Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is located in the south of Namibia and is the largest canyon in Africa, as well as the second largest on the planet. It features a gargantuan ravine which stretches 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost half a kilometer deep. The Fish River is by far the longest interior river in Namibia and it cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants. The river flows intermittently, usually flooding in late summer while during the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated. The area around the Fish River Canyon is arid and this is reflected by its climate. The winter months between May and September are the best times to visit the canyon, especially if you are keen to do some hiking as it can get quite hot during the peak summer months. Daytime temperatures are pleasant but you should also pack some warm clothes because the nights can get very cold as with most desert environments. The summer months from October to April bring a small chance of rain but also scorching hot temperatures as mentioned. Due to the chances of flooding and the very hot temperatures, hiking within the canyon is not possible during the summer months and as such this activity is put on hold during this time. However, you are still able to stay in the Canyon area and its surrounds, allowing you to witness some of the most epic sunrises and sunsets anywhere on the continent. The gauge is massive and to truly appreciate this size you have to experience it firsthand. In terms of hiking, there are several hiking options available for those who want to explore the Canyon area on foot. Most famous is the 90-kilometre route through the canyon which on average takes about 4 to 5 days to complete. It is quite intense and requires a fair amount of grid and good physical conditioning. Some consider it one of the most challenging hiking trails on the entire African Continent however there are also plenty of shorter hikes available, including hikes along the canyon rim which will still provide you with awe inspiring views.
What to expect? When visiting the Fish River Canyon and it surrounds, you can expect incredible views, scenic sunsets and magnificent sunrises. In between these hours, night time makes for some exceptional star gazing. Coupled with the geographical marvel of the canyon itself it’s no wonder the Fish River Canyon continues to attract travelers from across the globe.
