What works where in Fish River Canyon?
In the vastness of the Fish River Canyon, one thing is for certain; cell reception is virtually nonexistent. For those who consider the intensity of the trail and would rather be safe than sorry, packing a satellite phone might just be the rassurance you need in the remote Fish River Canyon Namibia.
Should an emergency like a twisted ankle, unexpected illness, or any unforeseen event occur, having a satellite phone may mean that you're not completely cut off from the outside world. It's your lifeline to reach out for help when traditional signals fail to connect.
Of course carrying extra gear adds weight, but when it comes to peace of mind and ensuring you can call for assistance if needed, it's a small sacrifice
After all, being prepared isn't just about packing the essentials, it's also about anticipating the unexpected and taking the necessary steps to stay safe
So, if you're planning to venture into the untamed beauty of Fish River Canyon, consider adding a satellite phone to your gear list. It might just be the one item that turns a potential crisis into a manageable situation, ensuring your adventure remains memorable for all the right reasons.
Bullet notes
There is no cell phone reception in most of the Fish River Canyon
Even if you canotact someone there is only 2 evacuation points you need to get to.
Do you really need a Satellite phone?
Google maps on a cell phone, work if downloaded beforehand and of course need to keep battery charged.
Companies renting Sat phones for Fish River Hike
List here with contacts - ideally Cape Town, JHB and Namibia options
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.