Fish River Canyon and /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
A well known highlight of the southern region of Namibia is the Fish River Canyon. This is the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere, second only in the world to the Grand Canyon. It is in the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
The Fish River Canyon was formed over hundreds of millions of years. Caused by a fracture in the earth’s crust, and then further carved by erosion of the Fish River. It measures 160km (99 miles) in length, 27km (79 miles) wide, and is around 550m in depth. The gorge winds through the arid desert landscape. Cutting through the great plateau and surrounded by imposing cliffs and large boulders. The immensity of this magnificent landscape is truly breathtaking. The Fish River itself is seasonal and generally only flows in the rainy season from January to April.
The Fish River Canyon is popular with hikers in winter. This area is quite strenuous, and you should have a very high level of fitness and good health.
The canyon comes to an end at Ai-Ais (meaning Burning Water). Where the therapeutic hot water spring is believed to cure rheumatism.
Fish River Canyon
/Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
In August 2003, the /Ai /Ais Hotsprings Game Park and Richtersveld Park merged to form the first borderless nature reserve by the governments of Namibia and South Africa. Almost three quarters of the Transfrontier Park is in Namibia.
The rugged mountain ranges of the park form part of the succulent Karoo. One of the richest and most valuable plant kingdoms on earth. With no less than 6000 different succulent plant species. Many odd and unique species of plants, especially succulents, occur only here, adapted specifically to the arid climate. The well known but extremely rare “Halfmens” (literally meaning “half human”) is an endemic succulent up to 5 meters tall. It earned its name because it looks like a human being from a distance. Also typical of the greater region is the Quiver tree. A soft barked tree of the aloe family that can grow for centuries. Its name originates from the fact that the San people used its hollowed out trunk as an arrow quiver.
Namibia Quiver Tree
During the rainy season, this landscape turns into colorful fields of flowers. In this area, you will hardly encounter much game. However, the intense green banks of the Orange River provide a habitat for hundreds of bird species. Including many birds of prey.
Relax and soak in the naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools at the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa.
/Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and Fish River Canyon Accommodation
We are still going to list /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and Fish River Canyon accommodation. Let us know what you are looking for, and we’ll still be able to book it for you. Click on the ‘Get quote now’ button below.
