Outdoor Activities at Fish River Canyon Hike

Posted by Traverseline on May 4th, 2013

The Fish River Canyon, Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world. It is considered as one of the famous adventure hiking spots in Africa, and this makes it the most attractive tourism spot in Namibia. Fish river canyon hiking trail is 85 km long and consists of a rocky path extending from Hobas to AI-AIs Hot Spring spa. The trials are open from May to September due to warm and clear weather.

The Fish River Canyon hike offers the following activities for the tourists: -

• Hiking Trial: - The Fish River Canyon Hike is known for its 5 days hiking trail that extends till Ai-Ais. Though the trial path is rugged, it offers an adventurous experience to the tourists. The trial doesn't suit for inexperienced hikers, medically unfit people and children below 12 years of age.

The hiking trail route extends from: -

• The Descent: - The most strenuous stretch is from the descent into the Fish River Canyon.
• Hobos to Palm Springs: - The path consists of rock pools and thermal sulphur pools, though the stretch from Hobas to the Palm Springs is quite difficult, the sulphur pools offer a perfect spot to regenerate the lost energy. The trail extends for around 2 days.
• Palm Springs to Causeway: - This stretch consists of a hill from where the classic “Four Finger Cross” can be viewed. The Four Finger Cross is the 80 foot rock formation consisting of four pinnacles. Another tourist attraction spot in this portion of the trial is the “Von Throtha’s Grave”. One can spot many reptiles, fishes and plants along the course of the Fish River.
• The Causeway to Ai-Ais: - It is the easiest stretch of the hike as the canyon is exceptionally wide in this portion. Ai-Ais mean “fire water”, and are called so because of the springs that is very hot in this portion of the canyon.

• Bird Watching and more: - The Fish River Canyon along the trail has rock pools that attract many African fish eagles, herons, rock pigeons, bee-eaters, etc. One can even spot rare mammals like the Kudu, Steenbok, Gemsbok, klipspringer, mountain zebra and springbok.
• Gondwana Canon Park: - Situated between the Hobas and Ai-Ais hiking stretch, it attracts many visitors. One can explore the park on a horse or a jeep or even by walk.

The Fish River Canyon is an ideal adventure spot. If you are planning for a trip to Namibia, one cannot afford to miss the trail through the Fish River Canyon.

About The Author

Angus Maclaren is the founder of Traverse Line, a UK-based travel company which specialises in arranging bespoke treks and safaris in Southern Africa, Kenya and Nepal. There is a strong emphasis on walking and hiking, more off-the-beaten track safaris and personalised adventures, stemming from Angus’ interests and regional knowledge. The company arranges a wide range tailor-made tours in all its key regions - these include walking safaris in Zambia, guided mobile camping adventures into remote corners of Namibia, the Fish River Canyon Hike, guided walks in the Western Cape, self drive tours in South Africa and climbs of Nepal’s trekking peaks, including both Mera Peak and Island Peak. Behind all this is a strong attitude of personal service, detail and thoroughness, backed by selected, trusted, in-country guides.

For more detail visit on http://www.traverseline.co.uk/