Ai-Ais Namibia and Fish River Canyon: a Guide for 2025
Namibia is an ideal place to begin exploring Africa. It’s safe, the infrastructure is great for a road trip, and it’s as adventurous as you want it to be.
And with a great Ai-Ais Park and Fish River Canyon Guide like this one, you’ll be sure not to miss a thing.
The first things you notice when you arrive are the wide-open spaces and the beautiful bowl of clear blue sky.
And pretty soon you’ll notice the sand. There’s a lot of sand.
And you know, there’s something about all that sand in Namibia that makes the whole place seem other-worldly.
Especially when you add boulders into the mix, as in the Giant’s Playground. Or when the sand becomes pink and orange and is lit up with the sunset, ala Sossusvlei.
I can’t imagine that Mars looks much more alien.
Exploring: Ai-Ais Namibia & Fish River Canyon
Fish River Canyon is the most famous area in Southern Namibia. This second-largest canyon in the world is contained in the Ai-Ais/ Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and it’s full of Namibia points of interest.
According to the SanPark literature, “Ai-Ais” traditionally spelled “|Ai-|Ais”, comes from the climate of the area, and means “hot-very hot”. This part of the name comes from the fact that, in summer, parts of the area can reach temperatures over 40ºC.
Other sources – including elsewhere in the SanPark literature – claim that “Ai-Ais” means burning water, in reference to the hot sulphur springs.
I’ve also seen it explained as coming from the Southern Africa Khoekhoe language. Here it’s said to mean “fire-fire”, in other words hot as fire.
In any case, it’s hot. However, winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Obviously, it’s not only the landscape itself that can seem harsh and unforgiving.
Life in the Fish River Canyon
Then again, areas of the park famously host the most insane population of succulents in the entire world. Many of these grow wild nowhere else.
If you have a special place in your heart for plants, you’re going to love these.
The most well-known of these succulents are the halfmens and the giant tree aloe called the Quiver Tree.
And believe it or not, some 300 species of mammals, birds, lizards and snakes are hardy enough to survive in these savage desert conditions.
The Park is divided by the South African border along which the Orange River lies. The Namibia region was originally called the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Game Park.
The area in South Africa was the Richtersveld National Park.
In 2003 they were joined to become the Ai-Ais/ Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The entire park covers 6,045 km² of arid, mountain desert space.
However, they tend to still be called by their original names for ease of identification.
Getting to Fish River National Park: Entering Ai-Ais/ Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
This area is often referred to as Fish River Canyon National Park. In reality, though, it is Ai-Ais National Park.
If you’re coming into Namibia from South Africa, you’ll have to cross over the Orange River when you cross the border. Passage will be made on a pontoon/ferry that runs from 8 am to 4:15 pm daily, weather permitting.
The entry fee (unchanged since 2021) for the park, if you haven’t already paid on the South African side, is currently N$150 per person for adults per 24 hours, including a conservation fee.
There is also a N$50 per vehicle.
While travelling through the South African side of the park requires a 4×4, Ai-Ais Game Park in Namibia has gravel roads suitable for a sedan.
I would recommend a 4×4 in the park, though, so you don’t have to avoid any roads and potentially miss something.
Many of the roads through southern Namibia parks are suitable only for 4WD vehicles.
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Orange River Activities
Orange River is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing – both day trips and multi-day trips. Guided tours for up to 7 days are available, or you can take half a day on your own to enjoy the river.
There are several places along the river to embark on a river trip, and several companies to take care of you. Info-Namibia is a good place to start if you’re looking for a tour.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay between NAD$2995 and NAD$5995 pp for a 4-day trip. If you do decide to book a trip, make sure you’re clear on what’s included, eg. sleeping bag, sleeping pad.
There is a brief section of mild rapids in some parts of the river. Otherwise, the trip downriver is peaceful and quiet; there are no crocodiles or hippos.
Just the sounds of the birds and the water. The river is nice for a swim, but just be sure you can get back in your boat!
Fly fishing and rafting Orange River are also great ways to spend some time in this beautiful spot.
