What should you pack for your Fish River canyon Hiking adventure?

We know that packing for the Fish River Canyon hike requires a lot of careful planning to ensure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience. As such, we have put together a detailed packing list tailored for those hiking in Fish River Canyon. 

 Personal Items Personal identification and permits: Passport; medical clearance certificate; hiking permits and any other necessary personal documents. Camera: To capture the stunning landscapes and memories of your adventure.

 Clothing Breathable base layers: Lightweight and quick-drying shirts and pants to manage sweat. Insulating layers: Fleece jackets or sweaters for warmth during cooler evenings. Waterproof and windproof jacket: Essential for protection against unpredictable weather. Hiking pants/shorts: Comfortable and durable for long hikes. Sturdy hiking boots: Waterproof with good ankle support and a grippy sole. Wool or synthetic socks: Breathable and comfortable for hiking.

 Cooking and Hydration Portable camping stove: Lightweight with canisters for cooking meals. Cookware and utensils: Pot (Aluminum is advisable), utensils, and a mug for cooking and eating . Water bottles or hydration sack: With enough capacity for long stretches between water sources. Water purification: Water filter or purifying tablets for treating water from natural sources.

Navigation and Safety Map, compass or GPS: This is essential for navigating the trail. Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries for nighttime visibility. First aid kit: Including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any other personal medications. Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and a wide-brimmed hat. Pocket knife or multi-tool: Handy for various tasks and emergencies.  

Toiletries Sunscreen lotion (SPF 30 or higher) Toothbrush Toothpaste Biodegradable soap Toilet paper Some hikers recommend you burn your toilet paper to avoid having to pack and carry it along the trail.  

By packing thoughtfully and considering the specific challenges of Fish River Canyon, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy the beauty and adventure of this remarkable hiking destination.  

 

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.