Fish River Canyon National Park, Namibia

Commonly known as Fish River Canyon National Park but officially called Ai-Ais National Park, the park makes up part of the larger Ai-Ais Richtersveld Trans frontier Park with South Africa.

With a total area of 6,045 km sq, the park provides wilderness on an unimaginable scale. Despite being a large African desert area, Fish River Canyon National Park takes in the “Succulent Karoo” biome and is thought to encompass one of the richest botanic hot spots in the world.

Fish River Canyon feels unlike anything else found in African continent, it is regarded as Africa’s very own Grand Canyon at 160 km long and up to 27 km wide and the depths of over 500 meters.

The park’s rugged, boulder-strewn landscape is home to 100 endemic succulents and over 1,600 other plant species (some quite bizarre) as well as a range of larger mammals including the reintroduced rhinoceros. There is a fantastic and widely photographed view of the Hell’s Corner river bend part of the Canyon from the Main Viewpoint – 10 km on a gravel road from Hoabas – though in order to truly comprehend the scope of the canyon some time hiking in the park is highly recommended.

This could be anything from the half – hour hike from Main Viewpoint to Hiker’s Viewpoint to the all-in five-day hike traversing half the length of the canyon.

The Fish River Canyon stands on the worldwide scale of largest or deepest. However, regardless of its status, the canyon is one Namibia’s most visited places and is an adventure wonderland bound to win over even the most world-weary traveler.

Fish River Canyon National Park Location

The canyon stretches across the south western corner of Namibia, gouging a 160 km long, 27 km wide and 550m deep crevice in the scrubby landscapes bordering South Arica. The surrounding towns of Grünau, Seeheim, Keetmanshoop and Noordoewer are a buzz with a constant flow of adventure seekers and tourists on their way to capturing unforgettable moments in this setting.

Brief History about Fish River Canyon National Park

The Fish River Canyon has been shaped and formed by the Fish River for the last 650 million years assisted by glaciation and continental shift causing disruptions in the Earth’s crust.

Archaeological sites dotted around the canyon suggest that human beings have been in this area for at least 50,000 years. It was not until 1968 that the area was recognized as a National Park, known as the /Ai-/Ais Fish River Canyon National Park.

In 2003 this park was joined with South Africa’s Richtersveld National Park to become the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park. it was Namibia’s first cross – border Conservation Area. Today the entire canyon and its surrounding areas are enclosed by protected land.

Since then, accommodation nearby and within the park has been carefully constructed to satisfy the whims of every traveler, while still taking this fragile environment into consideration.

Fauna and Flora in Fish River Canyon National Park

The Fish River Canyon National Park is home to an extremely diverse range of plants, mammals, reptiles, insects, birds and fish.

The Klipspringer is one of the best-known animal in the park and it shares the habitat with mountain zebras, kudus, gemsbok, springbuck, steenbok and the rare grey rhebok. Predators to look for include leopard, jackal, brown hyena and bat-eared fox. If you are lucky enough, you may spot a padloper tortoise especially after an afternoon thunderstorm.

Skimmer dragonflies are a novelty flitting above water sources, while sharp-toothed catfish and yellow fish writhe below. Platannas, marbled rubber, and Boettger’s caco frogs are also present around the pools and streams of the canyon.

Queen’s purple, Doubleday’s orange, Kalahari orange and red tip butterflies are often seen feasting on the caper bushes and shepherd’s trees.

The Karoo girdled lizard, Nile monitor lizards, black-necked spitting cobra and Cape Cobra are some of the most notable reptiles.

Activities To Do in Fish River Canyon National Park

Hiking

Hiking is the major activity to do in Fish River Canyon National Park and it is facilitated by several trails.

Fish River Canyon Trail

The Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail is known worldwide as a true test of endurance for travelers who love strenuous walks in nature. The hiking trail commences at the Seeheim Gate for 85 km along the bottom of the canyon to /Ai-/Ais and usually takes 5 days. Be prepared to rough it if you intend to take this rough though.

