The Fish River Canyon is situated
in the far south of Namibia, close to the border with South Africa.
The ravine winds over a distance of 160km, is 500 metres deep
in places and 27km across at its widest point. It's the largest
canyon in Africa and second biggest in the world. Only the Grand
Canyon in the USA tops it.
The 650km Fish River is Namibia’s longest river. It rises
in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and flows southwest through the
canyon into the Gariep River (formerly the Orange). The river meanders
so widely that a straight line distance of 32km is more than doubled
by the river's course on the canyon floor. In the winter, during the
dry season, there is little water often only small stagnant pools.
Summer rains transform it into a rapid river.
The Fish River Canyon is thought to have been created over 500 million
years ago by water erosion and movements in the earth's crust.
There are several viewpoints along the western rim with splendid views
of the dramatic canyon: a perfect position for watching spectacular
desert sunsets when the steep cliffs are awash with colour. From the
main viewpoint there’s a path of sorts to the bottom of the
canyon. This is a popular hike at sunrise before it gets too hot.
Be warned though: you need to be fit as it’s a rocky and strenuous
climb.
Temperatures in the summer can reach some 50 degrees and the canyon
is closed to hikers at this time. The camp site at the top of the
canyon is called Hobas, located 10km from the viewpoints at the canyon
rim. The resort at the end and bottom of the canyon is Ai-Ais, meaning
‘burning water’ in the Nama language. This refers to the
hot springs that have been channelled into various indoor and outdoor
swimming pools.
In the summer, between November and February, Ai-Ais is also closed.
When temperatures in the shade are well over 50 degrees, the last
thing anyone wants to do is splash around in a hot spring!
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