fish river canyon

Fish River Canyon: Namibia
The magnificent grandeur of Fish River Canyon
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The beautiful Fish River Canyon, second only in grandeur to the Grand Canyon.
So big that your eyes cannot cope with the whole scenery all at once. At the northern end of the gorge are stunning viewpoints and the beginning of a 5-day, 86 kilometre (54 mile) hike, next to the river in the belly of the ravine. Conditions can be quite hot and exhuasting, that only hikers with a newly made medical certificate are permitted to do this trek. They come together 5 days after at Ais Ais Hot Springs, where swollen feet and tired bodies are bathed in therapeutic bubbling water.

The canyon is the dwelling place of some small hardy mammals like the rock-hopping Klipspringer Antelope, little Dassies (rock hyrax) and Baboons. There are a number of Kudu, Leopard and Mountain Zebra, whose spoor you are likely to meet across, but are not probably to see. Birdlife is more commomn with well beyond 60 species like the Herons, hammerkops, Egyptian Geese, Plovers and Wagtails. In a place plagued by drought, the Fish River was an oasis to ancien occupants of the region. Early, middle and late Stone Age sites have been discovered dating as far back as 50,000 years ago. currently, it is a an area to tour not live. The sights are so incredible that your camera can hardly do justice to its natural magnificence.

Climate:

Winter:
Daytime temperatures from May to August range between 20-25°C (68-77°F). The agreeable temperature and dry atmosphere create ideal walking conditions and this is the best time to do the Fish River Canyon hike. However, be warned it can get hot and reach 40°C (104°F) at midday. Evenings are usually mild, although nights can go below 5°C (40°F).

Summer:
This is an area of summer rainfall with 60-70% of rain occurring as thunderstorms between October and March. It is extremely hot and humid during the rains and is too hot for the 5-day hike, which is closed for safety reasons. Rain is very unpredictable and varies between 50-100mm per year. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30°C to over 40°C (104°F).