The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa. (Image: Getty)
is home to many natural wonders, and one of its most incredible ones is the in . It stretches 100 miles and reaches depths of 500 metres, making it the largest canyon in and the second largest in the world after the .
It is a popular and a fantastic place for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon was formed over millions of years by tectonic shifts, glaciation, and erosion from the Fish River, Namibia’s longest interior river. Today, the surrounding landscape is dry and rocky, with little vegetation. The river flows only during the rainy season, leaving behind a chain of pools for most of the year.
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The canyon was formed over millions of years. (Image: Getty)
Tourists can view the canyon from public viewpoints near the Hobas campsite, 43 miles (70km) north of the Ai-Ais hot springs.
The upper part of the canyon is within the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, while the rest is privately owned.
One of the main attractions is the Fish River Canyon hiking trail, a 56-mile (90km) route that takes around five days to complete.
The trail is only open from May to mid-September due to extreme summer temperatures, which can reach 48C.
Hikers must carry all their supplies, as there are no facilities along the route. Open fires are not allowed.
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One of the main attractions is the Fish River Canyon hiking trail. (Image: Getty)
The trail begins west of Hobas with a steep descent into the canyon, where chains are provided to assist hikers.
It then follows the riverbed, crossing the water multiple times. The terrain varies from sand and boulders to firmer ground, with the final stretch near Ai-Ais being the easiest.
Hikers need a permit to access the trail and must be in groups of at least three people.
The minimum age is 12, and all participants must provide a medical certificate.
The pools left behind when the river runs dry. (Image: Getty)
What’s more, there is no mobile phone reception in the canyon and only two emergency exits are available.
Evacuation from the deep canyon is done via stretcher on foot or helicopter and vehicles in the later parts of the trail.
The canyon is also known for extreme sports. Since the 1990s, trail runners have attempted to complete the route in record time.
In 2012, South African athlete Ryan Sandes set the fastest recorded time, finishing the 56-mile trail in under seven hours.