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The deep inclines and roughly hewn rock faces of the mighty Fish River Canyon are second in size only to the Grand Canyon in North America. The canyon is just over 160 km long, and in parts it is 600 m deep and 27 km wide, but its grandeur lies more in the spectacle it presents rather than in the geological records and data that makes up this natural phenomenon. Eroded by the flow of the Fish River -which flows some 800 km before it meets the Orange River -these remarkable rock surfaces boast a network of paths and trails carved into the rock and sand by countless footprints. The last 160 km of the river's fierce and often breathtaking course winds through the deep canyon that forms the backdrop to Namibia's most challenging hiking trail. For the first 65 km of its course, the gorge of the Fish River Canyon, is in effect, a canyon within a canyon, making for some remarkable hiking. In places, the canyon floor is more than 500 m below the level of the plateau. Fortunately it is a relatively gentle world of placid pools and mighty boulders strewn across beds of sand, with little evidence of life. Such isolation presents numerous dangers, but as long as travelers use their common sense and take no chances there should be little to worry about. Your only concern should be the seemingly endless and undulating path that lies ahead.

For this particular expedition arranged by SharkSafaris.co.za we give the sharks a break, don the backpack and hiking boots, and go inland to explore something very different -one of Africa's absolute iconic hiking trails. In five days we cover about 80 km and remain self-sufficient for the entire hike, carrying everything we need on our backs.

We depart Cape Town on the 5th of August, heading north on a road trip and spend one night in Springbok. The next morning we cross the border to Namibia and travel on to Hobas where we camp one night before starting the descent into the canyon the next morning. The following five days we walk until we reach Ai-Ais.

This particular trail is booked up to a year in advance and a maximum number of people is allowed into the canyon per day, why this is a great opportunity to join our trip which is already planned for months and details sorted out already.

No facilities are provided on the trail and although sleeping in the open a tent is not necessary.
Day-time temperatures are generally pleasant, typically fluctuating between 20 and 25 Celsius. The temperature, combined with the dry air, creates ideal backpacking conditions. Mid-day temperatures of up to 40 Celsius are not uncommon. Evenings are usually mild, although temperatures of 5 Celsius and lower do occur.

On account of the rugged terrain it is essential for the hiker to be reasonable fit. A medical certificate for each participant must be completed before the hike and handed in at the starting point.

Please note that this hike is undertaken at your own risk. Should problems arize, there are two exits along the canyon, although while on the trail we really are on our own.

For details about the hike please contact us.

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