A word of warning: According to local legend, Orange River hides a voracious monster who has reportedly been eating any people or animals that it can get its teeth into for the last 2000 years.
Enter at your own risk!
Accommodations in the Ai-Ais Game Park Area
Once you’re done splashing in the river, you’ll want to find a place to spend the night. The whole area is similar as far as how it looks and what there is to do.
They also all have baboons that live in the area. Regardless of where you’re staying, or the type of accommodation you’re in, keep it closed up when you’re not there! Trust me on this one.
Baboons will take your food and anything else that catches their eye.
Keep in mind that one main draw to the area is the 85km Fish River Canyon Hike. The hike is only permitted from May 1 to September 15.
Outside of these dates, it’s just too hot, flash flooding becomes possible, and the hike becomes dangerous.
During hiking season, the accommodations book up, and it becomes difficult to find a place to stay. Advanced planning is important here!
So where you stay will depend on what’s available, what you’d like to pay, and your own preferences.
There are a few choices when it comes to accommodations in the park. Here are the facts to help you decide.
Where to Stay
1. If you plan to hike through Fish River Canyon, Hobas Campsite is a good choice to spend the night before you start.
It’s at the north end of the Canyon, about 10km from the Canyon itself, and the lookout.
➤ The gate to the park closes at sunset. But because you will already be inside the conservation area, you can wander down to the lookout and take in the breathtaking views.
Sunset, sunrise, or at any random time of day, the jaw-dropping vistas are unforgettable.
➤ The campsite area has some shade and some grassy parts. There’s a grill at each site, as well as access to showers and wash-up. Electricity is provided via generator until 10 pm.
➤ Find pricing and make bookings here.
2. At the other end of the canyon is the |AI-|Ais Hot Springs Resort. This is where the 85km Fish River Canyon hike ends.
➤ The resort has 36 rooms and 7 bush chalets. These have a variety of comforts depending on which type of room you choose.
➤ You may have an outdoor shower, a river or mountain view, or a kitchen for self-catering. All have access to indoor and outdoor hot spring pools and massage facilities.
➤ Campsites have electricity.
➤ Guests here have a choice of activities, such as guided excursions and walking trails.
➤ Check Price and Availability here.
Accommodations in Gondwana Canyon Collection
3. Canyon Roadhouse: aka Cañon Roadhouse. This eclectic choice of accommodation has become a local institution and offers a lot more than just a place to sleep.
➤ If you’re not an overnight guest, you can take advantage of the restaurant and bar, the free Wifi, the laundry service, and the shop.
➤ Guests are also offered a variety of activities, such as game drives, guided walks, e-bikes, and excursions into the Fish River Canyon area.
➤ The Roadhouse doesn’t have cellphone coverage, TVs, or radios. There is complimentary Wifi in the public areas of the main buildings.
➤ Along with modern rooms, campsites are also available, all with the necessary facilities.
➤ Located 16km north of Hobas Campsite.
➤ Check Price and Availability here
4. Canyon Lodge: aka. Cañon Lodge. This unique lodge set in the Kopjes consists of 30 pseudo-rustic chalets.
➤ The chalets offer all the comforts of home – more so, actually. Guests have access to a lovely pool, restaurant and bar, as well as a curio shop and mini-golf course.
➤ Similar activities are offered to Canyon Roadhouse and Canyon Lodge guests. The activities are often organized in conjunction with those properties, actually.
➤ This is a beautiful, cozy property, perfect for exploring the canyon on your own, or on one of the Lodge’s guided outings.
➤ Truly a get-away-from-it-all experience, there are no televisions or radios in the Lodge. Neither is there cell phone coverage. However, the main areas do offer free Wifi.
➤ The main viewpoint of Fish River Canyon is a 23km drive away.
➤ Check Price and Availability here
5. Canyon Village: aka. Cañon Village. This member of the Canyon family is a favourite of groups travelling together.
Solos are certainly welcome. However, if you’re hoping for a quieter experience, you may want to opt for another lodge.
