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The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa. From the edge of the canyon you look into the dizzying depths and the endless vistas are to write home about. So you would expect many tourists to visit this place, but it is only a few who add this natural wonder to their tour. In our opinion, it is a place you must have seen while traveling through Namibia!
Fish River Canyon
The Fish River in Namibia has worked its way impressively through the canyon over 500 million years. Therefore, this piece of nature is incredibly ancient. As water continues to flow through the river, the canyon gets deeper and deeper and will continue to change the valley. The gorge of the canyon runs from Seeheim to the town of Ai-Ais and is in total no less than 160 kilometers long and at its widest as much as 27 meters wide. Of course, the canyon is also very deep, sometimes going deeper than 550 meters. Standing at the edge of the plateau, you can probably imagine that looking into the abyss is a bit exciting. The water of the Fish River is orange in color and it eventually flows into the Orange River, named after it.
Hiking in the Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is also known for the spectacular multi-day hike you can do there. The route is a hiking trail no less than 85 kilometers long that you can walk as a trained and untrained hiker. But you can only start this hike with a permit and a health certificate. Both documents must be arranged far in advance because only a certain number of hikers are allowed to enter Fish River Canyon each day. The multi-day hike takes about 4 to 5 days and takes you past the most beautiful places deep in the gorges. The tough part of this hike is that you have to carry all your own gear because there are no facilities along the trail. In addition, temperatures deep in the canyon can rise quickly.
You can read more information about the hike on the website of NWR (Namibia Wildlife Resort).
The most beautiful vantage points in Fish River Canyon
If you do not want to take a multi-day hike through the canyon gorge, you can of course visit Fish River Canyon. We visited the canyon with our jeep (4WD) which allowed us to drive to several beautiful vantage points. At Hobas you pay an entrance fee (per person and per car) to enter the canyon. You get a map with all the viewpoints you can go to in the canyon.
1. Hobas Viewpoint
The most famous viewpoint Hobas Viewpoint, also called Hellsbend viewpoint, can be found a 10-kilometer drive from Hobas Campsite. You can get here by 2WD and 4WD. You will find a wooden scaffold from which you can get a breathtaking view of the canyon. You will also find a number of tables and benches for your own picnic or lunch.
2. Hikers Viewpoint
If you do want to take a short hike, you can hike from the Hobas Viewpoint to the Hikers Viewpoint. This is a 5 kilometer total hike and runs along the rim of the canyon. During the hike you will have amazing views of the valleys, but you will also see how the river runs in a nice curve through the canyon. Hikers Viewpoint is the starting point of the multi-day hike. If you get here in time, you can see groups of hikers making the descent into the gorge.
4. Viewpoints near Hobas Viewpoint
From Hobas Viewpoint it is only a short drive to two more beautiful viewpoints. The views are somewhat similar to those from Hobas Viewpoint, but of course the perspective is just different. The road you follow is dead end and takes you past Sunset Point and Rockies Point. Rockies Point you can recognize by the piles of rocks. This is the end point. There is another path here that you can follow on foot.
5. Sulphur Springs and Eagles Rock
When driving back toward Hobas Campsite from Hobas Viewpoint, turn into the first road on your right. Use the app maps.me to navigate here if necessary. This dirt path will take you past several viewpoints. The best are without a doubt Sulphur Springs and Eagles Rock. Just keep in mind that you can only reach Eagles Rock with a 4WD. Sulphur Springs is named after the sulfur springs found in the canyon, but you won't see them from the viewpoint. By the way, you are in mountain zebra territory here, so with any luck you will spot one!
Staying overnight in or near Fish River Canyon
In and near the Fish River Canyon there are several nice campsites and lodges where you can stay. If, like us, you want to visit several viewpoints in one day, we can recommend two accommodations. Hobas Campsite is located in the national park so you can go out first thing in the morning. Personally we found it a rather boring place to be with our 4×4 jeep. So we opted for the campsite at Canyon Roadhouse, which is about 15 kilometers outside the park. This is the most atmospheric campsite we have stayed at in all of Namibia. On the grounds are worn and dilapidated vintage cars. For example, a tube tree grows out of one car and another you will find in the restaurant which is decorated like an old garage. In other words, are you visiting Fish River Canyon? Then make a reservation a cool camping spot or book one of the nice rooms At Canyon Roadhouse!
A 3-week itinerary through Namibia
The Fish River Canyon is one of the highlights of my tour of Namibia. Why? Because here you stand on the edge of the largest canyon in Africa, as well as the second largest canyon in the world. The scenery is insane and you can't believe your eyes. At some moments I was even speechless. And that is something you will experience more often on a trip through Namibia, especially in places like Little Aus Vista and Spitzkoppe!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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