The Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon, in the stark desert of southern Namibia, is one of the largest canyons in the world and among the greatest natural wonders in Africa, a colossal gorge carved over aeons that winds for some 160 kilometres, up to 550 metres deep and 27 kilometres wide. Its immense, ancient scale, all folded rock and dramatic bends far below, is best appreciated from the clifftop viewpoints, while for the hardy it offers one of the toughest and most rewarding multi-day treks on the continent.

What you actually see

• The canyon viewpoints - the clifftop panoramas over the immense gorge.
• The Hell's Bend - the dramatic winding bend of the river far below.
• The multi-day trek - the challenging hiking route along the canyon floor.
• Ai-Ais - the hot springs at the canyon's southern end.

When to go

May to September, the cooler dry season, for the most comfortable weather; the famous multi-day trek is permitted only in the cooler months, roughly May to September, as the summer heat in the canyon is dangerous, and even then it is a tough, self-sufficient hike.

Honest expectations

For most visitors it is a clifftop viewpoint experience rather than a hike, seen from the rim, which is spectacular but a quick stop in a remote location. The famous multi-day trek is a serious, strenuous, self-sufficient expedition permitted only in the cool season and only for fit groups with a medical certificate. It is very remote in the far south. The sheer scale of the canyon is the draw.

Nearby

The Ai-Ais hot springs, the town of Keetmanshoop and the quiver-tree forest are nearby.