Fish River Canyon
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 the continent and Namibia’s greatest geological wonder. The canyon lies in different nature reserves: its southern stretch (the deepest section) is in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, while its northern reaches are protected by private reserves. The main viewpoint for the canyon is in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and it’s where you’ll get the best outlook, with views of the Hell’s Corner riverbend.
Highlights
Stunning vistas from Fish River Lodge
One of southern Africa’s most popular treks and the best way to experience the canyon, the Fish River Canyon Hike covers 85 kilometres – half the length of the entire canyon – in five to seven days. It’s a tough self-guided camping hike but the rewards include soaking up spectacular canyon scenery, soaking in hot springs, cooling off on swims in the river and sleeping under the stars. If you want do some easier hikes, lodges in the area offer shorter and easier walks.
Ai-Ais natural hot springs
Whether you do the Fish River Canyon Hike or not, soaking your body in the healing waters of Ai-Ais natural hot springs at the southern end of the canyon is a real treat. There’s a resort at the hot springs where you’ll find indoor and outdoor thermal baths and spas on the banks of a river surrounded by mountains.
Practical Advice
In terms of lodging options for the Fish River Canyon, there’s a range of choices from campsites to luxury lodges located in both the national park and in private reserves.
You need to book a year in advance to do the Fish River Canyon Hike, which is only open during the cooler winter months of May to September. It’s a grueling hike and you may experience temperatures of over 40 degrees, so it’s essential that you are fit, strong and healthy before you decide to tackle it.
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When is the best time to travel to Namibia?
Namibia in January
January is midsummer in Namibia, when temperatures in most of the country are extremely hot, and some parts of Namibia receive heavy afternoon showers. The summer rains mean the foliage in Etosha National Park is at its greenest, making for beautiful photos and good birdwatching but wildlife spotting is more challenging than in the drier months. January is a good time to visit the Skeleton Coast as the weather is mild and sunny. It’s not advisable to travel to the Zambezi Region…
Namibia in January
January is midsummer in Namibia, when temperatures in most of the country are extremely hot, and some parts of Namibia receive heavy afternoon showers. The summer rains mean the foliage in Etosha National Park is at its greenest, making for beautiful photos and good birdwatching but wildlife spotting is more challenging than in the drier months. January is a good time to visit the Skeleton Coast as the weather is mild and sunny.
It’s not advisable to travel to the Zambezi Region during the rainy months, as the area receives the most rainfall in Namibia and roads may be flooded. There’s also a higher risk of malaria.
Namibia in February
February is the wettest, hottest and most humid month in Namibia. It’s the low season, which means lower room rates and fewer other travellers. It’s tricky to spot wildlife in Etosha but it is birthing season, so if you’re very lucky you’ll get to see some newborn antelope calves.
Namibia in February
February is the wettest, hottest and most humid month in Namibia. It’s the low season, which means lower room rates and fewer other travellers. It’s tricky to spot wildlife in Etosha but it is birthing season, so if you’re very lucky you’ll get to see some newborn antelope calves.
Namibia in March
The rains start to ease off in March in Namibia but it’s still hot and humid. It’s still a good month for birdwatching but finding wildlife in places such as Etosha remains difficult due to the lush vegetation.
Namibia in March
The rains start to ease off in March in Namibia but it’s still hot and humid. It’s still a good month for birdwatching but finding wildlife in places such as Etosha remains difficult due to the lush vegetation.
Namibia in April
April is a lovely time to visit Namibia especially if you’re a photographer: the weather is mild, the skies are clear and the landscapes are green. It’s still the low season so you can get good deals on room rates.
Namibia in April
April is a lovely time to visit Namibia especially if you’re a photographer: the weather is mild, the skies are clear and the landscapes are green. It’s still the low season so you can get good deals on room rates.
Namibia in May
May is a good month for Namibia travel, with moderate temperatures, green vegetation and clear skies. If you want to do a serious hike, the Fish River Canyon hike opens for the winter season in the beginning of the month.
Namibia in May
May is a good month for Namibia travel, with moderate temperatures, green vegetation and clear skies. If you want to do a serious hike, the Fish River Canyon hike opens for the winter season in the beginning of the month.
Namibia in June
Desert temperatures drop off in June: while day times are pleasant, nights can be freezing. Without rain, the landscape has become much drier, and vegetation sparser, making this a good time for a visit to Etosha, where it’s just started to become easy to spot animals congregating around waterholes.
Namibia in June
Desert temperatures drop off in June: while day times are pleasant, nights can be freezing. Without rain, the landscape has become much drier, and vegetation sparser, making this a good time for a visit to Etosha, where it’s just started to become easy to spot animals congregating around waterholes.
Namibia in July
July is the driest month of the year, so it’s an excellent time to visit the game parks, especially Etosha, where it’s easy to see hundreds of animals vying for space around waterholes. Day time temperatures are mild and night time temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Namibia in July
July is the driest month of the year, so it’s an excellent time to visit the game parks, especially Etosha, where it’s easy to see hundreds of animals vying for space around waterholes. Day time temperatures are mild and night time temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Namibia in August
August is a popular time to travel to Namibia, so be sure to have your lodging booked far in advance. It’s an excellent time to see wildlife in the parks and it’s a good time to do outdoors activities in the desert as day time temperatures remain mild (although be prepared for freezing nights). In August you can see beautiful carpets of wild spring flowers covering the arid |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Namibia in August
August is a popular time to travel to Namibia, so be sure to have your lodging booked far in advance. It’s an excellent time to see wildlife in the parks and it’s a good time to do outdoors activities in the desert as day time temperatures remain mild (although be prepared for freezing nights). In August you can see beautiful carpets of wild spring flowers covering the arid |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Namibia in September
September is an ideal time for visiting Namibia: day time temperatures are still pleasant, and nights are a bit warmer. It’s still dry, so game viewing is excellent. Early to mid-September is the last time you can hike the Fish River Canyon before it gets too hot, and it’s also the last month to catch the wild spring flowers in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Namibia in September
September is an ideal time for visiting Namibia: day time temperatures are still pleasant, and nights are a bit warmer. It’s still dry, so game viewing is excellent. Early to mid-September is the last time you can hike the Fish River Canyon before it gets too hot, and it’s also the last month to catch the wild spring flowers in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
Namibia in October
October gets very hot and dusty in Namibia, though it’s still a good time to visit Etosha in terms of dry landscapes and easy wildlife spotting. This is the best month for spotting southern right, humpback and minke whales as they pass through the Atlantic Ocean near Walvis Bay.
Namibia in October
October gets very hot and dusty in Namibia, though it’s still a good time to visit Etosha in terms of dry landscapes and easy wildlife spotting. This is the best month for spotting southern right, humpback and minke whales as they pass through the Atlantic Ocean near Walvis Bay.
Namibia in November
Credit | Ben Mcrae The first rains of summer generally start in November and the temperature drops a bit, although much of the country doesn’t receive much rainfall. This month is the end of the season for the migration of whales which you can spot from Walvis Bay. November is a good time to visit the Skeleton Coast National Park, as the weather is mild.
Namibia in November
Credit | Ben Mcrae
The first rains of summer generally start in November and the temperature drops a bit, although much of the country doesn’t receive much rainfall. This month is the end of the season for the migration of whales which you can spot from Walvis Bay. November is a good time to visit the Skeleton Coast National Park, as the weather is mild.
Namibia in December
With the summer rains in December, Namibia’s arid landscapes turn to green, attracting migratory birds, making this an ideal time for birdwatchers. December is a busy time of year to travel in Namibia because of the Namibian and South African school holidays over the Christmas and New Year period so be sure to book in advance for lodging and campsites.
Namibia in December
With the summer rains in December, Namibia’s arid landscapes turn to green, attracting migratory birds, making this an ideal time for birdwatchers. December is a busy time of year to travel in Namibia because of the Namibian and South African school holidays over the Christmas and New Year period so be sure to book in advance for lodging and campsites.
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Meet the Team
Alice Lombard

