Walkopedia Magazine
See our latest online magazine:
- Extraordinary Tenerife; Paul Hadaway’s GR20
Quick links
Vital statistics
| Level of Difficulty: | Variable |
Walkopedia rating
Beauty
|
0 |
Natural interest |
0 |
Human interest
|
0 |
Charisma |
0 |
Negative points |
(0) |
Total rating |
0 |
| Note: | |
,
Key information
Other accounts and travel writing
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Practical information
See also expedition planning, including our universal expedition checklist. Walkopedia encourages responsible travel.
Books and Maps
Books on this walk
Chapter in Trek! The Best Trekking in the World – Claes Grundsten.
Other books
Scowler’s Luck: An Adventure in the Fish River Canyon – Jay Heale.
Canyons and Gorges of Africa – Books Llc.
Tourism in Namibia: Al-Ais Hot Springs, Skeleton Coast, Fish River Canyon – Books Llc.
Maps
Touring Map Namibia – John Hall.
Fish River Canyon: Namibia – Rand McNally (Adventure Maps).
Stanfords: www.stanfords.co.uk. An excellent (and user-friendly) online specialist source of worldwide maps (it is also good for guidebooks).
Best times to walk/weather
Best times to walk
Winter (mid April to mid September) is the only time when entry is allowed. May to August is the best time.
Weather
Hot in the day, but cold nights.
For detailed weather information, have a look at: www.worldweather.org or www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country-guides
Getting there/transport/permits/fees
Permits are needed to do this walk and are issued on a limited basis (and require a doctor’s certificate of fitness), so book early. Minimum group size is 3. [Permits can be obtained from Namibia Wildlife Resorts in situ; enquire at http://www.nwr.com.na. Expedition organisers should arrange permits.
Route(s)
See Walk Summary above.
Possible problems, health, other warnings
- Heat and strong sun. Carry enough water and protect yourself.
- Heights: dangerous in places; take care. Not for those who have difficulties with heights.
- Dangerous animals of all shapes and sizes, including snakes and scorpions; stinging/biting insects and plants. Take all appropriate precautions.
- This is remote country: you will have to carry all your food and other supplies and help will be hard to get if things go wrong.
- Health risks: this is a relatively undeveloped country, and you will not get prompt medical help of a standard available elsewhere if you become ill. Come prepared, including getting all appropriate inoculations/medications.
See also the websites in our useful links page for more detailed, and up-to-date, information.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and problems can arise on any walk. Many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks and possible problems. This website cannot, does not purport to, identify all actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to a walk or a country. Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Make sure you have appropriate insurance.
Guided or independent?
Independent
You can do this walk independently, but this is for the very experienced only and you will need to be self-sufficient.
Guided/supported
The great majority form or join organized/supported expeditions. Organisers can also arrange for permits to be obtained. Expedition organizers include:
- Explore! - www.explore.co.uk - reputable and experienced organizers sometimes to the canyon as part of as part of a broader itinerary.
- Exodus – www.exodus.co.uk
- Namibia Wildlife Resorts - www.nwr.com.na
- www.namibian.org
- www.sahikes.co.za
Accommodation
Cañon Lodge near the start.
The guidebooks have a selection of possible accommodation outside the Canyon.
Camping is the only option inside.
Other information and tips
It gets dark early, so plan your days accordingly. Start early.
Useful websites and information
There are many websites with relevant information. Here are some that we think are useful or have been recommended to us.
- For fantastic pics, maps and thoughts, go to the excellent www.footprint.co.za/fish
- www.namibian.org/travel/adventure/hiking/fish_river.htm
- www.wikipedia.org – a reasonable starting place.
- Try www.flickr.com for pictures of this walk.
Other things to do in the area
Other walks
Other activities
The Al-Ais hot spas at the end of the canyon.
Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).
See our Fun page for some entertainment and to read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.