KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Trail details. It costs R275 per person. Pay the R60 park fee at the park office in Hobas (the starting point of the hike).
The trail is open from 1 May to 15 September. The summer months are too hot for hiking. If there is not enough drinking water in the river, the trail is closed for the year.
Most people complete the trail (90 km) over five days. Groups of 3 − 30 hikers (12 years and older) allowed. Book at least a year in advance. Sometimes, if there are cancellations, you may be able to join another group. Paperwork. You need a passport (valid for six months from date of entry), plus a certificate of fitness completed by your doctor. You will also need to sign a document stating that you will respect the environment. Both these documents will be issued to you when you make a booking. Fitness. If you’re hiking fit, you’ll enjoy the trail more. What about my car? We stayed at Ai-Ais (where the trail ends) the night before the hike. The next morning a park shuttle took us to Hobas (R160 per person). Leave your car at Ai-Ais, so it’s waiting for you at the end point. Bookings: 021 422 3761;
ct.bookings@nwr.com.na Not a hiker? See the canyon from the Hobas viewpoint as a day visitor. R60 per person and R10 per vehicle. If you want to take photos, go at sunrise for soft light. Slackpacking option: The Canyon Mule Trekking trails in the northern parts of the canyon include a guide, a cook and mules to transport your luggage. You sleep in luxury tents. The trail is open from 15 April to 15 September. Rates: R5 500 per person for three nights and two days (Klipspringer Trail); R6 500 for four nights and three days (Fish-eagle Trail). See go! Namibia 2014 for a detailed account of the trail. Contact: 00 264 61 427 200;
gondwana-collection.com
For accommodation options in and around the Fish River Canyon, turn to page 107.