The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is reputedly the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. There is a lot of debate as to whether or not this is indeed the second largest canyon in the world, most of the arguments seem to hinge on how one actually measures the 'size' of a canyon. Regardless of its ranking in the world of big canyons the Fish River is absolutely magnificent and breathtaking in its immensity.
The canyon has been formed by water from the Fish River flowing through this arid environment over millions of years. Yet it comes as something of a shock when you arrive at the canyon, as you have no idea it is there. It drops vertically by half a kilometre, out of a flat arid plateau without any warning.
The Fish River is, at 650 kilometres, the longest river in Namibia. Its source lies in the eastern Naukluft Mountains and flows south-west of Ai-Ais into the Oranje. The Fish River Canyon probably formed about 500 million years ago. However, the gorge was not only created by water erosion, but also through the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust.
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Fish River Canyon
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Klein Aus Vista - Eagle's Nest To experience the true desert feeling of solitude, space and silence, be a guest at the Eagle's Nest Lodge, a mere 15 minutes drive from the reception of the Desert Horse Inn. >>
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Canon Lodge Canon Lodge is located in the Gondwana Canon Park, only 20km from the Fish River Canyon and nesteld against massive granite boulders. >>
Klein Aus Vista - Desert Horse Inn Nestled among the Aus Mountains in the Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park, 1400m above sea level with a breathtaking view overlooking the endless desert plains. >>
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about Fish River Canyon
Because the Fish River is being dammed in Hardap near Mariental, it only contains a small amount of running water. In winter, during the dry season, the river bed is often completely dry or reduced to only the occassional puddle. However, after rainfalls in summer the river can become a raging torrent. The canyon is part of a Nature Conservation Park. The gate is situated at the restcamp Hobas.
From there, you have to drive another 10 kilometres to the actual Canyon which offers a stunning view of "Hell's Bend". The Fish River Canyon has become a popular hiking destination. However, hikes require good physical health and should only be undertaken during the cooler winter months (between May and September). A permit from Namibia Wildlife Resorts in Windhoek must be obtained. The hike is 86 km in length and takes about 5 days. Much easier hikes, no less beautiful, are offered in the bordering private "Canyon Nature Park".
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Many thanks and credit to the following
photographers whose images have been used in this site: Michael Poliza, Colin
Bell, Dana Allen, David Ross, Nick Melidonas and Wilderness Safaris.
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