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Photo: Thomas Schoch, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Namibia · Southern Africa · Canyon

Fish River Canyon

One of the largest canyons in the world, with a famous multi-day hike.

Best timeMay to Sep
Ideal stay1 to 2 nights
GatewayWindhoek or Cape Town
Month by month
  1. JAnuary
  2. FEbruary
  3. MArch
  4. APril
  5. MAy (good)
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober
  11. NOvember
  12. DEcember

Fish River Canyon is around 160 kilometres long. Most visitors look from the main viewpoint at Hobas; serious hikers do the five-day trail, open only in the cooler months.

Highlights

  • Main viewpoint at Hobas
  • Five-day hiking trail
  • Ai-Ais hot springs
  • Quiver tree forests nearby

Where to stay

Lodges near Hobas and at Ai-Ais.

Getting there

A long drive from Windhoek or a road trip from Cape Town.

Tips

  • The hiking trail needs a permit and a medical certificate.
  • Summer temperatures are extreme; the trail closes.
  • Sunset at the main viewpoint is the highlight.

Best time to visit

May to Sep. See where to go in Africa in May and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Plan your stay

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Fish River Canyon?

May to Sep. The hiking trail needs a permit and a medical certificate.

How long should I spend at Fish River Canyon?

1 to 2 nights.

How do I get to Fish River Canyon?

A long drive from Windhoek or a road trip from Cape Town.

Have you been to Fish River Canyon?

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