How to Explore the Fish River Canyon

Location, Sights and Accommodation at Namibia's Canyon

May 12, 2009 Yolande Pienaar

A visit to the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon, in Namibia, Africa, is an experience not to be missed.

Being 161 kilometers long, several kilometers wide and at places up to 549 meters deep, the Fish River Canyon is a spectacular sight, only rivaled by the Grand Canyon. The canyon forms part of the Fish River Conservation Area, which was originally proclaimed as a reserve in 1969.

Where to Find the Fish River Canyon

From Windhoek, the capitol of Namibia, visitors take the tarred road south, the B1 towards Rehoboth and Keetmanshoop. At Keetmanshoop, visitors turn right onto the B4, another tarred road, until they reach the signs indicating the Fish River Canyon or the C12 road. After this left turn, the gravel road to the Fish River Canyon is clearly marked. The gravel road is well maintained and easily negotiable by sedan car.

From the south or from South Africa, visitors turn towards Keetmanshoop on the B4 until reaching the signpost close to Grünau where one turns left.

Accommodation Close to the Fish River Canyon

Although numerous guesthouses, lodges and camping grounds litter the area around the canyon, the two most popular places to stay are the Ai-Ais Resort and the Cañon Road House, both of which offers accommodation and camping.

The Ai Ais Resort is built in the lower reaches of the Fish River and the focal point of the resort is the hot springs after which the resort has been named. The Khoekhoen name Ai Ais refers to firewater if translated. Accommodation offered includes camping, bush chalets and luxury double rooms. Management is renovating the resort and it will open again in August 2009.

Attractions at Ai Ais Resort include an indoor spa complex, outdoor hot and cold swimming pools, shop for basic supplies, tennis courts and a licensed restaurant. The resort sometimes closes down during the hot summer months and visitors must enquire well in advance.

Cañon Road House is situated approximately 20 kilometers from the main viewpoint over the Fish River Canyon and offers visitors 9 luxury en suite rooms, a swimming pool with sundeck and the famous "Wheels" restaurant and bar.

Catering for a maximum of 18 guests at a time the lodge provides personalized and intimate service and visitors must preferably book in advance for visits during the cooler winter months. The interesting outside decor consists of old vehicle parts artistically displayed to form a unit with the surrounding arid landscape.

What to See and Do While Visiting the Fish River Canyon

Besides the main viewpoint over the canyon, several other viewpoints along the western rim afford the visitor to Namibia a spectacular view over the various geological formations. Day visitors may access the viewpoints between sunrise and 22h00 while overnight visitors at Hobas Campsite, 12 kilometers from the main viewpoint, have unlimited access to the canyon.

Hiking along the Fish River Canyon is extremely popular and advance booking is essential. The hikers descend to the canyon floor from the northernmost viewpoint and follow the meandering course of the Fish River to Ai-Ais - usually a four to five day hike, with no facilities available. Excessive summer temperatures and occasional flash flooding could endanger hikers and thus the trail is only open from 15 April to 15 September each year.

Scenic drives on the gravel roads around the Fish River Canyon will provide visitors with breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to view the unique Quiver Trees growing wild in southern Namibia.

The copyright of the article How to Explore the Fish River Canyon in Sub-Sahara Africa Travel is owned by Yolande Pienaar. Permission to republish How to Explore the Fish River Canyon in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sign at Main Viewpoint Over Fish River Canyon	View of Fish River Canyon, Namibia, Africa	Campground at Ai-Ais Resort, Namibia, Africa
Old Vehicles Used As Decoration Canon Road House