Hiking in the Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is situated in the south of Namibia and is home to one of the most famous hiking trails in Southern Africa.
Hiking the Fish River Canyon is a fantastic experience; however, it should not be attempted by inexperienced hikers as the area is very rugged. Therefore, if you want to hike the Canyon, why not opt to stay at the Fish River Lodge. The lodge is located on the rim of the Fish River Canyon and offers full-day and half-day guided Canyon hikes.
Full-Day Canyon Hike
Your guide from Fish River Lodge will help you to navigate the “jelly legs” gorge from the rim to the upper part of the canyon below. After traversing the rock-strewn slopes, there is a further descent to permanent rock-pools in the river, where you can have a refreshing swim through the craggy gorge. A picnic lunch will be served before returning to the lodge. (There is also the option of a safari vehicle that will drive guests back to the lodge for a surcharge).
This hike is approximately 8 - 10 hours.
Trainers or hiking boots and backpacks are essential for this hike.
Half-Day Canyon Hike
Your guide from Fish River Lodge will take hikers to a viewpoint along the canyon.
This hike is approximately 4 - 5 hours.
Trainers or hiking boots and backpacks are essential for this hike.
There is also a hike for the more adventurous hiker who wants to spend a few days in the Canyon on a guided hike. Journeys Namibia offers the Rim to River Guided Hike - which can be 2 or 3 days - the choice is yours - and best of all this is a slackpacking hike. (For those who aren’t familiar with the term slackpack - this is a hiker expression that means you hand off either all or most of your pack to another person. You are then able to hike without the burden of your full weight, meaning that you have the potential to hike more miles at a faster rate).
This trail takes you directly into the dramatic landscape, from the rim of the canyon down to the Fish River below and back up to the rim again.
Included in the hike is an experienced guide for a minimum of two guests and a maximum of ten guests per group as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail.
Two-Day Hike
1 Night at Camp Eternity
1 Night at Campe Edge
Guests should arrive at the Fish River Lodge between 14h00 and 14h30 for departure to Camp Eternity at 16h00.
Three-Day Hike
1 Night at Fish River Lodge
1 Night at Camp Eternity
1 Night at Camp Edge
Visitors to the Canyon can also do an unguided 4 - 5 day high through the canyon, sleeping under the stars. The trail is approximately 85km long and interested hikers will need to pre-book their turn before arrival.
Best Time of the year to hike in the Fish River Canyon
Hiking is only available from 1 April to 30 September - any other time is impossible due to very high temperatures.
Climate
Day-time temperatures during the winter months, May to September, are generally pleasant.
Wildlife
In the Canyon, you may encounter several extraordinary mammals, such as wild horses, Mountain Zebra, Kudu, Leopard, Baboons and many more.
Reptiles and insects are in abundance, and you may come across huge Leguaan Lizards, snakes as well as Geckos.
Vegetation
Namibia’s national tree, the Aloe dichotoma or Quiver Tree is mostly found in the south of the country. There are beautiful examples of these in the Fish River Canyon.
In summary, if you are an avid hiker - the Fish River Canyon should be on your bucket list. Fish River Lodge is easily accessible. It is about 90km south of the B4 which runs between Keetmanshoop and Aus and easily accessible by fly-in and transfer as well as self-drive, which is made easier by renting a vehicle from Drive South Africa.
