This article is part of one roadtrip through Namibia with Windhoek as a starting point. After a few days in Windhoek it was time to explore the town of Keetmanshoop. After Keetsmanhoop we visited Fish River Canyon. Here we drove past several beautiful viewpoints, but we also went hiking in the canyon. In this article we will tell you more about our experiences and what you can see and do in Fish River Canyon. Are you traveling with us?
Are you thinking of following our footsteps and renting a 4x4 with roof tent or a camper with friends, partner or family? Then ask free of charge and without obligation submit a quote to Travelhome from ANWB. Travelhome offers both 4x4s with roof tents and full-fledged family campers.
- Best way to discover Namibia
- Independent or Customized
- Expert advice from specialists
- Full quote with no hidden costs
Sights Fish River Canyon
After the Grand Canyon in the United States the Fish River Canyon is the largest in the world. It is 161 kilometers long, 27 kilometers wide and at its deepest point no less than 550 meters deep. The nice thing is that it is still one of the least visited places in Africa, so you can go here quietly without seeing too many tourists.
1. Hell's Bend & main viewpoint
During a visit you can drive to various viewpoints. The most famous one is main view point. Here you have a view over the Hell's Bend, it is one of the most photographed points of the canyon. There are information boards, toilets and a large wooden platform with a beautiful view over the canyon.
2. Hiker's Viewpoint
Continue another 3 kilometers to arrive at Hiker's Viewpoint. Here you see the canyon from a completely different perspective. This is also the starting point of the 5-day hike through the canyon (a fantastic experience!). You will find all kinds of beautiful viewpoints along the entire road. Take the time to fully absorb your surroundings. Make a cup of coffee and sit down for a while.
3. Sulfur Springs viewpoint
From the main road you can drive to the left in front of the main viewpoint. For the first 7 kilometers there is a normal road to the Sulfur Springs viewpoint, also known as Swaelbron Lookout. You can find the exact location on Google Maps here find. At this viewpoint there is a picnic table with a beautiful view over the canyon.
4. Eagle's Rock viewpoint
After Sulfur Springs viewpoint the road becomes a 4×4 road with many stones. At the end of the road is the Eagle's Rock viewpoint, the southernmost viewpoint of this canyon. From here you can look further south into the canyon. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful view here, many tourists will not make their way here.
5. Hiking through Fish river canyon
For hikers who are fit and already have some experience, this 5-day walk is a dream. The walk is known as one of the toughest hikes in the south Africa† With the starting point at Hiker´s viewpoint where you descend into the canyon. After that, we walk for 5 days until the end point of Ai-Ais is reached. In total it is between 80 and 90 kilometers long, depending on how much water flows through the Fish River. The walk can only be started between 1 May and 15 September due to the weather conditions. A maximum of 30 hikers can participate in the hike per day with a minimum of 3 hikers. This hike can only be booked through NWR and must be done months in advance.
Before the hike can be started, you must submit a medical certificate that you are fit enough to complete the hike. You have to eat, drink and carry all your belongings with you for the entire walk. Remember that it can get very hot in the canyon and there is no possibility to get out in between. All in all, this is a wonderful hike through this beautiful landscape, for those who dare and can handle it.
6. Ai-Ais
At the end of the walk you arrive in Ai-Ais (location here). This place can also be reached by car. This small village is located at the bottom of the canyon where the Fish River passes on its way south. The word Ai-Ais means “burning water” in the Nama language. This is where a water source comes out that is 65 degrees Celsius warm. This is way too hot to even hold 1 finger!
However, they do not let the heat go to waste. They use the water in artificially created hot springs, in the swimming pools of nearby hotels, campsites, etc. These water baths are open 35/24 at an ideal temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Ai-Ais is in the evening or at night during the clear winter. Then the water is wonderfully warm and you can see a beautiful starry sky including the Milky Way galaxy. Who would not want that?
You can also take a short walk into the Canyon from Ai-Ais. Note: Baboons live between the canyon walls and are often after your food. Don't give them anything to eat and ignore them! Please note: it is always 5 degrees warmer here than outside the canyon and the sun rises later or sets earlier than outside the canyon. The weather here can change very quickly, especially in winter.
Closing comments
After spending some wonderful days in and around Fish River Canyon had spent, it was time for the next part of us roadtrip adventure through Namibia. In the next part we visit Oranje Rivier and the town of Oranjemund. Are you traveling with us?
Are you thinking of following our footsteps and renting a 4x4 with roof tent or a camper with friends, partner or family? Then ask free of charge and without obligation submit a quote to Travelhome from ANWB. Travelhome offers both 4x4s with roof tents and full-fledged family campers.
- Best way to discover Namibia
- Independent or Customized
- Expert advice from specialists
- Full quote with no hidden costs
