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Fish River Canyon
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The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is widely regarded as the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa. Stretching approximately 160 kilometers in length and reaching widths of up to 27 kilometers, it plunges to depths of around 550 meters. Its complex geological history dates back over a billion years, involving the deposition of sediments, tectonic plate movements that caused a rift valley to collapse, and subsequent erosion by the Fish River. Today, the river is ephemeral, often reduced to a chain of stagnant pools during the dry winter months. The canyon is a cornerstone of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, showcasing a stark, prehistoric desert landscape. It is world-famous for the Fish River Canyon Trail, an 85-kilometer, multi-day trek through the gorge floor that is strictly regulated for safety. Scenic overlooks such as 'Hell's Corner' provide panoramic views of the river's massive meanders, while the thermal springs at Ai-Ais offer a natural geothermal retreat at the canyon's southern exit.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: Sunset Viewpoint · Fish River Canyon View Point · Hiker's Viewpoint
- Nearby: Ai-Ais (37 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
Getting there
The main public viewpoint is typically accessed via well-maintained gravel roads leading to the Hobas rest camp in the southern part of Namibia. Those undertaking the multi-day hike usually start their challenging journey directly from the Hobas area.
Best season
For general sightseeing, the cooler dry season from May to September is optimal for clear views and comfortable temperatures. The extensive multi-day hiking trail is strictly regulated and only open to permitted hikers during these cooler winter months.
Terrain & paths
The landscape is incredibly rugged and vast, characterized by steep rocky descents, loose boulders, and deep riverbed sand. While the rim viewpoints offer relatively flat paved or compacted earth paths, the canyon floor is notoriously unforgiving.
What to bring
Extensive preparation is required for hiking, including sturdy, broken-in trekking boots, a comprehensive first aid kit, and high-capacity water containers. Even for rim visitors, broad sun hats, layered clothing, and good binoculars are highly recommended.
Parking
Secure parking is generally available near the Hobas viewpoint and at the Ai-Ais Hot Springs resort at the southern end of the trail. Visitors must typically register their vehicles at the entrance gates before proceeding to the designated parking areas.
Safety
Extreme daytime heat and total lack of cell service in the gorge pose significant risks for hikers; comprehensive medical clearance is mandatory for the trail. Flash floods in the riverbed can occur unexpectedly, even if it hasn't rained in the immediate vicinity.
Time needed
A standard visit to the rim viewpoints typically lasts one to three hours, allowing for photography and admiring the sweeping vistas. In stark contrast, completing the challenging canyon floor trek usually requires four to five full days of arduous walking.
Geography
Facts
- The total length of the canyon is roughly 160 km.
- Its maximum depth reaches approximately 550 meters.
- The oldest exposed rocks are 1.2 billion years old.
- The Fish River Canyon Trail spans 85 kilometers.
- It is part of the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
- The river usually flows only between January and April.
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
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fish River Canyon (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can one hike the canyon independently?
No, the multi-day trail requires registration and a permit.
When is the best season?
The hike is only possible in winter (May to September).
Is the canyon family-friendly?
Viewpoints are safe, hiking in the canyon is extremely difficult.
What should I bring?
Plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy hiking boots are essential.
Are there sanitary facilities?
There are simple WCs at the viewpoints, none in the canyon.
Fish River Canyon: where is it located?
Fish River Canyon is located in Namibia.
Fish River Canyon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sunset Viewpoint, Fish River Canyon View Point, Hiker's Viewpoint.
Fish River Canyon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Fish River Canyon: why is it worth visiting?
The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is widely regarded as the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa.
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Warmbad
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A corporate mining town sustained entirely by the extraction of zinc and lead.
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Aroab
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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.
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.
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.
Nature
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A gigantic canyon with unique wildlife.
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A mountainous area near Fish River Canyon.
Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine
An underground mine that extracts zinc and lead concentrates for export.
Skorpion Zinc Mine
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.
Namdeb Diamond Mining Oranjemund
The center of terrestrial diamond mining in Namibia at the mouth of the Orange River.
Apollo 11 Cave
An archaeological site in southern Namibia containing some of the oldest mobile art pieces on the African continent.
Aus Desert Horses Area
Home to Namibia's famous wild desert horses.