Things to do in Fish River Canyon National Park
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Fish River Canyon
The NWR Administers The Main Access Points To Fish River Canyon, which is entered at Hobas, near the Northern end of the park, or at Ai-Ais, near the Southern end. All accommodation must be booked in advance through the Windhoek office. Daily park permits, which cost around US$3 per person and around US$3 per vehicle, are valid for both Hobas and Ai-Ais.
Note that following the death of an ill-prepared hiker in 2001, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) decided to prohibit day hikes into Fish River Canyon, despite the fact that over the years, thousands of people have done it without incident. During the cooler weather, however, you may be able to get special permission at Hoba…
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Hot Springs
Ai-Ais is Nama for 'Scalding Hot' and these springs are beneath the towering peaks at the southern end of Fish River Canyon National Park. Although the 60°C springs have probably been known to the San for thousands of years, the legend goes that they were 'discovered' by a nomadic Nama shepherd rounding up stray sheep. They're rich in chloride, fluoride and sulphur, and are reputedly therapeutic for sufferers of rheumatism or nervous disorders.
The hot water is piped to a series of baths and jacuzzis as well as an outdoor swimming pool. A pleasant diversion is the short scramble to the peak which rises above the opposite bank (note that the trail isn't marked). It afford…
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Fish River Hiking Trail
The five-day hike from Hobas to Ai-Ais is Namibia's most popular long-distance walk - and with good reason. The magical 85km route, which follows the sandy riverbed past a series of ephemeral pools (in March and April the river actually does flow), begins at Hikers' Viewpoint, and ends at the hot spring resort of Ai-Ais.
Due to flash flooding and heat in the summer months, the route is open only from 1 May to 30 September. Groups of three to 40 people may begin the hike every day of the season, though you will have to book in advance as the trail is extremely popular.
Reservations can be made at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office in Windhoek Officials sometimes req…
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Löwenfish Hiking Trail
From April to October there's also this wonderful five-day, 85km hike. This hike takes in the Löwen Canyon and several days along Fish River Canyon, interrupted by several ascents to the plateau and descents down scenic cliffs. Camp sites (with no facilities) are situated at water sources along the way and the last night you can stay at the Koelkrans Camp with cooking facilities and hot showers. On the last day, hikers climb out of the canyon for the last time and follow a scenic route back to the lodge. Stages of the trip may be done as one- to four-day hikes. Note that prebooking is essential.
To reach the guest farm, head west from Keetmanshoop and turn south on the D…
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Canyon Adventures Guest Farm
This friendly place, near Fish River Canyon, is situated on a ranch cradled in the confluence of the Löwen and Fish River Canyons amid some of the most amazing geology imaginable - don't just take our word for it! Highlights include the 4WD trip (around US$10) into the canyon to swim in the river pools, a 'garnet crawl', and seeing the bizarre petroglyphs in the rippled black dolerite.
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Fish River
This typically flows between March and April. Early in the tourist season, from April to June, it may diminish to a trickle, and by mid-winter, to just a chain of remnant pools along the canyon floor. Fish River, which joins the Orange River 110km south of the canyon, has been gouging out the tremendous canyon gorge for aeons.
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Hikers' Viewpoint
Hikers' Viewpoint, the start of the hiking route, has picnic tables, braai pits and toilets. Just around the corner is a good overview of the northern part of the canyon. If you are partaking in the five-day Fish River Trail hike, this is your starting point.
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Main Viewpoint
A few kilometres south of Hiker's Viewpoint, this spot has probably the best - and most photographed - overall canyon view. This vista takes in the sharp river bend known as Hell's Corner.
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