Fish River Canyon | Keetmanshoop

Information

Landmark: Fish River Canyon
City: Keetmanshoop
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Fish River Canyon, Keetmanshoop, Namibia, Africa

The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world. It is located in the far south of Namibia, approximately 650 kilometers south of Windhoek.

Visual Characteristics

The canyon is a massive ravine stretching 160 kilometers in length and up to 27 kilometers in width, reaching depths of nearly 550 meters. The landscape is defined by sheer stone cliffs, jagged rock faces, and a series of dramatic bends known as "The Horse Shoe." The canyon floor features the Fish River, which typically exists as a chain of narrow pools during the dry winter months.

Location & Access Logistics

Main Entry: Access is via the Hobas campsite on the eastern rim, located off the C37 road.

Transport: Accessible by 2WD vehicles on well-maintained gravel roads, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for comfort.

Permits: Entry permits are required and can be purchased at the Hobas gate (Namibia Wildlife Resorts).

Ais-Ais: The southern end of the canyon is home to the Ais-Ais Hot Springs Resort, located 70 kilometers from Hobas.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The canyon formed through a combination of tectonic plate movement (roughly 500 million years ago) and subsequent erosion by the Fish River. It is part of the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of drought-resistant succulents like the Quiver Tree and various euphorbias.

Key Highlights & Activities

Main Viewpoint: Provides the most iconic panoramic views of the canyon bends.

Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail: An 85-kilometer, multi-day trek from Hobas to Ais-Ais. This is one of the most demanding trails in Southern Africa.

Photography: Sunset and sunrise offer extreme contrasts in light and shadow across the rock strata.

Wildlife: Sightings often include klipspringer, mountain zebra, gemsbok, and various birds of prey.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accommodation: Lodges (e.g., Fish River Lodge on the western rim) and campsites (Hobas and Ais-Ais).

Facilities: Information centers, picnic spots, and basic supplies are available at Hobas and Ais-Ais.

Water: There is no potable water on the hiking trail; hikers must purify water from the river pools.

Best Time to Visit

The viewing season is year-round, but for hiking, the trail is only open from May 1 to September 15 to avoid extreme summer temperatures that exceed 45°C.

Facts & Legends

Local San legend suggests the canyon was formed by the thrashing tail of a giant serpent, Koutein Kooru, as it fled into the desert. A specific geological fact: the canyon actually consists of two canyons, with the upper canyon formed by tectonic activity and the lower by erosion.