Size & Location: 160km long, up to 27km wide and 550m deep in the eastern Namib Desert
When to visit the park: May - September (winter period, cooler and pleasant)
Climate: Avg. daytime temperatures can reach 38°C to 40°C during summer
Rainfall: Erratic, 10mm to 40mm per annum varying with flash floods occurring often
Altitude: varies from 366m to 609m above sea level

PARK INFORMATION:

Absolutely magnificent and breathtaking in its immensity, The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is the second largest canyon in the world. Formed by water from the Fish River flowing through an arid environment over millions of years, the landscape here is desolate, dusty and rock strewn with enticing hills and chasms. It is surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and winds along a distance of approximately one hundred miles through the fissured Koubis Massif all the way down to the sulphurous Ai-Ais Hot Springs. The fantastic views of this majestic canyon make it a popular hiking destination and there is a terrific 5 day, 86 km trek along the canyon floor.

After a heavy rainfall, The Fish River Canyon quickly turns into a raging river although it usually carries only a small amount of water, being dammed up in the town of Hardap. The main viewpoint for the Canyon is at Hobas near the northern end of the canyon. The 60ºC sulphurous springs at Ais-Ais (from the Nama word meaning 'burning water') originate deep underground and are rich in minerals which are reputedly beneficial for those with rheumatic or nervous disorders. Ais-Ais falls within the Fish River Canyon conservation area and the hot springs are a public facility.

The fantastic 5 day hike offers thrills to adventure seekers and travellers alike. Absolutely no facilities are provided and you carry everything with you and find whatever water you can in semi-permanent pools. Due to the risk of flooding and the high summer temperatures the hiking trail is only open from May 1st to August 31st.

Wildlife, while not as concentrated here as in other areas (such as Etosha and Caprivi), do include troops of Chacma baboons and isolated groups of klipspringers while mountain zebra and kudu are rare. The area attracts an interesting variety of colourful birds and raptors such as rock kestrals and lanner falcons ride the thermals.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
* Second largest canyon in the world with stunning views
* 86km Fish River Canyon hike
* Therapeutic hot springs at Ais-Ais

LINKS:
Wikitravel.org
Wikipedia.org
Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon accommodation
Fish River Canyon Safaris