The 4 day, 85 km Fish River Hiking Trail is reputed to be one of Africa's top (and toughest) walks for nature enthusiasts. 

Starting at the northern end of the Canyon, the trail descends into the Canyon down a steep path, and follows the meandering sandy river bed all the way to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs.

There are no set overnight stops along the route, so hikers are able to please themselves about how far they travel in a day and where they set up camp for the night. 

The Canyon and its surroundings are home to many rock dassies as well as springbok, steenbok, klipspringer and the occasional kudu and zebra. Leopards also live around the Canyon, but are the hardest animal to spot. 

However, the real appeal of the experience is being alone in the still of the desert in one of the most remote spots on the planet.

When is the Trail Open

Due to the extreme Summer temperatures and the risk of flash flooding, the hike is only open from mid-April to mid-September.

It is only recommended for the extremely fit, and you must have a doctor's certificate of fitness in order to obtain your permit. Advance bookings are necessary, and there must be a minimum of 3 per group. 

Hikers must take all their food with them, but water is available from the river, but for safety should be boiled or purified.

Unfortunately, since a tourist was killed a couple of years ago in the Canyon on an unsupervised day hike, the Canyon is closed now to hiking of any nature apart from the 4 day trail.