Fish River Canyon tours & holiday packages
Africa's most spectacular canyonCustom Fish River Canyon
- Describe your dream trip
- We'll source the best value
- Book when you're ready
Help Me Plan
The Fish River has carved out a spectacular canyon over 500m deep that snakes its way through southern Namibia for 160km to the confluence with the Orange River
Namibia's world-class canyon is protected within the Fish River Canyon National Park. Visitors have a few alternatives to choose between when deciding how to explore the lengthy gorge.
Undoubtedly the best way to truly appreciate this spectacular geological masterpiece is from the five-day self-supported hiking trail that descends into the canyon's depths and follows the winding seasonal river all the way to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs. The hot springs resort provides weary hikers with an excellent base to recuperate for a couple of days, soaking their tired legs and aching muscles in the natural thermal pools.
“The Fish River Canyon affords hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of Africa's premier multi-day trails through a pristine, otherworldly landscape that makes everyone who experiences the arid canyon's majesty seriously consider becoming a geologist!”
More on Fish River Canyon holidays
For visitors who don't have the stamina or inclination to rough it on an 85km self-supported hiking trip, there is always the option of basing one's self at either Ai-Ais in the south or Hobas in the north and viewing the canyon from a series of picturesque viewpoints scattered along the canyon's rim. All of these viewpoints can be accessed by vehicle and provide a great outlook over the wide canyon, including the famous Hell's Corner that features in most Namibian tourist brochures.
This canyon rim viewing option is perfect for families with small children or travellers that lack the fitness or time to take on the tough five-day trail down below. Remember that the trail is only open to hikers from May to September due to the extreme heat and unpredictable weather of summer with possible flash floods. Another less well known multi-day hiking trail exists in the neighbouring Löwen and lower Fish River canyons. While the Fish River Lodge and the Cañon Lodge of private Gondwana Cañon Park are two other top accommodation options worth investigating in the area.
Fish River Canyon Map
Fish River Canyon's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Fish River Canyon
Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash… go there.
Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with all facilities normally associated with a 3-star hotel. Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and… go there.
Language The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher… go there.
Family safaris in Africa are a worthwhile and meaningful experience. Aside from spending quality time with your nearest and dearest under a wide blue African sky, a safari in Africa offers invaluable experiences including unique cultural… go there.
The best time to see the wildebeest migration is in August as the herds cross the Nile crocodile infested Mara River, crossing an international border between Kenya and Tanzania. go there.
The wildebeest migration calving season generally starts in February. During this time, the migratory herds will give birth to newborn calves. Predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah will move into the southern Serengeti to take… go there.
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Fish River Canyon safaris
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice,…
Saldrix
from South Africa
Waking up at 5:00 am to a bumpy ride all the way to a hidden hyena den, was something I’ll never forget. But the absolute best part was when the 1 month old cub peeked his head out to say hello. It was heartbreakingly cute.
Alana Krutoyarsky
from United States of America
I wish to say thanks to Megan for all your assistance in ensuring that me and my wife enjoy a wonderful holiday, a nice stay at the hotel with just minor issues, and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi park tour. We just wish to pass our gratitude for all…
Mokatse Itumeleng
from South Africa
It was great to work with Discover Africa and thanks so much for your help.
Lisa and Niall Shapiro
from Australia
Related Articles
Lodge Review | Fish River Lodge
The Fish River Canyon, Africa’s answer to the Grand Canyon, is one of the best places in Namibia to stand in awe of the raw power of nature. Measuring 27 kilometres wide, 550 metres deep and 160 kilometres long, it’s the largest canyon on… read more
The ultimate guide to preparing for a luxury African safari
The African savannah is often portrayed as a warm and dry destination, and may result in unwanted surprise for travellers who aren’t properly informed about what to expect in the bush. With the right advice and guidance, knowing what to… read more
10 reasons why you need to visit the Mashatu Game Reserve
Located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana, the Mashatu Game Reserve is an excellent safari destination for travellers looking to experience Africa’s wilderness for the very first time. To give you a taste of what you might see… read more
33 Reasons why you should visit South Luangwa National Park
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. This 9,050 square kilometre park is centred around the Luangwa River and is home to some of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife. South… read more
