Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon, a vast chasm cut through the desert, is one of the largest canyons in the world at 160 kilometres long and 550 metres deep, and a great wonder of Africa. It offers magnificent views, spectacular scenery and fantastic hiking. According to San legend, it was the serpent Kouteign Kooru who, in the distant past, carved his way through the layers of desert terrain to find a safe lair from hunters. The canyon is in Ai-Ais Fish River Canyon Park, a massive wilderness which is linked to South Africa’s Richtersveld National Park, forming the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

The canyon is best known for its Fish River Hike – a five-day trail that traverses the length of the canyon floor – and one of the most famous hiking trails in Southern Africa. The hike covers 85 kilometres of the canyon, starting from the main view point close to Hobas, and ending at the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa. The hiking trail is open only between May and September, as summer temperatures frequently rise above 45C. For people who want to hike the canyon but are put off by the distance of the Fish River Hike, there’s a milder option. Mule trekking in the canyon’s northern reaches takes the weight off your shoulders and leaves you free to drink in the incredible terrain.