Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon — 160 km long, up to 27 km wide, and 550 m deep, cut by the seasonal Fish River into the bone-dry Karas region of southern Namibia. The 86 km, 5-day hike from Hobas at the canyon's north end to Ai-Ais hot springs at the south is the country's signature wilderness trek and one of Africa's most demanding multi-day walks.

Day 1 begins with the brutal descent into the canyon — 550 m down loose scree in the first 4 km, with chains on the steepest section. From the bottom, the trail follows the canyon floor along the riverbed, alternating between sand, boulders, and shallow pools (the river is usually reduced to a chain of pools by mid-winter). There are no marked campsites — you sleep wherever you find shade and water. Highlights include the Palm Springs (also called Sulphur Springs) at km 18, where a hot mineral spring bubbles out at 50 °C; the Table Mountain shortcut at km 35 which saves about 6 km by cutting over a meander; and the Three Sisters viewpoint at km 55. The hike ends at Ai-Ais hot springs resort, where the famous post-hike soak in the 65 °C spring pool is part of the tradition.

The trail is open only May 1 to September 14 — outside that window, summer heat (50 °C in the canyon) and potential flash floods make hiking dangerous or fatal. Permits cost around NAD 500 (~$35) per person, plus park entry and shuttle back to Hobas. A doctor's medical fitness certificate is mandatory and must be presented at the start. Maximum 30 hikers start per day; minimum group size of 3. Booking opens 12 months ahead and the May-July dates fill within hours of release. Carry all your food (no resupply); the river water is drinkable after filtering, but only the Palm Springs is permanently reliable.