•  1000  million years old

The Fish River Canyon, situated in southern Namibia, is second in size and splendour only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, U.S.A. Fish River Canyon is an incredible and immense show of rock valleys along a 100-mile course. According to the San Bushmen a serpent named Kouteign Kooru, in an attempt to escape its captors, created the massive curves and turns. But geologists report that it was initially formed by a fracture in the earth's crust 500 million years ago, and that it has deepened and widened over the years due to the action and erosion of glaciers! This canyon drops suddenly along a flat plateau by 1,800ft (550m), and is, at some points, an astonishing 17 miles (27km) wide.

After a rainy season, a stream flows through the canyon where the great Fish River once flowed. There are a few small pools that can be seen from a distance, but this is primarily an expanse of dry depths. It is down at the canyon floor that visitors will find wonderful hiking trails to enjoy. These trails cover a distance of 54 miles (86km), which can take days to navigate, and hikers have no conveniences or facilities whatsoever - so for some this may be an exciting venture not to missed. It is rough and demanding area, and the National Park's office insists on a certificate of fitness before allowing visitors to begin the hike.

There is little game in the canyon because of the rugged rocks and ravines. Sometimes springbok and steenbok can be seen, as well as kudu and mountain zebra, although these sittings are rare. There may be baboons in the area, but most notably, there is a wide variety of birds and raptors such as rock kestrals and lanner falcons. The landscape and the scenery in are absolutely magnificent, and photography is a must.

The temperatures are the hottest between November and April, with an average mid-summer temperature that ranges between 97°F and 100°F (36°C-38°C). At its height it reaches 104°F (40°C) or even higher in the canyon by the middle of the day. In contrast, the months between May and September are cooler, but are still sunny and warm on most days, and it can even get hot at times. The temperature drops at night during this season, with a mid winter minimum of 44.5°F (7°C) or less, especially in the canyon in July. The annual rainfall in this area varies between 2 inches (50mm) and 4 inches (10mm) per year.

AIS-AIS
Ais-Ais hot springs can be found within the Fish River Canyon conservation area. The name Ais-Ais means, “burning water” in Nama, as the water is measured at temperatures of around 60ºC. These sulphurous springs originate deep underground and are rich in minerals, which have been reported to be beneficial for those with rheumatic or nervous disorders. Ais-Ais hot springs are a public facility, attached to a resort that includes an indoor spa with Jacuzzi. Given the heat of the summer, the hot springs resort is closed between November and March.