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The major attraction in the southern-most reaches of Namibia is the Fish River Canyon. One of the largest in the world, the canyon proper is about 60km long, up to 8km wide, and 550m at its deepest.
The ephemeral Fish River - one of a handful that rise in Namibia - began its work creating the canyon in about 170 million years ago when tectonic rumblings increased the gradient of the river.
All around the canyon, the land rises and falls in gentle undulations marked by dramatic inselbergs. Hardy wildlife thrives in the unspoilt wilderness of two adjacent nature reserves: Fish River Canyon National Park and the privately-owned Gondwana Cañon Park.
The Orange River rises in the highlands of Lesotho and flows all year round into the Atlantic at Oranjemund. It forms the the southern border with South Africa and flows through the Ais-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Peace Park, which joins South Africa's Richtersveld with Ais Ais National Park.
The vast plains of the Nama Karoo give way, without the slightest warning, to an enormous fissure that is one of the top attractions of southern Namibia. One of the world's largest and oldest, the Fish River Canyon is a meandering incision half a kilometre deep, 161km long and up to 27km wide.
Multi-day self-sufficient hiking trails along the riverbed are popular and the shallow pools and occasional springs belie the arid and rugged conditions. Around the canyon there are many lodges and game parks featuring spectacular scenery and endemic plants and animals. Explore these reserves on horseback, on foot, by air, or in an open safari vehicle.
A scenic flight will complement your ground-based exploration with a dramatic all-encompassing view that gives you an inkling of the canyon's scale.
Ais-Ais Hot Springs near the southern end of the canyon and Warmbad, about two hours' drive from the canyon, are fed by natural springs and an elixir for weary feet.
The Orange River is a malaria-free, bilharzia-free, and crocodile-free river that is reputedly the cleanest in southern Africa. Multi-day guided canoe trips wind through the rocky mountains of the Ais-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Modern and uncomplicated, Fish River Lodge is quite literally on the edge of the world; right on the edge of the canyon in southern Namibia, with that endless view and not another lodge in sight.
Bright colours and décor, vintage cars and a retro bar, the Canyon Roadhouse is lively and quirky with an old-school feel en route to the Fish River Canyon.
Canyon Lodge inside the Gondwana Canyon Park on the edge of the Fish River Canyon, offers home-grown meals, comfortable accommodation and friendly hospitality.
Back to basics with stone cottages and grass roofs, Canyon Village makes for an easy and comfortable spot in the Gondwana Canon Park not far from Fish River Canyon (with a bonus coffee shop).
Canyon Roadhouse Campsite is on a dry river bed near the Fish River Canyon. It's a wild, rugged and dusty - a darn authentic place to pitch the canvas.
Ai-Ais Hot Spring Resort, not far from Fish River Canyon, is home to the hot springs and an indoor spa. Ideal relaxation along the riverbed after hiking and exploring the south.
Hobas Campsite, inside the park, is 10km from the main viewpoint of the Fish River Canyon. Since you don’t need much when camping, it’s all about the location. Here you have a prime spot and all the necessities are covered too.
Jessica was AMAZING and so helpful with all of our concerns and questions - we had the most amazing trip.
