The Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest in the world. This gigantic ravine is in total about 160km long, up to 27km wide and in places almost 550 metres deep.
With the lookout points over the breathtaking Fish River Canyon being just over 20km from the lodge, Canyon Village is the ideal place to stay in comfort, while exploring the area.
Guided Excursions at Canyon Village Fish River Canyon Namibia
Morning and afternoon guided excursions to the two major lookout points along Fish River Canyon, are available to guests. Guides will tell you about the fascinating geology of this ravine, cut out over millions of years by the longest river in Namibia. Park entrance fees are included in the tariff, as well as refreshments and light snacks. This tour takes approximately 3 hours.
A completely different 3-hour nature drive into the Gondwana Canyon Park gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge about the geology, fauna and flora of this protected area. This tour does not include the Fish River Canyon viewpoints, but with access to this beautifully unique area, you will most probably encounter some of the local wildlife, like oryx, zebra and giraffe and the astonishing indigenous plants surviving in this arid semi-desert.
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Guided hikes at Canyon Village Fish River Canyon Namibia
For the sunrise hike, you will be transported from the Village about half an hour before sunrise. You will be taken to a place where you will enjoy coffee, tea and rusks while watching the sunrise against the unique backdrop on the Canyon Park. After sunrise, you will walk back to the lodge, which should take about one hour. This hike does not include the viewpoints on the Fish River Canyon.
For those who want to sleep in a little longer, another hike option is available. This guided hike takes you into the Gondwana Canyon park and your guide will share his knowledge about the fascinating desert landscape around the canyon. This hike does not include the viewpoints on the Fish River Canyon. It starts at 7:30 and will keep you busy for approximately 3 hours. A bottle of drinking water is supplied.
After dinner, you can join the guided night walk. You will be amazed by the brightness of the stars and the amount of nocturnal desert creatures you’ll encounter on this 45-minute walk. Because this walk is weather-dependent, it can only be booked directly at the lodge.
Unguided Self-Drive Excursion at Canyon Village Fish River Canyon Namibia
Marked roads and a trail map empower you to take a self-drive tour around the Gondwana Canyon Park. Along the route of this 4x4-track, look out for the abundance of wildlife on the plains and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this astounding nature park. On your way back to the Village, stop at the Canyon Roadhouse for lunch before circling back to this place with its special Nama charm.
Self-guided Hike between Canyon Village and Canyon Lodge at Fish River Canyon Namibia
Undertake the self-guided hike between Canyon Village and Canyon Lodge, which will take you about 2 to 3 hours to complete. The route will take you up the mountain plateau for a breathtaking view of the vast plains around the Fish River Canyon. This hike is free of charge.
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Facilities at Canyon Village
- Guided tours to the viewpoints on the Fish River Canyon
- Variety of guided tours into the Gondwana Canyon Park
- Variety of guided and unguided hikes and walks
- Self-drive 4x4 //Garas-tour
- Cold-water Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Curio shop
- Wi-Fi at Reception area
- Mobile Connectivity
- Transfers to starting and finishing points of the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail
- Transfers to Karios Airstrip
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Things To Do at Canyon Village
The Fish River canyon was declared a national monument in 1962. Flowing intermittently, the river usually floods in late summer and then becomes a chain of long, narrow pools. At the lower (Southern) end of the canyon are sulphur-rich hot springs, with the Ai-Ais resort having been built on top of the rock covering the springs.
The geology of the area is extremely interesting, consisting of diverse types of rock which had been eroded in different ways over millions of years. The movement of the continental plates caused deep trenches, which allowed the river to flow. After river erosion was initially inhibited by hard gneiss bedrocks, it eventually eroded a plain through the horizontal dolomite strata and create the upper (Northern) canyon. Glaciation during the Karoo Ice Age deepened the canyon even more. Today, the deepest point of the canyon is 549 metres deep.
The rise and fall due to the continental drift, increased the gradient of the Fish River and enabled it to form the deeply twisting, meandering system of the lower (Southern) canyon through the hard gneisses and solid metamorphic rocks.
The canyon can be viewed from several viewpoints on the plateau surrounding the canyon. Hikers walk about 2km down into the canyon and follow the trail of 88km all the way to Ai-Ais. Strict rules and regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of the hikers, because once you are at the bottom of the canyon, there is no communication and no easy way out. Exposure to the elements, including flooding, is dangerous and life-threatening. Please ensure you are fully informed about the conditions, regulations, procedures and communication systems before trying to descend into the canyon.
Namibia - Things to do at or near Canyon Village in Fish River Canyon last updated in 2024