After the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. The state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park includes the Canyon. The park’s entrance is located at the Hobas Restcamp, 10 kilometers from the popular Hell’s Bend viewpoint.
It’s crucial to be aware that the Canyon trek is closed in the summer because of the extreme heat. Depending on one’s level of fitness, the Fish River Hiking Trail can be finished in 4–5 days between April and September. It is 85 kilometers long, and only hikers who are following the trail are permitted to descend into the Canyon. Climbing into the Canyon is forbidden to day visitors.
The Fish River is Namibia’s longest river, spanning 800 kilometers. It originates in the Naukluft Mountains’ eastern regions. After roughly 200 kilometers, the river empties into the Hardap Dam, the nation’s largest water reservoir, which has a surface area of 28 km² and a circumference of 30 km.
The Fish River does not flow continually after being kept; it may only become a torrent during the rainy season. Many animals get their water from occasional ponds during the dry season.
The canyon is up to 550 meters deep, 161 kilometers long, and 27 kilometers wide. After terminating at Ai Ais, the Fish River Canyon empties into the Orange River, which forms South Africa’s border.
You will probably need to drive south from Windhoek to the Fish River Canyon. The canyon is close to the South African border in southern Namibia. The travel from Windhoek is around 642 kilometers, with detours on other routes as you get closer to the canyon. The road will take you north from Cape Town, South Africa, and you will reach the Namibian border at Vioolsdrif/Noordoewer.