National Park in Namibia
The largest canyon in Africa
Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world, a huge gash in the earth about 160 kilometres long, up to 27 kilometres wide and as deep as 550 metres. The river at its base flows only for part of the year, leaving green pools between the rocky banks, and the views from the rim at sunset are spectacular.
The canyon is at the south end of Namibia, in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, which also includes the hot springs at Ai-Ais, quiver trees and wide desert plains. Experienced walkers can hike the Fish River Canyon Trail, a five-day, 85-kilometre trek that is open only from May to September.
Most guests visit for a night or two, to see the sunrise and sunset from the viewpoints at Hobas, and as part of a trip between Sossusvlei and South Africa.
The canyon is rugged and dry, with Hartmann’s mountain zebra, kudu, klipspringer, baboon, leopard and rock hyrax on the rocky slopes. The river pools have fish and herons in the wet months, and the plains have springbok and ostrich.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The canyon opens in a huge series of rocky bends, with the river far below. The rim is bare desert, and the light turns the cliffs pink and orange at the edges of the day.
Activities here
The canyon is hot in summer, with daytime temperatures of 35°C to 40°C, and mild in winter, with cold nights. Rain is rare, falling mostly between January and March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36 | 20 | 20 |
| Feb | 35 | 20 | 30 |
| Mar | 33 | 18 | 40 |
| Apr | 29 | 14 | 20 |
| May | 25 | 9 | 10 |
| Jun | 22 | 5 | 3 |
| Jul | 22 | 4 | 2 |
| Aug | 24 | 7 | 2 |
| Sep | 28 | 11 | 3 |
| Oct | 32 | 15 | 5 |
| Nov | 34 | 17 | 10 |
| Dec | 36 | 19 | 15 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
April to October is the dry season, with comfortable days and clear skies. The winter nights are cold, and the hike is open only from May to September.
November to March is hot, and storms can fill the river. The hike is closed in these months because of heat and flash floods.
May to September is the best time for the hike, and April to October is the best for sightseeing. The summer is very hot, but the viewpoints at sunrise and sunset are lovely.
Best time to visit Apr to Oct
Fish River Canyon is about 650 kilometres south of Windhoek, a drive of seven to eight hours, and about 90 kilometres from Ai-Ais. Light aircraft fly from Windhoek or Sossusvlei to nearby airstrips. It is on the road from Sossusvlei to South Africa’s Cape Town.
Park fees are included in our safaris. The multi-day hike requires a permit and a medical certificate, and we arrange both. Visitors from many countries, including the UK and US, need a Namibian visa, which can be applied for online or on arrival (about N$1,600 at the time of writing).
The area is hot and dry. Bring sun protection and plenty of water. The hike is demanding and requires a medical certificate. There is no malaria.
Scenic AreaSossusvlei and the NamibThe world's tallest red dunes
National ParkEtosha National ParkWaterholes that draw everything in
RegionDamaralandDesert elephants and ancient rock art
National ParkSkeleton CoastFog, shipwrecks and roaring seal colonies
City & TownSwakopmundSeaside town between dunes and ocean
City & TownWindhoekNamibia's small, friendly capitalOur take
“Our take”
Give the canyon one night on the rim for the sunset and the sunrise. Walk the trail only if you are fit and travelling from May to September.
Safaris from
US$3,666 per person
Plan your time in Fish River Canyon
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Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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