Getting to Fish River Canyon

Getting to Fish River Canyon from Windhoek, Namibia, involves a journey through the scenic landscapes of southern Namibia.

Here are directions from Windhoek, as well as from major cities in South Africa like Cape Town and Johannesburg to Hobas Camp the north end of Fish River Canyon where the hike starts from: 

From Windhoek, Namibia (642 km)
Begin your journey in the capital city of Namibia.
Head south on the B1 (the main highway leading out of Windhoek). Along the way, you will pass through Rehoboth.
Stay on the B1 and it will lead you towards Mariental. Here you can refuel and restock on supplies, if necessary.
Continue south on the B1 road towards Keetmanshoop.
Once you reach Keetmanshoop, turn right onto the Seeheim on the B4. Turn left onto C12. Continue on C12 and then turn right onto D601.
Follow signs on this road>
The Fish River Canyon is located in the southern part of Namibia, and signs will guide you to the entrance points.

From Cape Town, South Africa (800 km)
Head north on the N7 highway towards Namibia.
Continue on the N7 to pass through the Northern Cape province.
After passing through the Northern Cape province of South Africa, you'll reach the border post at Vioolsdrif/Noordoewer.
Cross into Namibia here.
Once in Namibia, continue north on the B1 then turn left onto the C10.
Turn right onto C37/D324
Then turn left onto D601.
From here, follow the signs and they guide you to the entrance point.  

From Johannesburg, South Africa (1250 km)
Head north on the N14 towards .
Stay on the N1 as it leads to Upington.
Near Upington, take the N10 road towards Nakop/Ariamsvlei border post.
Cross into Namibia at the Nakop/Ariamsvlei border post.
Once you have crossed into Namibia, follow the B3.
Then join the B1 road north towards Keetmanshoop.
Turn left onto B1.
Turn right onto C12.
Turn left onto D601.
Once you are on the D601 follow the signs and they guide you to the entrance point. 

Tips to remember:
Always check current road conditions, border crossing requirements, and travel advisories before starting your journey.
If you spot a herd of wild ostriches synchronised swimming in a desert along the way, be like those birds and dive right into the adventure that awaits you, oh and you may need a rest stop.        


 

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.