No open fires are allowed along the way, you need to lug everything you need along with you, and your bedroom is underneath he starts.

Supreme fitness and a medicate certificate are required to tackle this arduous trail and it is only open during the winter months (1 April to 15 September).

Canyon Klipspringer Trail or Fish Eagle Trail

This is a less strenuous trails, on this trail you will be put up in a campsite with kitchen and bathroom facilities for each of the four nights, but you still get to sleep al fresco.

Horse Trails

This trail takes for days traversing the Fish River Canyon Park, Gondwana Park and Aussenkehr Park. these cover some tough going and are for experienced riders only.

Gentler, shorter rides are up for grabs at some of the surrounding lodges, where all abilities are catered for.

Trail Running

Every year in June, the Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon sees hundreds of athletes attempting to negotiate the 5-day hiking trail in under 24 hours.

4×4 Trails

Guided off-road adventures around the canyon and deep into its picturesque side gorges will show you what your trusty 4×4 is for, revealing historic hideaways along the way. Depending on your preference, these tours can be arranged for hours or days.

Walks and Hikes

Take a gentle meander along the rim of the canyon, most of the resorts surrounding the canyon offer guided walks or marked trails with stunning views into the canyon.

Fish River Canyon National Park Scenery

From above, there are so many ways to admire the canyon and one of them is taking a drive to the many viewpoints.

Main View Point

This is a newly constructed lookout point dazzling at sunrise and sunset with views over the sharp bend of Hell’s corner. Don’t forget your picnic basket and cocktails for the scenic affair.

Hikers’ Viewpoint

This viewpoint is situated at the start of the hiking trail overlooking a vast expanse of the canyon.

Kooigoedhoogte Pass

This viewpoint offers a chance to gaze down over the four thick pinnacle called Four Finger Rock

Sulphur Springs Viewpoint

This view point provides a panoramic view over the canyon above Sulphur Springs, where those on the trial get to immerse themselves in a soothing natural spring.

The Seven Sisters Mountain Range

Take a trip to see the Seven Sister, at the very start of the Waterbery Massif. You will recognize them as the subject of many photographs and paintings.

Historical Sites

The Fish River Canyon has been inhabited for millions of years and you will find proof of this at several historical sites including

Apollo 11 Rock Shelter

Found in the Huns Mountains to the north of /Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Game Park, the rock paintings here are believed to be some of the oldest in Africa, dating back 27,000 years.

On the Trail

A further 9 archaeological sites have been identified on the floor of the canyon, but can only be viewed while on the 5-day trail. These date from the Middle and Early Stone Ages.

Mesosaurus Fossil Tour

Take a trip to Keetmanshoop to see the thousands of trees in the Quiver Tree Forest, an intriguing dolerite rock field called Giant’s Playground and the site where the remains of a Mesosaurus lie solidified in time.

Birding

With over 240 species of birds inhabiting the Fish River Canyon and its immediate surrounding, the park is one of the great birding sites in Namibia. Keep a look out for several bird species like Egyptian goose, Olive thrush, Black-headed, grey and goliath heron, African black duck, Abdim’s and black stork, Cape robin chat, Reed and white-breasted cormorant, Dabchick, Black-headed canary, Cape sparrow, Hamerkop, Martial eagle, Fish eagle and Rock kestrel among others

The pools at /Ai-/Ais are excellent for birding.

Fish River Canyon Entrance Fee

Day entry cost $ 11 per 24 hour period with an additional $1.50 fee per car

Accommodation in Fish River Canyon National Park

When visiting this iconic park, you can choose from a wide range of places to lay your hat. The parks board provides campsites, rooms and chalets at /Ai-/Ais and campsites at Hobas.

Accommodation options include Fish River Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Gondwana Collection, Ai-Ais Hotsprings Chalets, Canyon Village, Canyon Roadhouse and Canyon Roadhouse among others.

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