metres into the canyon below. Size The Fish River Canyon is 161 km long, 27 km wide, and up to 550 metres deep. Wildlife This area is not known for its wildlife - it is the spectacular scenery that is the major draw card. However, there are certain species that exist within the canyon. Troops of baboons, and isolated groups of klipspringers can be seen, and the bird life can be heard in the absolute stillness of this isolated haven. Environment The rock strata are clearly visible in the sheer cliff sides of the canyon. Set in a harsh stony plain the canyon has evolved into its current shape over hundreds of millions of years. The Fish River is at the base of the canyon and does not flow every year, although after heavy rainfall it becomes a torrent of water. The river dries up into pools during the winter months. The remarkable part about visiting the Fish River Canyon is how abruptly it suddenly appears - the plateau suddenly opens up without warning, and the views from a road along the eastern edge of the canyon are superb. Vegetation The vegetation in the area is described as dwarf shrub savanna. Trees found in this region include the camel thorn, quiver tree ("kokerboom"), sweet thorn and buffalo thorn. Climate and when to go The canyon is only open during the winter period from 3rd May to 30th September. In the summer months the temperatures are extreme and both the canyon and the resort at Ai-Ais are closed due to the possibility of flash floods of the Fish River occurring. Activities The Fish River Canyon is all about hiking - the trail is 86 km long and usually takes about five days. One should be physically fit to undertake this hike as once one has climbed down into the canyon there is no way out but to walk the full 86 km. The sides are steep and require proper climbing skills and gear to climb out of. There are no facilities in the canyon and the challenge of this hiking trail is carrying all ones provisions along. Guided tours on horseback are also offered in the Canyon to to view its interesting geological formations and vegetation. Accommodation The Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort is at the end of the canyon, and accommodation varies from luxury flats to caravan campsites. The Canon Lodge provides more exclusive and personalised accommodation. How to get there By road Drive south on B1 and turning onto B4 towards Luderitz, turn left onto C12 and follow the signs. |
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