In the far south of Namibia, the Fish River rises in the centre of the country before flowing south into the Orange River, on Namibia's border with South Africa. In between, it has formed the great Fish River Canyon – the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and probably second only to Arizona's Grand Canyon in terms of size.

There are several places to stay on the east side of the canyon including the Canyon Lodge, the Canyon Roadhouse, the Canyon Village and the Fish River Guest Farm. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the canyon, you'll find the old Ai-Ais Restcamp, complete with hot springs of mineral water.

Nearby in Keetmanshoop, the Central Lodge and the old Canyon Hotel make good bases for visits to the canyon, as well as being conveniently close to the Kokerboom Forest and the majestic volcanic crater at Brukkaros.

<< Click on the menu, above left, for more details of the places mentioned in bold above.

Keen hikers will know that the Fish River Canyon hike is one of Africa's a toughest hikes. This five-day, self-guided hike is possible for groups of three or more people, but only when it's cool (May – Sept). We can arrange for the permits and transport to get you to and from the hike – perhaps building it into a fly-drive itinerary. We can even arrange for a professional guide to accompany you, or a satellite phone to take. However, the responsibility for buying and carrying all your food and equipment remains strictly with you. Once you start the hike, there's no easy way out!

For a slightly less demanding option, ask us about the shorter hikes organised by the Grande View Lodge in the Canyon Nature Park – slightly up-river from the national park, on the western side.

<< Click on the menu, above left, for more details of this relatively unusual option.


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