Fish River Canyon

At 650 kilometers, the Fish River is undoubtedly the longest river in Namibia. Having its source in the Naukluft Mountains, the Fish River flows south west into the Orange River, which winds its way through Namibia’s neighbor South Africa. The Fish River Canyon, found along the lower reaches of the Fish River, in the Karas Region of Namibia, is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular natural beauties, one will ever have the pleasure of seeing. Over 500 millions years in the making, the two most prominent factors contributing to the canyons size, and grandeur, are water/soil erosion and the collapse of the valley bottom due to the movements of the earth’s crust.

Second largest canyon

With much debate, it is thought that the Fish River Canyon is second in size, only to the Grand Canyon in America. It stretches a distance of approximately 160 kilometers, starting near Seeheim, passing through the Koubis massif all the way down to the out skirts of the town Ai-Ais. As far as one can actually measure a canyon, the Fish River Canyon has been measured at 550 meters at its deepest point and approximately 27 kilometers at its widest.

During the winter months, which happen to be the dry months in the area, and because of the damming of the river in the Hardap Region, the river bed of the Fish River is often completely dry or nothing more than a few puddles. However, after the rainfalls, that the summer season brings, the Fish River is transformed into the raging torrent that once carved its way through the canyon. To say one specific view point is more spectacular than the other, along the Fish River Canyon, is a very hard task, but if one is forced to choose just one, the view of Hell’s Bend is truly a magnificent site to behold. Just a ten kilometer drive from the canyon gateway at the Hobas Rest camp, the view point overlooking Hell’s Bend will offer enough evidence to prove the unfathomable, harsh beauty of the landscape in Namibia and the Karas Region.

Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail

Hiking enthusiasts have long looked at the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail as a challenge put down by Mother Nature herself. And this is exactly what it has proved to be. A challenge that has very often, resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities.

So harsh are the conditions that hiking expeditions are required to purchase a permit from the Namibia Wildlife Resorts, in Windhoek. Rescue facilities are very limited, with no helicopters stationed nearby and no cell phone reception what-so-ever in the canyon itself, that it is advised that one should never attempt the hike by oneself but rather in a group. It is also suggested that one be in top physical condition and have the medical certificate to show authorities should they ask for proof. 5 days, covering over 85 kilometers awaits any hikers braving the harsh terrain of the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail. Weather conditions during the summer periods (October – April) make it virtually impossible for hikers, that is why hikers are advised to attempt the hike only in the winter season (May – September) Find More on www.namibia.mitravco.com