Although absolutely everyone in Namibia will try to convince you that the Fish River Canyon is the second biggest canyon in the world this is not true. But however it rates on the canyon scale it is still an awe inspiring sight and worthy of inclusion on any trip to Namibia.
The Fish River Canyon is 160km long, up to 27km wide and the inner canyon reaches depths of nearly 600m. The Fish River normally flows between March and April, while later in the year the flow dries up and by July only scattered pools of water remain.
The main view point for the Canyon is at Hobas near the northern end of the canyon. Hobas is 10km from the starting point for the 85km hike. To the south where the canyon starts to open out is Ai-Ais hot springs. The hot springs of Ai-Ais offer welcome respite at the end of the hiking trail. Due to the risk of flooding and the high summer temperatures the hiking trail is only open from 1 May to 31 August.
Wildlife Resorts offers accommodation at both Ai-Ais and Hobas. Camping is available at Hobas all year but Ai-Ais 9which includes both camping and accommodation) is closed from 31 October until the second Friday in March.
About 50km north of Hobas is the excellent Fish River Lodge. The Lodge is situated on its own part of the Fish River and offers a private viewpoint, an 85 km hiking trail, 4x4 trails into the canyon, a campsite in the canyon, rock engravings as well as wildlife and birds. The lodge offers access to the Fish River Canyon all year around, something that is not available at Hobas or Ai-Ais.
Slightly closer to the Canyon and well worth a mention is the Canyon Roadhouse lodge, which offers private rooms and camping for more details visit our lodging section of the Travel Shop web site.
Ai-Ais has a shop, restaurant, petrol station, post office, swimming pool, spa and mineral bath. Hobas has a swimming pool and the office sells cool drinks and beer
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A normal 2x4 sedan vehicle is sufficient.
The average summer maximum temperature is 38C, during the cooler months these maximum temperatures are in the lower 20'sC. Winter nights can be fairly cold and occasionally reach freezing. The Canyon has between 50-100mm of rainfall, but this varies considerably.