Fish River
Canyon
Namibia
The Fish River is, at
650 kilometres, the longest river in Namibia. Its source lies in the eastern
Naukluft Mountains and flows south-west of Ai-Ais into the Oranje.
The Fish River canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is
one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia.
It developed predominantly during the pluvial times - a rainy climatic epoch -
many millions of years ago. With a depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River
Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, before the Grand Canyon in
America. The enormous gorge meanders along a distance of approx. 160
kilometres through the fissured Koubis massif all the way down to Ai-Ais. The
canyon starts near Seeheim, is 161 kilometres long and ends at Ai-Ais.
The Fish River Canyon probably formed about 500 million years ago. However,
the gorge was not only created by water erosion, but also through the collapse
of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust.
Because the Fish River is being dammed in Hardap near Mariental, it only
contains a small amount of running water. In winter, during the dry season,
the river bed is often completely dry or reduced to only the occassional
puddle. However, after rainfalls in summer the river can become a raging
torrent.The canyon is part of a Nature Conservation Park. The gate is situated
at the restcamp Hobas. From there, you have to drive another 10 kilometres to
the actual Canyon which offers a stunning view of "Hell's Bend".The Fish River
Canyon has become a popular hiking destination. However, hikes require good
physical health and should only be undertaken during the cooler winter months
(between May and September). A permit from Namibia Wildlife Resorts in
Windhoek must be obtained. The hike is 86 km in length and takes about 5 days.
Much easier hikes, no less beautiful, are offered in the bordering private "Canyon
Nature Park". The adjacent and also private "Gondwana Canyon Park" offers
scenic hikes. They also have excellent accommodation.
Here is some pictures of Fishriver Canyon
Fish River Canyon on Youtube
Find out more info at Namibia Tourism Board
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