The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is a true safari highlight as it contains some of the world’s most amazing sights, making it one of the most popular Namibia safari attractions. Explore the Fish River Canyon with Jenman African Safaris.

NAMIBIA SAFARIS AND THE FISH RIVER CANYON:

Situated in southern Namibia, the Fish River Canyon is over 1000 million years old and is second in size and splendour only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, U.S.A.  Offering you a large Namibia safari area to explore on holiday, the Fish River Canyon is an incredible and immense show of rock valleys along a 100-mile course dominating a large area of Namibia. According to the San Bushmen (who still inhabit this Namibian area) a serpent named Kouteign Kooru, in an attempt to escape its captors, created the massive curves and turns. However, geologists report that the Fish River Canyon was initially formed by a fracture in the earth's crust 500 million years ago and that it has deepened and widened more over the years! This Fish River Canyon drops suddenly along a flat plateau by 1,800ft (550 m) and is, at some points, an astonishing 17 miles (27 km) wide, making this immense area a highlight of Namibia.

After a rainy season, a stream flows through the Fish River Canyon where the great Fish River once flowed. There are a few small pools that can be seen from a distance but the Fish River Canyon is primarily an expanse of dry depths. It is down at the Fish River Canyon floor that safari travellers will find wonderful hiking trails to enjoy. These trails cover a distance of 54 miles (86 km), which can take days to navigate. For some this may be an exciting Namibian venture not to be missed. The Fish River hiking area is a rough and demanding place and the National Parks’ office insists on a certificate of fitness before allowing visitors to begin the hike.

There is little safari game in the Fish River Canyon because of the rugged rocks and ravines. Sometimes springbok and steenbok can be seen, as well as kudu and mountain zebra - although these sightings are rare. There may be baboons in this are of Namibia, but most notably, there is a wide variety of birds and raptors such as rock kestrals and lanner falcons. The landscape and the scenery are absolutely magnificent, and photography is a must for the keen travellers interested in the Fish River Canyon.

The temperatures in this Namibia area 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 actual Fish River 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. 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 Fish River Canyon in July. The annual rainfall in this here varies between 2 inches (50 mm) and 4 inches (10 mm) per year.

AIS-AIS
The 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 to those suffering from rheumatic or nervous disorders. The 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. For safari travellers the Ais-Ais is a wonderful place to visit and relax at, while still enjoying the Namibian scenery and the bird watching opportunities of the Fish River Canyon.

Have a look at our Namibia safaris that pass through the Fish River Canyon below. Find other Namibian attractions below that you might want to visit on your Namibia Safari.