Fish River Canyon is the most undervisited major geological site in southern Africa. The combination of remote location, minimal facilities, and limited public marketing means visitor numbers are a fraction of what the canyon’s scale and drama justify. This is, from a visitor perspective, entirely positive: a canyon of this size, this age, and this drama, visited in relative peace.
At a Glance
Location: Southern Namibia; 176km south of Keetmanshoop; 68km north of the South African border Access: Via Hobas (northern rim; main viewpoints) or Ai-Ais (southern end; hot springs) Main attraction: The canyon rim viewpoints; the 85km hiking trail (May to September) Hiking season: 1 May to 15 September only Day visitor access: Year-round (rim viewpoints only; no canyon floor access without hiking permit) Nearby: Quivertree Forest (75km north); Lüderitz (260km west)
What to Do
Day visitors: Canyon rim road from Hobas; main viewpoint and secondary viewpoints; Quivertree Forest day trip from Keetmanshoop.
Hikers (May to September): 85km trail from Hikers’ Point to Ai-Ais; 4 to 5 days; NWR permit and medical certificate required. See the hiking trail guide.
Overnight guests: Hobas rest camp (rim) or Ai-Ais resort (southern end); Canyon Lodge, Fish River Lodge, or Canyon Village (private lodges near Hobas).
Combining with Other Destinations
Fish River Canyon connects naturally to Sossusvlei northward (530km; the southern Namibia circuit) and to Lüderitz westward (260km; ghost towns, diamonds, the Atlantic coast). It is also accessible from the South African border (68km from Noordoewer; a natural first Namibia stop for visitors arriving from the Cape).
Best time to visit
Entry fees and regulations
Fish River Canyon itineraries
Fish River Canyon self-drive guide
Fish River Canyon for tour operators
How much Fish River Canyon costs
Getting There
Full guide: How to get to Fish River Canyon
Contact Mat-Travel for Fish River Canyon programme planning.