➤ Canyon Village is the most basic of the Gondwana collection, but at the same time is very comfortable. There is a pool available to guests, and a coffee house in the centre of the lodge.
➤ You’ll also find a curio shop with a variety of gift-y items and souvenirs. A restaurant and bar are on the premises as well.
➤ You won’t find TVs, radios, or cell phone reception here. However, there is free Wifi in the main common area.
➤ As with Canyon Lodge, activities are arranged with the other canyon properties. Canyon Village is actually located just 1.5 km from Canyon Lodge
➤ Check Price and Availability here.
West of the Canyon
7. Fish River Lodge: Located on the west rim of Fish River Canyon, this lodge has some of the most mesmerizing views of any on this list.
This is actually the only lodge option located at the edge of the canyon.
➤ Views include water holes and rock pools. These have been known to attract a variety of antelopes, like zebra, kudu, and oryx.
Birds and smaller animals might stop by to drink, too.
➤ The accommodation comes in the form of 20 basic, comfortable chalets.
➤ You’ll be able to get a strong cell phone signal here. The only Wifi is offered free in the main area, but it’s not a great connection.
➤ The lodge is accessible by 2WD sedan, but the final 20km before the lodge is a gravel road that can be dicey in the rain.
Contact the lodge for updates on road conditions if you’re not sure.
➤ Guests can choose between a guided drive down into the canyon and a 2 or 3-day canyon hike. Or you might decide to walk along the rim of the canyon or explore the rim’s trails on one of the lodge’s bikes.
They do require a doctor’s certificate confirming your fitness to do the 3-day hike.
➤ “Slackpacking” trips are also available from the lodge. This is the term used for supported hikes – your packs and supplies are transported for you from camp to camp over a 3-4 day hike.
This should make it easier for you to cover 17-35km.
➤ Check Price and Availability here.
Slackpacking the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail
As mentioned above, slackpacking refers to hiking luggage-free. Your luggage and any belongings and equipment are transported along the trail for you, leaving you to relax and enjoy the trek.
This option is available at the Fish River Lodge, as well as with some tour companies such as Safari2Go. They offer supported hikes on the Klipspringer Trail, the Fish Eagle Trail, and the Zebra Trail.
While it does add an extra cost, it does make the hike easier. If you’d like to do the hike, but don’t fancy carrying all of your belongings on your back, this is a great option for you.
🗺️ Ai-Ais Park and Fish River Canyon Map
Exploring Ai-Ais Namibia and Fish River Canyon
Ai-Ais and Fish River Canyon Guide Facts
⇝ Some would say that Fish River Canyon is what Namibia is famous for.
And in fact, the canyon, located in the Ai-Ais Game Park, is a main attraction, not just in southern Namibia, but in southern Africa.
Along with Etosha National Park in the north, Fish River Canyon is responsible for the majority of the over 1 million visitors that Namibia sees each year.
⇝ The canyon is the largest in Africa and the second-largest in the world. It’s followed in size internationally by South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon.
⇝ Fish River Canyon vs Grand Canyon: Fish River Canyon is 160km (99 miles) long, up to 27 km (16.7 miles) wide, and 550 km (342.8 miles) deep.
In contrast, the Grand Canyon is 445.8 km (277 miles) long, 29 km(18 miles) wide, and 1.6 km (1 mile) deep.
⇝ Although it’s second in size to the Grand Canyon in the US, Namibia’s Fish River Canyon gets fewer than 1% of the number of visitors that the Grand Canyon does. This makes for a peaceful, back-to-nature experience.
⇝ How was the Fish River Canyon formed? It began about 650 million years ago, with a collapse of the rocks along a crack in the earth, creating a valley.
Long after that, glaciers deepened this valley, and over the years movement of the earth, and the river itself, carved out the canyon we see today.
⇝ A surprising amount of wildlife can be found in the canyon. Fish River Canyon animals include bat-eared foxes, rock hyraxes, vervet monkeys, goliath herons, padloper tortoises, baboons, leopards, and African fish eagles, to name just a few.
