Just north of the border with South Africa, the Fish River Canyon claims to be the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
However, as several other canyons are also claiming to hold this title (the Great Canyon of Yarling Tsangpo River in the Himalayas, and the Copper Canyon in Mexico to name just 2), it is probabl safer to say that Fish River Canyon is ONE of the largest in the world.
It certainly is Africa's second largest, after the Blue Nile Gorge in Ethopia, but let's be honest - who actually cares what the criteria is for measuring the size of a canyon.
At 160 km in length, up to 27 km wide in places, and a depth reaching up to 550 m, it is certainly hugely imposing and one of Southern Africa's most stunning natural features.
To see this natural wonder for yourself, click here to ask us to plan an itinerary for you including the Fish River Canyon as part of your trip to Namibia.
Location
The Fish River Canyon is situated between the Namib and Kalahari deserts, and the only roads to it are across vast areas of flat and barren landscapes, sparsely populated with desert plants, quiver trees and cacti.
As a result of this physical isolation, the whole place feels magical and unvisited, despite being a major tourist attraction.
It is very likely that you will have spectacular views to yourself as there are rarely more than 2 or 3 cars at any viewing point at any one time, and the only tour buses to make the long journey are the overlander companies a couple of times a week.
How the Canyon was Formed
There is evidence that it has been inhabited by people for thousands of years, dating back to the Early Stone Age, and stories from the Bushmen explain how the Canyon was formed ...
The great serpent-god Koutein Kooru was being chased by hunters across the veld. To try to escape his pursuers, the serpent slithered off into the desert, and in doing so his body gouged the great gash in the desert floor...
Wonderful though this tale is, modern scientists believe the Canyon itself was first formed over 500 million years ago by tectonic activity which caused the earth's crust to fracture.
This early Canyon was further deepened by glacier movement some 300 million years ago, and eventually became a natural watercourse for the Fish River.
Today, the Fish River, the longest river in Namibia, is now dammed at the Hardap Dam in the north, so by the time it reaches the Canyon its water levels are low.
Between March and April, after the rainy season, the river flows at its highest through the Canyon, but during April to June, it dries up to a mere trickle, and by August there are only small puddles left on the floor.
When to Go
Being desert, the temperature during the day can reach up to 40°C in the height of summer, and nights can be unbearably hot without a fan. Summer also brings with it unpredictable heavy rain and thunderstorms, but the average rainfall is only between 50 - 100 mm.
The winter months between June and August are much cooler and more pleasant.
How Long to Stay For
We would recommend a stay of 2 nights, which gives ample time to explore the Canyon and the surrounding area, and also relax, before heading off on the bumpy gravel roads again!
Hiking in the Canyon
Unfortunately, since a tourist was killed a couple of years ago in the Canyon on an unsupervised day hike, the Canyon is now closed to hiking of any nature apart from the 4 day Fish River hiking trail.
