Home › Destinations › Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon, Namibia - Things to Do in Fish River Canyon

Things to Do in Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon, Namibia - Complete Travel Guide

Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders and the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. This dramatic geological formation stretches 160 kilometers long, up to 27 kilometers wide, and plunges to depths of 550 meters, creating breathtaking vistas of layered rock formations, winding river meanders, and vast desert landscapes. The canyon was carved over millions of years by the Fish River, which now flows seasonally through its depths, creating a stark contrast between the arid canyon walls and the occasional pools of water below. Located in the Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Fish River Canyon offers visitors an otherworldly experience with its moon-like terrain, ancient rock formations dating back 500 million years, and stunning viewpoints that showcase the raw power of geological forces. The area is not just about dramatic scenery – it's also home to unique desert-adapted flora and fauna, including mountain zebras, klipspringers, and various succulent plants that have evolved to survive in this harsh but beautiful environment.

Top Things to Do in Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail

Embark on one of Africa's most challenging and rewarding multi-day hiking trails, descending into the canyon depths for an 85-kilometer journey that takes 4-5 days to complete. This demanding trek offers unparalleled access to the canyon floor, thermal springs, and incredible geological formations up close. The trail requires excellent fitness levels and proper preparation due to extreme temperatures and rugged terrain.

Booking Tip: Book permits well in advance (6+ months) through Namibian Wildlife Resorts as only 40 hikers per day are allowed. Trail is only open April-September due to extreme summer heat. Costs around $50 for permits plus accommodation. Choose reputable operators who provide detailed gear lists and safety briefings.

Canyon Viewpoint Tours

Experience the canyon's magnificence from multiple spectacular viewpoints including the main viewpoint, Hell's Corner, and Eagle's Nest without the physical demands of hiking. These tours provide perfect opportunities for photography and understanding the geological history while enjoying panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon. Professional guides share insights about the canyon's formation and local ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost $80-150 per person including transport from nearby towns. Best light for photography is early morning (sunrise) or late afternoon. Look for operators offering small group sizes (under 12 people) for more personalized experience and better photo opportunities.

Ai-Ais Hot Springs Visit

Relax and rejuvenate at the natural thermal springs located at the southern end of the canyon, where mineral-rich waters emerge from underground at temperatures reaching 60°C. The resort offers outdoor pools, spa treatments, and comfortable accommodation in a desert oasis setting. These springs have been used for their healing properties for centuries by local communities.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost around $15 per person, overnight stays from $100-200. Best visited during cooler months (May-September). Book accommodation early as it's popular with South African visitors. Look for package deals combining canyon tours with hot springs access.

Sunset and Sunrise Photography Tours

Capture the canyon's dramatic transformation as golden hour light illuminates the ancient rock formations in spectacular colors ranging from deep purples to brilliant oranges. These specialized tours position photographers at optimal viewpoints during the best lighting conditions. Professional photography guides provide technical assistance and local knowledge about composition and timing.

Booking Tip: Photography tours cost $120-200 per person for half-day experiences. Book during winter months (June-August) for clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures. Look for operators who provide tripods and know less crowded viewpoints for unique shots.

4WD Desert Exploration

Explore the rugged terrain surrounding the canyon in specially equipped 4WD vehicles, accessing remote viewpoints and desert landscapes that are impossible to reach by regular transport. These adventures often include visits to Kokerboom (Quiver Tree) forests, desert-adapted wildlife spotting, and geological site explanations. The tours provide insight into how life survives in this harsh desert environment.

Booking Tip: Full-day 4WD tours range from $150-300 per person depending on group size and inclusions. Choose operators with experienced local guides and well-maintained vehicles. Tours typically include lunch and refreshments. Best during cooler months for comfort.

Getting There

Fish River Canyon is located in southern Namibia, approximately 550 kilometers south of Windhoek. The most common approach is to fly into Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport and drive south via the B1 and B4 highways, which takes about 6-7 hours through scenic desert landscapes. Alternatively, visitors can access the canyon from South Africa via the Noordoewer border crossing, which is about 120 kilometers from the main viewpoint. Self-driving is the most popular option as it provides flexibility, but guided tours from Windhoek or Cape Town are also available for those preferring not to drive long distances on gravel roads.

Getting Around

A high-clearance vehicle is essential for exploring Fish River Canyon area, as many roads are gravel and can be challenging for regular cars. 4WD vehicles are recommended for accessing remote viewpoints and camping areas, especially during rainy season when roads can become muddy. The main viewpoint is accessible by 2WD vehicles in good weather conditions. Distances between attractions can be significant, so plan for adequate fuel, water, and supplies. GPS navigation is crucial as cell phone coverage is limited, and road signs can be sparse in remote areas.

Where to Stay

Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort
Fish River Lodge
Canon Roadhouse
Hobas Campsite
Klein-Aus Vista
Keetmanshoop

Food & Dining

Dining options around Fish River Canyon are limited due to its remote location, so most visitors rely on lodge restaurants and self-catering facilities. Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort offers a restaurant serving traditional Namibian cuisine including game meats, fresh bread, and local specialties. Canon Roadhouse provides hearty meals with a vintage car theme and is popular for its steaks and German-influenced dishes. Most accommodations offer breakfast and dinner packages, which are recommended due to the lack of nearby restaurants. Visitors should stock up on supplies in Keetmanshoop before heading to the canyon, and many choose to braai (barbecue) at campsites under the spectacular desert stars.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Namibia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

BlueGrass

4.6 /5
(1139 reviews) 2

Gabriele's Italian Pizzeria

4.7 /5
(700 reviews) 2

Godenfang Restaurant Walvis Bay

4.7 /5
(591 reviews) 2

Ankerplatz Restaurant and wine bar

4.7 /5
(399 reviews)

Seoul Food

4.8 /5
(359 reviews)

ZEST - Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5 /5
(299 reviews)
cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Fish River Canyon is during Namibia's winter months from May to September when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Daytime temperatures range from 20-25°C (68-77°F) while nights can be quite cold, dropping to near freezing. The famous Fish River Canyon hiking trail is only open from April 15 to September 15 due to extreme summer heat that can exceed 50°C (122°F). Winter months also offer clearer skies for photography and stargazing, with minimal rainfall. Avoid November through March when temperatures are dangerously high and afternoon thunderstorms can make roads impassable.

Insider Tips

Bring layers of clothing as desert temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night, with winter evenings requiring warm jackets and mornings starting near freezing
Stock up on fuel, water, and supplies in Keetmanshoop as services are very limited around the canyon area and distances between facilities can be over 100 kilometers
The main viewpoint can get crowded with tour buses between 10am-2pm, so visit early morning or late afternoon for better photos and a more peaceful experience

Explore Activities in Fish River Canyon