What gear do you need for your Fish River Canyon Hiking  adventure?

Preparing for a hiking adventure in Fish River Canyon requires careful consideration of technical essentials to ensure you're well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Here's a list of gear that you might consider tailored for hiking in Fish River Canyon.

Essentials

  • Backpack
    • Choose a durable backpack with a capacity of at least 50-65 litres to carry all your gear comfortably.
  • Sleeping Mat
    • A lightweight but thick, insulated sleeping mat for comfort and insulation from the ground.
  • Water Filter
    • Since water sources may be scarce or unsafe, a portable water filter or purification tablets are crucial for safe drinking water.
  • Walking Boots
    • Sturdy hiking boots that are broken in with ankle support and good grip for traversing the mixed terrain.
  • Cooking Stove & Pan(s)
    • A lightweight camping stove with fuel canisters for preparing hot meals and boiling water. Opt for a stove that's compact and efficient and a pan to cook your food in.
  • Torch/Headlamp
    • Essential for night time as there is no light in the canyon. Pack spare batteries.
  • Sleeping bag/Cacoon
    • Somewhere to tuck yourself in at night.

Additional Gear

  • Tent/Shelter
    • A lightweight tent for overnight camping, providing protection from elements and insects
  • Navigation Tools
    • Map of Fish River Canyon and a compass or GPS device to navigate the trail.
  • First Aid Kit
    • Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Sun Protection:
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30 to 50)
  • Hat
    • to protect against the intense sun
  • Water Bottle/Hydration System
    • A water bottle or hydration sack to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
  • Pocket Knife/Multi Tool
    • Useful for various tasks like food preparation, fighting off wildlife, cutting rope and a multitude of tasks.
  • Plates/Bowls &Cutlery
    • Somthing to prepare and eat your food with.

Optional Gear

  • Camera
    • Either on your phone or a lightweight camera like a go pro / action 5 to capture those magical moments of you eating rehydrated food for the fourth day in a row, oh and sunsets and spectacular views.
  • Portable Power Bank
    • Keep the phone/gps/camera batteries powered
  • Gps
    • As long as you have wwaypoints
  • Satellite Phone
    • A security against emergencies

Potentially useless Gear: Items that may sem like a good idea but are either not useful in Fish River Canyon or straight up become a pain to carry.

  • Gaters
    • Not needed in Fish River Canyon.
  • Trekking Poles
    • The terrain along the hike does not need trekking poles.

By packing these essential items you will be better equipped to take on the challenges of the Fish River hiking trail and more likely to enjoy the beauty of the canyon on your expedition. Always remember to prioritise safety, preparation and environmental awareness by following the Leave No Trace to preserve the natural beauty of the Fish River Canyon. 

Essential Information for hiking Fish River Canyon

Permits and prices

Hiking permit  N$535 per person.

National Park Fees 
Namibian Citizens: N$50 pp per day
SADC Nationals: N$100 pp per day
Foreign Nationals: N$150 pp per day
How to book

Booking the Fish River hike You can email (booking for link here) to book through Madbookings.com or the NWR office in Cape Town (email here).

Hiking route details

Depending on your fitness levels you can hike the Fish River Canyon in 4, 5, or 6 days. The normal practice is to take 5 days - 4 nights sleeping in the canyon with the 5th night at Ai Ais Resort.

Gear for the hike What do you need?

All your gear should be worn in and comfortable, you will need a backpack, water bottle, camping stove, camping pan, food, snacks, torch, sleeping mat, first aid, water filter/tablets, matches/lighter, cutlery, bowl, sleeping bag, hiking boots, socks, clothes, hat, sunglasses, towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, personal medication, camera/phone, spares and repairs, small shovel. That covers the basics!

What to Pack

Lightweight camping food, water, cooking gear, first aid, sleeping mat, clothing, torch, toiletries, water filtre/tablets.

How to pack

Pack light and pack smart, there is an art to packing a backpack to carry on a 5 day trail.

Food on the hike

Dried pre-prepared meals are the way to go, snacks and a couple of luxury items to keep nutirents and spirits up on the hike, dont take tins.

Fitness preperation

The Fish River Hike is not technically difficult but quite physically challenging so a good level of fitness and being accustomed to walking with a loaded backpack are essential. When did you last walk 18km?

Tips and tricks

Preperation is everything, pack smart not heavy, weather yourself before the hike, break in boots and backpack MONTHS before the hike, dont take new untested equipment, test trail meals in advance so you can take only your favourites!

Getting to Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is in the South Of Namibia and can be accessed by road in a normal sedan car either from Windhoek or South Africa.

Where to stay

There are 5 places to stay close to the Fish River Canyon: Hobas, best for start of hike (chalets and camping). Ai Ais, where hike ends (rooms chalets and camping), Canyon Village for a little more comfort (rooms), Canyon Lodge for more luxury (chalets) and Canyon Roadhouse for some of the best food in the area (rooms and camping). Further away is Grunau (65km) which has a selection of places to stay.

When to Hike Fish River Canyon

The Fish River hike is only open from 1st May to 14th September each year.

Satellite phones

There is no cell phone reception in the Fish River canyon so some people may wish to take a Satellite phone for emergencies.

Insurance

Normal travel and household insurance does NOT cover ther Fish River Canyon Hike because it is considered too extreme should you need to be rescued it is nnormally via helicopter to the nearest hospital so very expensive. SATIB offer special insurance for this hike.