A realistic route for hiking the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. 

Depending on your fitness levels you can hike the Fish River Canyon in 4, 5, or 6 days.
The most common and recommended duration is 5 days and 4 nights, with the final night spent at Ai-Ais Resort.

Below is an approximate guide with distances and time for each day.

 Here's a realistic route for hiking the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, based on varying fitness level :

Day 1: 11-12 km Begin your journey by descending into the canyon. The descent is steep and rocky, so take your time and pace yourself. On this day, look out for beautiful river pools and sandy beaches along the way where you can relax and enjoy lunch. Find yourself a suitable spot along the river banks to set up camp. Tents, in the colder months are advisable due to potential cold and windy conditions, but if weather permits, enjoy sleeping under the stars in your sleeping bag.

Day 2: 17-18 km Today’s hike includes navigating through thick patches of sand and over large boulders. Water pools in the river to refresh with a revitalising swim are the highlight for this day Reach Palm Springs by the end of the day to soak in natural sulphur hot pools. You can settle down for the night and enjoy the warmth of Palm Springs before resting.

Day 3: 17-18 km On this day you will traverse through rocky and sandy terrains, noticing a change in landscape. Day 3 may feel mentally tough due to the desert-like surroundings but remember to keep motivated as the next day holds incredible scenery.

Day 4: 18-19 km Day 4 includes options for several shortcuts, offering elevation changes with stunning views and varied landscapes. Take your time and admire the unique rock formations with intricate patterns and shapes.  

Day 5: 7-8 km The final day involves easier terrain, primarily flat and solid ground. Take it easy in the morning, savouring the surroundings. Finish the hike at Ai-Ais Resort, where you can celebrate your achievement. It is important to avoid hiking in extreme heat; plan your day to enjoy cooler morning hours.

Remember that completing the Fish River Canyon hike is a rewarding experience as it offers diverse landscapes and natural wonders along the way. Whether you’re tackling it in 4, 5, or 6 days, the journey promises unforgettable moments and a sense of accomplishment. Don’t forget to plan ahead, respect the environment, and enjoy every step in one of the world’s most impressive canyons. 

Fish River Canyon hike map

 

Fish River Canyon hiking map Namibia

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.