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Namibia |
The Fish River Canyon
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A few useful pointers on the Fish River Canyon The Fish River Canyon, is the largest in Africa. To suggest that is the second largest in the world is a true, but inappropriate comparison. If you are very fit and an experienced hiker, the hike may well be worth the effort, although the author is neither fit, nor experienced, nor has he had the experience of hiking the canyon, so he can in no way verify the assertion. Camp a long way from Palm Spring,
and preferably downwind. Travel in a group, with at least one person who has knowledge of first aid. There are no restaurants in the canyon. If you suffer from vertigo, the main lookout point is not for you. Nor is the low-level scenic flight either. In fact, you may wish to avoid this attraction entirely. |
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“As
far as water in the Fish River Canyon goes, there is also a sulphurous
spring,
Palm Spring, that may give pause for a moment of meditation and a hand
over the mouth and nose.”
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Hello vertigo... The
dizzying but impressive view from the rim of the Fish River Canyon. |
The Fish River Canyon is wrongly described as the second largest canyon on earth. In fact, it is actually the largest canyon in Africa. After all, it is unlikely that people visit Namibia in search of comparisons to the USA, unless they are traveling around the world to see canyons, in which case the comparison to the Grand Canyon is probably valid, yet still somewhat beside the point.
The Fish River Canyon is majestic, deep, long, craggy, rugged, a marvel of nature and all those other adjectives. It is also incredibly good at producing sickening vertigo, especially if you are the sort of person who develops the jittery nausea when you travel above the third floor of a building. A quick look over the edge of the canyon reveals a dizzying precipice, a drop that seems to go on forever. Many hikers regard the steep slope down as the toughest part of the canyon.
As a hike, the Fish River Canyon is one of the toughest. Booking alone requires a certificate from a doctor stating that you are fit enough to take on the distance. A penchant for muscle strain and sore feet is also a recommendation.
The hike is characterized by 90 km of boulder hopping, making your way around pools and traipsing through soft sand. Expect the weather to be hot, and this during winter. According to hikers who have gone to the trouble of doing the hike, a tent is not required, as even the nights are warm enough to survive. On the other hand, Namibian winters, particularly in southern Namibia can be intimidatingly cold, so if not lugging a tent, a really warm sleeping bag will probably come in handy.
Water should be carried along. Although there are pools in the canyon, they may not be particularly good for drinking, especially if you consider the fact that it may have been stagnant for a while and that you are sharing the water with a number of animals. The general recommendation is that any water taken from pools in the canyon should be sterilized.
As far as water in the Fish River Canyon goes, there is also a sulphurous spring, Palm Spring, that may give pause for a moment of meditation and a hand over the mouth and nose. Hikers report that although it appears to be an excellent site for camping, it is best to hike for a further hour or two in the canyon to avoid the stench.
Food should also be carried along. Although the canyon is one of Namibia’s greatest attractions, there are no restaurants except at the beginning and end of the trip. After entering the canyon, look forward to your next restaurant meal and cold beer in four to five days. After two days, look forward to it with a passion.
It is clearly stated in all literature that the hike is for groups only and that first aid skills are a recommendation. As a point of interest, a solitary German made his way into the canyon some years ago and never emerged. His remains have not been found. Yet another of Namibia’s stories, and perhaps an unpleasant surprise for some eagle-eyed hiker in future.
Hiking during the summer months is not permitted. The heat is a killer, literally.
As far as wildlife is concerned, there will be nothing particularly dramatic. You may see jackals and ‘klipspringers’, small buck that are adept at hopping from rock to rock.
Of course, if looking weathered and rugged is not your cup of tea, if your doctor refuses to play along, or if you just can’t get a booking, there are plenty of opportunities to see the canyon. It is a natural inclusion on any circuit of the south of Namibia. The death-defying sense of vertigo and really great photos can easily be obtained from the main lookout point.
For an additional kick, consider a flight along the length of the canyon. If you look down, you may just be able to see the irritated upward glances of groups of hikers, wishing the plane wouldn’t disturb their endeavour to be at one with nature. Perhaps, though just for a minute, they will be wishing that they could be up there with you.