Fish River Canyon
The largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere (as well as in Africa), Fish River is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia.
When to go to Fish River Canyon
Best Time to Go
The Largest Canyon in the Southern hemisphere
Great for hiking
Second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia
Fantastic array of bird and animal life
Standout Hikes & Epic Scenery
Deep down in the south of the country, this incredible wonder of nature has carved through the bedrock of Namibia for centuries! In terms of sheer size and magnificence, Fish River Canyon can probably only be rivalled by the Grand Canyon in the USA. Rocky outcrops and spectacular cliff faces spring up throughout the whole area, with the seasonal river flowing between January and April each year, beginning high up in the center of Namibia and winding its way down towards the South African border.
There are a number of interesting aspects to the Fish River Canyon area that make it a must-see part of a vacation for many visitors to Namibia! Often, small groups stay in this area for a few days, as part of a wider self-driving vacation. Due to the arid climate, vegetation is quite sparse on top of the canyon and on the slopes, but look harder in the base, especially where the water is found all year round, and you will discover palm trees by the sulfur hot springs as well as increasing quantities of camelthorn and ebony trees the farther south you travel.
Activities
With its sheer vastness and beauty, Fish River Canyon attacks the senses from all angles and is a fantastic area to visit as part of a wider safari or vacation in Namibia!
Hike the trails
Visit Ai-Ais National Park
Encounter local wildlife
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Fish River Canyon is a magnet for hikers, with enthusiasts recognising it as one of the toughest areas to navigate in the whole of Africa. Whether you are with a guide or within a small group, a hike here will really test your navigational skills and endurance over the course of a few days! There are also less demanding hiking trails for those with less experience. Hiking has become a focal point, and the number of people visiting just for this activity led to the creation of the Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon, which takes place in August each year.
While you are in the area, why not check out Ai-Ais National Park, which was deemed a conservation area back in 1969. Since then, it has become a hub of activity aimed at preserving the natural surroundings and finding the right balance with tourism, which plays a vital role in Namibia’s prosperity. During the last few years, there has even been a move to link Ai-Ais with a national park in South Africa, Richtersveld, which has a similar environment. This has helped form the first Transfrontier Park in Namibia’s history and is a great coup for tourists to visit cross-border!
You need to look closely to spot the birdlife and animal life on show – neither is obvious, but they are beautiful when discovered! Animals in the canyon include leopard and mountain zebra, antelope and kudu. There is even a good chance of hearing and seeing a baboon! There are only about 60 species of bird in the area, but the count does include the majestic black eagle and the yellow-rumped eremomela, in addition to ostrich on the plains above the Canyon. The region is not a vibrant hub of bird activity, but when linked with other sightseeing tours, it can be very fulfilling, even for the keenest birders!
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