Fish River Canyon — Local services in Karas

What a gift from nature. Although this hike is challenging it is a great addition to the bucket list for the enthusiastic adventurer. Permits are R600 each and in order to go into the Canyon you need three or more people. I opted for a 5 day Hike with a guide, you can take as much time as you'd like to enjoy the canyon however you need to state in the form how long you will be staying. Any day(s) longer rangers will come looking for you and fine you if your stay is longer than indicated on the form. Health forms are also required, filled in by a medical practitioner to be handed in before you hike. Everything you will need for your trip needs to be on your back. I went while the fish river had plenty of water so carrying my own water for the entire hike was not necessary, the water was clear and I did not use any filter. However, carrying water while going in the canyon was necessary, as the water source is at the bottom of the canyon. There are no toilets so digging a sufficient hole for when nature calls and burning your toilet paper is necessary. It can get quite cold at night in the canyon so it's important to have thermal clothing and sleeping gear. Responsible fires are allowed using some broken off wood, however I also suggest bringing a light weight camping stove. Just before half way in the canyon is a lovely hot spring that is so delightful, it is shallow, however, and swimming too close to the source is not an option because the water is extremely hot. This means finding a good spot in the shallow part is the best way to enjoy the hot spring. There are also little fish in the hot springs that will nibble you, but nothing extreme. Carrying all your trash ensures the conservation of the surrounding nature. We were also able to burn some of the trash during the bon fires. The canyon has all sorts of wild animals including a leopard, however, the animals usually keep away from the general trail of the hike. While we hiked it also started to rain so I would suggest being prepared for all sorts of outdoor circumstances i.e. Raincoat and other emergency items. During the hike there are a few emergency exits but only one towards the end of the trail has a track where Rangers can come fetch you. Other emergency exists still include a strenuous hike up to the top of the canyon that can be accessed by gravel road. Medical emergencies that require air lifting are expensive so robust medical insurance is a must. The only way to make contact with the outside world there is to use a satellite phone: there is no normal cellphone reception. Swimming in the river is permitted and water is absolutely stunning. Hunting or fishing is not permitted, or feeding the animals. Being physically fit is necessary to enjoy the experience and not put your life at risk, the terrain is at times steep, with vertical rock climbing at certain times on the path. This is a gem of a place and so grounding,...

The Fish River Canyon is a remote, ancient and dramatically harsh landscape as only a desert canyon can be. Here there are no signs nor sounds of civilisation, except the tracks of those who have gone before. The night sky is bright and clear, unpolluted by artificial light. Nothing could prepare me for the splendour and rugged beauty of the canyon. The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the largest canyon in Africa and you know it when you’re there. The total distance of the hike is 90 km, but if you take all the shortcuts it works out to about 75km. It starts at the view site at Hobas and finishes at the Ai-Ais resort. Of the hikes I’ve done in my lifetime of 63 years, the Fish River has been my favourite. It was a bucket list item since I was a teenager. We stayed overnight at Ai Ais (separate review) and, in the morning, took the NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resorts) truck to the starting point. The expanse and environment that one walks through is immense and creates a feeling of surrendered independence – it is just you, surrounded by mountains covered with ancient rocks, sand, river water and your backpack. It is a stark landscape, and one needs to be entirely self-sufficient. It is awesome. We were a group of 5 to take on the challenge in 5 days and loved every minute of it. Because of the mild winter weather that Namibia was experiencing in 2018, tents were not necessary, and we could have slept out in the open. This is a challenging hike with soft sand, boulders and a few nasty climbs. So one needs to be prepared .Tough terrain (lots of soft sand and rock hopping) but beautiful scenery and an amazing group experience. Some people do it in 4 days and others in 6 days. The stretches are long, but it's worth it at the end. If you want to take the shortcuts make sure to take a Slingsby map. Even if you don’t expect high temperatures, I’d really recommend starting out before sunrise. In addition, shady spots (and trees) are a scarce commodity, so if you’re hungry for lunch and find an alluring spot with a pool or shade,...

Fish River Canyon stands as a breathtaking testament to the raw beauty of nature's creations. As one of the largest canyons in the world, it offers a mesmerizing landscape that captivates adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

From the moment you set eyes on Fish River Canyon, its vastness and rugged terrain leave an indelible impression. The sweeping vistas, dramatic cliffs, and winding river below create a sense of awe that's difficult to put into words. The interplay of light and shadow as the sun moves across the canyon's expanse adds to its ethereal charm.

The hiking trail that winds through the canyon is a bucket-list experience for many. While it demands physical endurance and preparation, the rewards are immeasurable. Trekking along the riverbed, witnessing the changing landscapes, and camping under a starlit sky create memories that last a lifetime.

However, it's important to note that the hike is challenging and requires careful planning. Adequate fitness levels, sufficient supplies, and an understanding of the trail's demands are crucial.

In summary, Fish River Canyon is a natural wonder that showcases the power of geological processes. Its awe-inspiring vistas, rugged terrain, and the chance to undertake a remarkable hiking adventure make it a must-visit for those seeking a profound connection with...