Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon - 161 km long, 27 km wide and up to 550m deep - is the second largest canyon worldwide after the Grand Canyon in the USA . The Canyon forms part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park.
The Fish River Hiking Trail can be conducted during the months April – September and can be completed within 4 to 5 days, depending on fitness. It covers a length of 85 km and the descent into the Canyon is only allowed for hikers doing the trail. Day-visitors are not allowed to climb into the Canyon.
The Fish River has its source in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains. After about 200 km the river flows into the Hardap Dam.
After being retained by the Hardap Dam, the Fish River does not carry water continuously, but during the rainy season the river might turn into a torrent. During the dry season sporadic pools supply water to many animals.
The Fish River Canyon commences at Seeheim and ends at Ai Ais and the river then flows into the Orange River, the border to South Africa.
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Hiking
The 5 day hike from Hobas to Ai-Ais is Namibia’s most popular long-distance walk – and with good reason. The magical 85km route, which follows the sandy riverbed past a series of ephemeral pools, begins at Hikers’ Viewpoint, and ends at the hot spring resort of Ai-Ais.
Due to flash flooding and heat in summer months, the route is open only from April to September.
Hot Springs
Ai-Ais is Nama for 'burning water' and these 60°C springs are rich in chloride, fluoride and sulphur, and are found beneath the towering peaks at the southern end of Fish River Canyon National Park.
The hot water is piped to a series of baths and jacuzzis as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
