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Fish River Canyon Park
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The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is recognized as the second largest canyon in the world and is one of Africa's most spectacular geological landmarks. It stretches approximately 160 kilometers in length and reaches depths of up to 550 meters, with a maximum width of 27 kilometers. The canyon's formation began about 650 million years ago through tectonic shifts, followed by the erosive action of the Fish River over the last 300 million years. The park hosts a specialized fauna adapted to the extreme conditions of arid zones, including Hartmann's mountain zebras, klipspringers, and chacma baboons. The river typically carries significant water volumes only during the rainy season between January and April, shrinking to a chain of isolated pools for the remainder of the year. Botanically, the region is famous for its succulents, particularly the iconic Quiver Tree (Aloe dichotoma), which serves as a symbol of Namibian desert flora. The canyon is part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, facilitating cross-border wildlife conservation.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: Fish River Viewpoint & Sunset Spot · Window of Hope
- Nearby: Ai-Ais (47 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 26 | 27 | 19 | 26 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The cooler months from April to September are good for a visit to the Fish River Canyon. Temperatures are then pleasant for hiking and wildlife is more active.
Best time of day
Early morning is the best time to see animals like klipspringer or baboons along the canyon edges. The midday heat drives most animals into the shade, so the cooler hours are preferable.
Etiquette
Stay on marked hiking trails to preserve the sensitive vegetation. Collecting rocks or plants is forbidden, and all rubbish must be carried out.
What to bring
Sturdy footwear is essential for hikes in the canyon. Bring plenty of water, sun protection and a hat, as the sun is intense and shade is scarce.
Getting there
The Fish River Canyon is in southern Namibia and reachable via the B4 main road from Keetmanshoop. From the car park at Hobas campsite a short path leads to viewpoints.
What to expect
Wildlife is less abundant in the canyon, but with patience you can spot klipspringer and various bird species. Enjoy the sweeping views while waiting for the animals.
Geography
Facts
- The canyon formed about 650 million years ago through tectonic forces.
- The deepest point of the ravine measures 550 meters.
- The 85-kilometer hiking trail is considered one of Africa's toughest.
- The hot springs of Ai-Ais are located at the lower end of the canyon.
- Temperatures at the canyon floor can exceed 50 degrees Celsius in summer.
- The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fish River Canyon Park (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fish River Canyon Park?
It hosts the second-largest canyon in the world and is a spectacular natural wonder.
Can one hike in the canyon?
Yes, the multi-day hiking trail is world-famous but requires a permit and good fitness.
When is the hiking trail open?
It is open only during the cooler season from May to September.
What is needed for the hike?
Lots of water, a medical certificate, and complete camping gear are mandatory.
Are there viewpoints without hiking?
Yes, from the main viewpoint you get a panoramic view without effort.
Fish River Canyon Park: where is it located?
Fish River Canyon Park is located in Namibia.
Fish River Canyon Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fish River Viewpoint & Sunset Spot, Window of Hope.
Fish River Canyon Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Fish River Canyon Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is recognized as the second largest canyon in the world and is one of Africa's most spectacular geological landmarks.
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Nearby cities
Keetmanshoop
The largest settlement and administrative capital of southern Namibia's Karas Region.
Lüderitz
An isolated coastal town built on rocks, renowned for its rich diamond mining heritage and Art Nouveau buildings.
Bethanie
One of the oldest documented settlements in the country, rich in pre-colonial and mission history.
Oranjemund
A town situated at the mouth of the Orange River, historically managed as a private diamond mining enclave.
Warmbad
An ancient settlement in the extreme south, centered around soothing natural thermal springs.
Rosh Pinah
A corporate mining town sustained entirely by the extraction of zinc and lead.
Karasburg
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Aussenkehr
An immense agricultural project on the riverbanks, known as one of the largest grape exporters in the southern hemisphere.
Noordoewer
The primary border post connecting Namibia with South Africa along the majestic Orange River.
Aroab
A quiet outpost nestled on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, functioning as a border crossing point.
Koës
A small settlement characterized by extensive dry pans that sometimes host off-road racing events.
Aus
A tiny village nestled in rocky hills where the arid interior plateau gives way to the harsh Namib Desert.
Ai-Ais
A thermal spring resort at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon, famous for its therapeutic sulfurous waters.
History & landmarks
Fish River Canyon
The largest canyon in Africa, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging hiking trails.
🗺️
Keetmanshoop Railway Station
An architecturally appealing historic railway station building that was once a major transport hub for the southern part of Namibia.
Quivertree Forest
A surreal forest of prehistoric-looking aloe trees on volcanic rocks near Keetmanshoop.
Kapps Hotel Building
One of the oldest surviving buildings in Lüderitz, which once served as an important social gathering place during the first diamond boom.
Felsenkirche Lüderitz
An impressive Neo-Gothic Lutheran church perched high on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, overlooking the town.
Goerke House
An elegant villa on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, built in 1910 for mining inspector Hans Goerke, reflecting the wealth of the diamond boom.
Nature
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The largest canyon in Africa.
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A major zinc mine in southern Namibia with an integrated refinery.
Rhenish Mission Church
One of the oldest and most distinctive churches in southern Namibia, built by European missionaries in Keetmanshoop.
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An archaeological site in southern Namibia containing some of the oldest mobile art pieces on the African continent.
Namdeb Diamond Mining Oranjemund
The center of terrestrial diamond mining in Namibia at the mouth of the Orange River.
Aus Desert Horses Area
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