Fish River Canyon
Among Namibia’s many fascinating geological features the Fish River Canyon is the grandest. Second in size only to the Grand Canyon in Arizona this mighty 160 km ravine was carved by the Fish River. At its widest point the canyon is 27 km wide and has depths of up to 550 metres.The Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in the world and the largest in Africa. Set in the harsh, stony plains of the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, the canyon is a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Formed over 500 million years ago, Fish River Canyon was created not only by water erosion, but through the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth’s crust. It drops vertically by half a kilometer without any warning. And as with most rivers in Namibia, the Fish River is generally dry except in the raining season, from January to April.
Beyond being a great place to take amazing photographs, the Fish River Canyon has become a popular hiking destination. The most popular trail, the aptly named Fish River Hiking Trail, is a 4-day, 86 km expedition open from May to September requiring a doctor’s approval to participate. With no services except for at the beginning and end, it’s obviously not for the faint of heart.
