Fish River Canyon Trail
The Fish River Canyon - a multi-day trek down the second-largest canyon in the world, in Namibia’s far south
The route
The line through Ai-Ais / Fish River Canyon, Namibia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Hobas (rim start)Trailhead
Steep descent in
- 2Sulphur SpringsCamp
Hot spring; canyon floor
- 3Four Finger RockCamp
Midway
- 4Ai-AisTrailhead
Hot-spring finish
Season & conditions
May-Sep (the only open season)
Hot even in winter; cold nights; the summer heat is why it closes
Open only May 1-Sep 15 (it is closed and dangerously hot the rest of the year); a permit and medical certificate are required. Confirm.
On the trail
A rugged canyon floor of sand, boulders and river pools
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
None - it is a committing one-way canyon traverse
Getting there & staying
Hobas (start) to Ai-Ais (finish)
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
None - wild camping on the canyon floor; carry everything
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Hobas; limited or none on the trail
Not required; fully self-sufficient (no facilities in the canyon)
Permits & safety
A permit, a medical certificate of fitness, and a minimum group size are required; self-sufficient. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat, the rough boulder terrain, self-sufficiency, no exit once committed
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.