What insurance can you get for hiking the  Fish River Canyon?

Planning an adventurous expedition through the Fish River Canyon may seem an arduous task especially as there are so many things to consider, the possible need to evacuate from the canyon being one of them. 

While the canyon offers breathtaking views and unparalleled terrains, it also comes with the very real risk that any ordinary travel insurance policies might not cover.
Before your trek to the Fish, here are some things to consider when choosing a travel insurance.

The Fish River Canyon has varying terrains and is a remote location which presents significant challenges.
In the event of an emergency, be it an injury or sudden health issue, rescue operations are often carried out by helicopter and given the canyon’s remote setting, rescues tend to be both complex and expensive. 

Why standard insurance might not cut it
Most standard travel and household insurance policies are designed to cover more conventional travel mishaps, things like trip cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies.
However, when it comes to extreme activities or remote locations like the Fish River Canyon, these policies often fall short or simply don’t cover

 Standard insurance might not cover you especially considering the high costs that come with helicopter evacuations or specialised medical treatment in areas as secluded as the Fish River Canyon.
This is where specialised insurance comes into play. SATIB, Specialist Accident and Travel Insurance Brokers, offers coverage that is custom for the Fish River Canyon hike.
Their policies are designed to address the specific risks associated with such extreme adventures. This means you’ll be covered for any potential helicopter evacuations, emergency medical care, and other unexpected expenses that could occur while you are hiking the Fish River trail.  

Things to consider when looking for a travel insurance for the Fish River Canyon 

Ensure that the policy includes coverage for helicopter rescues and transportation to the nearest medical facility.
Look for comprehensive medical coverage that includes treatment costs and potential evacuation.
Verify that the policy explicitly covers extreme activities like hiking in remote locations.
Review the limits of coverage and any exclusions to avoid surprises in case of an emergency.  

All in all, standard travel policies are often inadequate for the unique challenges posed by such extreme adventures.
By opting for more specialised insurance from providers like SATIB, you can enjoy your hike with the peace of mind of knowing that you’re protected against the unexpected. 

So, before you set off on your epic journey, make sure you’ve got the right coverage to keep your adventure safe and free of worry.  

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 preparation

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.