Prior to this trip, I’d never heard of Fish River Canyon, which is the largest canyon in Africa — and after visiting here, I’m shocked it’s not better known in the realm of general travel knowledge. While it’s most easily compared to the Grand Canyon, it earns a place alongside any of the top natural spots on our globe.
We approach the canyon in early morning light, not long after sunrise.
Lisa poses in front of this magnificent view.
There is a gigantic ravine that cuts through the canyon for 100 miles — up to 16 miles wide in some parts (!) and nearly 2,000 feet deep.
Due to the extreme heat in this area, day hikes into the canyon are forbidden from September to May (which is Namibia’s summer). Permits are allowed during the cooler months; the main trail is 55 miles long and takes about five days to complete.
Our guides drop us off at one part for the rim so that we can walk a short distance (maybe 2 miles) to meet them at the next scenic overlook, all while soaking up the views and taking photos.
Can you see how this is actually a double canyon? There are two layers — the upper level, then a series of plateaus, and then a lower level. The expanse of the whole thing is breathtaking.
The rim of Fish River Canyon is an epic spot for jumping photos. Sofie shows us how it’s done.
Lisa and I give it a shot.
Hi Amy!
The river flows strong in the early part of the cooler season (May-June) but often dries up to form stagnant pools by September. Our visit takes place in early September; in a few more weeks the heat will be unbearable.
We’re headed to that platform in the distance below. See those rocks jutting out of the rim that resemble mini diving boards? You couldn’t pay me to put even one toe on them.
What do you think? Would you step on that rock?
A view of the rock platform from another direction:
This next image shows off the double canyon aspect really well — see the rim WAY off in the distance? Then it plateaus before opening up to a second, deeper canyon in the foreground where the river flows.
This stretch of the canyon reminds me of the famous Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.
Final images of magnificent Fish River Canyon…
And here are views from the road as we drive away:
Video footage from the canyon:
Fish River Canyon is just another overwhelmingly impressive natural site in Namibia — along with the towering rocks of Spitzkoppe and the watering hole in Etosha National Park and the rolling sand dunes of Swakopmund. This country is outrageously beautiful and if you’ve never considered visiting here, I highly suggest it.
I visited Namibia on a 12-day tour from Windhoek to Cape Town with Acacia Africa. They discounted my tour in exchange for blogging and photography; opinions are my own.
