- Address: Richtersveld National Park, Namibia
- Area: 5900 sq. M. km
- Length: 161 Km
- Width: 27 km
- Depth: 550 m
Each of us probably knows that the largest gorge in the world called the Grand Canyon or the Grand Canyon of Colorado is in the United States. However, not everyone can say where the second largest canyon is located. So, the second place was rightfully won by one of the most amazing natural attractions of Namibia , and indeed the entire African continent as a whole - the Fish River canyon. Enchanting landscapes, a unique animal world, aloe forests and the opportunity to make a walk on the dry bottom of the canyon attract more and more tourists to these places.
Natural features of the gorge
The Fish River Canyon is on the territory of the Richtersveld National Park. It was formed as a result of colossal tectonic activity on the African continent about 150 million years ago: a crust of the earth's crust emerged, which for a long time expanded and deepened. The size of the canyon impress travelers: Fish River stretches for 161 km in length, its depth reaches 550 m, and its width - 27 km.
The longest water artery of Namibia , the Fish River, flows along the bottom of the canyon. It is turbulent and full-flowing only during the rainy season, during two to three months a year, and in the dry season the river half-dries and turns into small elongated lakes .
The climate in this area is quite dry. The daily temperature ranges from + 28 ° С to + 32 ° С from December to April, night - from + 15 ° С to + 24 ° С. The hottest period, which is characterized by frequent thunderstorms, lasts from October to March. The thermometer bars at this time show from + 30 ° C to + 40 ° C.
Trekking through the canyon
The most popular activity among tourists is the study of the canyon Fish River. Some can only do a two-day trek with an overnight stay on the river bank. And experienced hikers go on a five-day trip, the length of which is 86 km. Since this track along the riverbed is considered to be one of the most extreme and severe in Namibia, a special permit must be issued before the march. By the end of the trip, tourists reach the resort of Ay-Ais with hot healing springs.
You can go down to the canyon only in the winter. At other times, tourists are not allowed to enter the territory of the reserve, since a visit to Fish River canyon is officially permitted only from mid-April to mid-September. In connection with the diurnal temperature difference of up to 30 ° C, it is necessary to take appropriate clothing with you, and also to stock up with food and drinking water. The ticket here costs $ 6 per person, and another $ 0.8 will have to pay for parking the car.
Accommodation and camping options
In the territory of the Richtersveld National Park, there are usually no problems with overnight tourists. In the Fish River canyon area there are about 10 campsites , each of which can accommodate up to 8 people. The nearest Hobas camping site is located at a distance of 10 km, but for budget tourists it will be expensive: about $ 8 for a place to rest, plus the same number from each person. A few kilometers from the Fish River observation platforms, there is the comfortable Canyon Roadhouse and the Canyon Lodge. Prices here range from $ 3 to $ 5. The most popular among tourists is the Canyon Village hotel, which has an excellent restaurant.
How to get to the gorge?
The Fish River Canyon is 670 km south of Windhoek . From here you can go by car. The most convenient route passes along route B1, the journey takes about 6.5 hours. However, the fastest way to get to the canyon is a two-hour flight by plane. There are also such brave souls who go on foot pilgrimage from the capital of Namibia past the biggest dam of the country Hardap-Dame.