Travel Comments - Backpacker Guide through Southern Africa - Southern African Safari Highlights Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world - only the Grand Canyon in the US is bigger- and the biggest canyon in Africa. The gorge of the Fish River Canyon reaches around 160 km from the Koubis massif (Seeheim) down to Ai-Ais. The Canyon was formed about 500 million years ago by water and the collapse of the valley bottom through movements in the earth crust. According to some stats the canyon is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia, only beaten by Etosha National Park in the north of the country.

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How to get there?

As always in Namibia, the easiest option to get around is by car - like in South Africa renting a car is no problem at all. It is slightly more expensive in Namibia, but thats it.
If you don't want to rent a car you can also join an organised tour - most tours in Namibia's south are visiting the Canyon. Hitchhiking might be an alternative too, but check with your accommodation staff/locals if it is ok to do. See the tra:mag routes tour suggestions for some tours in Namibia, as well as organised selfdrive tours through the country.

The Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail

The Hiking trail starts at the northern viewpoint for the canyon, Hobas, and ends at Ai-Ais. It is a 4-5 day walk and it is about 80km in length. You need to have a medical certificate. Only one group (you can’t do the walk alone, groupsize of three to forty people is required) per day.
See the website of the Footprint Hiking Club for more info about the trail.

Organised Tours?

7 Day Southern Tour
Tourbeschreibung & Buchungsformular auf Deutsch! »

Amidst beautiful Namibian landscapes, learn of the country’s history. Sipping a pint of local “sundowner” served on top of a Kalahari dune will definitely excite you on this trip. You will feel tiny as you stroll through the Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom). Travel to the second largest canyon in the world, Fish River Canyon. Just before Aus, you will stop at the POW camp and see the relics of the homes built by the prisoners. Visit the Garub waterhole and try guessing the origin of the feral horses. You can steal a glance of Diaz Point and if you are lucky you might see some playful dolphins.
Check out the museum at Duwiseb Castle. You will be surprised to see how majestic this castle still remains. On board a vehicle, travel into the heart of the Namib Desert and drive past towering sand dunes. At Namib Naukluft Park, you can expect to encounter oryx, springbok and ostriches. Walvis Bay will delight you with its flock of flamingos, pelicans and other water birds. Filled with interesting landscapes and historical sights, this tour is perfect to see the arid southern region of Namibia.

more tours in Namibia incl. Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and more!

Where to stay?

The South of Namibia is a perfect spot for beautifull located lodges, hotels & B&Bs. Only so-called budget accommodation, such as backpacker lodges (except for campsites), are not found in Southern Namibia.