Fish River Canyon is one of Namibia's most stunning geographical features. The Canyon, one of the largest in the world, meanders and corkscrews for almost 160 kilometres. The Fish River itself, which has formed the canyon over the course of millions of years, is the longest in Namibia, flowing from the eastern Naukluft Mountains to the Oranje in the West. In the rainy summer months the Fish River Canyon can become a raging torrent, but in the winter it is almost entirely dry.
The closest town to the Fish River Canyon is Lüderitz, situated on a forbidding stretch of coast. More than 100 years old, Lüderitz bears witness to the past with its colonial architecture, its famous Rock Church (Felsenkirche), and the nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, a now-abandoned colonial mining community. Lüderitz is equally famous for its food, particularly the fresh crayfish and oysters (depending on the season).
The rest of this region is mostly used for sheep farming, but do not miss the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground near Keetmanshoop, and Duwisib Castle, close to Maltahöhe.
In and around Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Fish River Canyon is part of the Gondwana Conservation Park. There are many public viewing points around Hobas that give you a chance to see some of the most interesting areas of the Canyon, for example ‘Hell’s Bend’.
The 80 km hiking trail through the Fish River gorge is regarded as one of the most beautiful in southern Africa. Four to five days are needed for the trail, but many shorter routes suitable for day trips are also available.
