Fish River Canyon

 

Africa's Grand Canyon

In the far south, at the opposite end of Namibia from Etosha National Park, is Fish River Canyon.

This gargantuan landform is about 100 miles long by 20 miles wide. Through it, flows the Fish River, which meets the Orange River about 45 miles south of the canyon. The erosive action of this river is part of the reason for this giant canyon. It has been wearing away its rocky base for thousands of years. The impressive gorge is now over 1,500 feet deep.

Amazingly, the Fish River only flows between March and April. For two months after that, it is a mere trickle and for the rest of the year it is simply a series of small pools lying along the floor of the canyon.

If the canyon itself is the main attraction of this area, then the fantastic hiking has to be a close second. It is very exciting to explore the canyon on foot with a guide and to marvel at this fascinating formation that is a true testimony to the extraordinary forces of nature. So if you have the time and inclination to make the long journey south, it really is well worth a visit.