In 1989 the Ai-Ais hot springs resort, Fish River Canyon and Huns Mountains were incorporated into one conservation area of 346 117 ha. Eroded over millennia, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa.
It is set in a harsh, stony plain dotted with drought resistant succulents. The Canyon itself is a spectacular phenomenon, which took hundreds of millions of years to evolve into its current shape.
The geology of the canyon goes back some 1,800 million years, with glaciers, faults and erosion crating the canyons within each other and eventually the Fish River cutting its way through the floor of the most recent valley. At the beginning of the century Ai-Ais was used as a base by the Germans in their war against the Nama's. The Nama People are the closest in origin to the Bushmen and one of the first peoples in Namibia.
The Place: Although the canyon extends for 160 km, the most spectacular section is 56 km long, starting a few kilometres upstream of the northernmost viewpoint and ending at the southernmost lookout point.
Viewpoints: Several viewpoints along the western rim of the canyon afford visitors splendid vistas of the dramatic canyon. These are particularly attractive early in the morning and at sunset, when the steep cliffs are awash with colours.
The two most popular vantage points, the main viewpoint and the northernmost lookout, reveal dramatic views of Hell's Corner, while the Sulphur Spring viewpoint, about 10 km south of the main viewpoint, and the southern most viewpoint, 12 km further on, offer visitors a different perspective of the canyon.
Downstream from Hell's Corner, a few kilometers upstream of the northernmost viewpoint, the river meanders so widely that a straight-line distance of 32 km is more than doubled by the river-course. The mature Fish River probably incised these meanders when it flowed over the broad, level plain which today forms the floor of the upper canyon. From these viewpoints visitors can gain a clear insight into the forces, which shaped the canyon.
Where: If you're driving from Keetmanshoop, take the B4 south-west for about 44 km before turning off left onto the C12, then continue 77 km before taking a right and following the signs to Fish River Canyon. This final part of the approach is across undulating ridges and spectacular semi-desert plains, leaving the visitor in suspense until the very last moment about the spectacle he is about to witness.
Accommodation: Hobas caters only for campers, and overnight facilities are limited to twelve beautifully shaded campsites with fireplaces, a field kitchen and ablution facilities.
Facilities: A field kitchen and ablution block.
Hobas is situated 10 km from the canyon. There are 10 campsites available for a maximum of 8 persons each, N$ 40,00 per site per day, (fire-place, water-tap and communal facilities). There is a kiosk with basic supplies as well as a swimming pool.
• Reservations must be made in advance at the booking office in Windhoek.
• No pets allowed.
• Canyon may be viewed at any time.
Hiking may be undertaken from May to end of September. Groups (3 - 40 persons maximum) wishing to undertake hiking trips must apply well in advance. Medical certificates of physical fitness, issued within 40 days prior to hike, must be submitted at Hobas before commencing the hike.
Payment for hikers must be made in Windhoek. Hikers must arrange their own transport before and after the tour. You are advised to camp at Hobas the night before the hike begins. An indemnity form must be completed at Hobas.
Please note: No Transport is supplied to and from the starting point of the hike.