Alice is Discover Africa’s Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Discover Africa Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.
About Alice
What does Alice love about African travel?
The people, the culture, the diverse scenery, the wildlife and of course the food & wine.
What African countries have you travelled to?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Chobe), Namibia (Southern), Zanzibar, Kenya (Mombasa and Malindi), Mauritius and South Africa.
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Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
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Megan Warrington

Megan is an Africa Concierge Expert at Discover Africa, she is responsible for compiling travel programs for people in search of their dream safari in Africa.
About Megan
What does Megan love about African travel?
There is always a new adventure around the next corner.
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and Tanzania.
What is Megan’s favourite place in Africa?
Namibia
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Alice Lombard

Alice is Discover Africa’s Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Discover Africa Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.
About Alice
What does Alice love about African travel?
The people, the culture, the diverse scenery, the wildlife and of course the food & wine.
What African countries have you travelled to?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Chobe), Namibia (Southern), Zanzibar, Kenya (Mombasa and Malindi), Mauritius and South Africa.
What is Alice’s favourite place in Africa?
Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Matthys van Aswegen

Matthys is Discover Africa’s Senior Travel Consultant, with over 13 years experience in the travel industry and a keen eye for photography.
About Matthys
What does Matthys love about African travel?
Diversity and abundance of landscapes, cultures, wildlife, beaches, food and everything you can think of.
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mauritius and Tanzania.
What is Matthys’s favourite place in Africa?
Cape Town
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






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Adelle Bell

Adelle is Discover Africa’s Senior Travel Consultant and has been in the travel industry for the past 10 years. She is a FIT specialist and has extensive experience in planning and executing dream itineraries in luxury travel.
About Adelle
What does Adelle love about African travel?
You have not lived if you have not experienced an African Safari - the early morning safari drives with the African sun rising in the distance, the smell of morning freshness, coffee in the Bush. You have got to experience a morning in Africa!
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa (Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and Phinda Game Reserve), Botswana and Mozambique.
What is Adelle’s favourite place in Africa?
Kruger National Park
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Antoinette Van Heerden

Antionette is a Travel Consultant at Discover Africa, with 5 + years experience in the travel and tourism industry. She specializes in luxury safari packages.
About Antoinette
What does Antoinette love about African travel?
Adventure combined leisure travel makes for the best trip!
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
What is Antoinette’s favourite place in Africa?
South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.
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