⇝ Both the lower canyon and the upper canyon were designated National Monuments in 1962.
Fish River Canyon Hike Tips
➢ You have to reserve a spot in advance – only 30 participants are allowed to book for each day. Bookings must be sent to reservations (at) nwr.com.na, at the Namibia Wildlife Resorts office.
➢ Hiking is only permitted from May 1 to September 15, due to rain, flash flooding, and high temperatures the rest of the year.
➢ A medical certificate no more than 40 days old must be presented when you start the hike, stating that you’re in good health.
➢ The fee is around US$70, including the hike fee, the park entrance fee, and the shuttle to the start of the hike.
➢ The minimum age is 12 years. No maximum.
➢ Rules state that a minimum of 3 participants must be booked at a time. If you’re hiking solo, you’d have to book for 3, and then hope to find 2 partners before you start the hike.
➢ The total entry fee has to be paid at least 30 days before the hike.
➢ The Fish River Canyon hiking trail takes 4-5 days and covers 85km. You do need to train, get used to carrying a pack, and be in shape for rough terrain, high temperatures, and hot sun.
➢ It gets cold at night. It can reach 5ºC or lower. Be sure to pack appropriately!
What you’ll see on the Fish River Trail!
Heading down from the rim of the canyon, hikers encounter large boulders and a lot of sand to begin with. I definitely recommend a walking stick of some kind, though you can get along without one.
Some of the steep rock steps have chains for assistance.
Be on the lookout for some of southern Africa’s amazing birds. Fish eagles can be seen in the canyon, as well as Goliath herons and chats.
If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of otters or kudu, or even the wild horses – keep your distance and enjoy if you see them.
A comical sight is an old Vespa scooter. Apparently, it was one of 3 that were sponsored by Grosvenor Motors and geared up for the extreme climb. This one went over a cliff and had to be abandoned.
You might also come across some beachy areas with pools to swim in. Some years, though, these pools are only puddles. If you have the chance, though, jump in – it feels divine!
Palm Springs is a natural hot sulphur springs and is amazingly therapeutic on weary muscles.
The Best Time for Hiking the Fish River Canyon
The Canyon is only open during the winter months of May to mid-September. The rest of the year the temperatures can rise as high as 41.4ºC (106.5F), making it too dangerous for hiking.
Along with the high temperatures, the possibility of flash floods makes hiking outside of the winter months a risky adventure.
If you’re planning your trip to Namibia around this hike, the very best time to visit is between May and August. This is when the weather is cool and dry. It’s just you against the trail.
Fish River Canyon Ultra Marathon
Fish River Canyon is also the site of the Fish River Ultra, a non-stop 100 km/65km, 24-hour unsupported trail-running competition for ultra-distance runners.
There’s also the Fish River Ultra Lite, which is “only” 65km. These are known as some of the world’s most technical races.
The Ultra has been completed in just over 8 hours, the Lite in just over 5 hours. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
The dates are chosen to coincide with the full moon. This is to make it easier for the runners to see where they’re going. Entry is limited to 75 participants.
Unfortunately, the Ultra was cancelled due to Covid in 2020 and has not been run since. There has not been word if it will return. Fingers crossed.
UPDATE: As of August 2024, the Ultra has still not returned.
💲CURRENCY: Namibian Dollars. African Rand is also accepted.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit: Shoulder season, April/May
🔌 Electricity: Plugin Type D or B;
230V & 50 Hz
What To Pack for the Fish River Canyon Hike
✔️ Safety first: a first-aid kit with the basics. Include moleskin for possible blisters.
✔️ If you’re carrying your own gear, take as little as possible in a good-fitting, lightweight backpack
✔️ A good map of the canyon – Slingsby’s is still the best, but they’re getting hard to find!
✔️ Sunscreen, a hat, long sleeves to protect from the sun, and sunglasses are necessities
✔️ Solid footwear, well-broken in, that will keep the sand out as much as possible.
✔️ Water! Take your reusable Grayl water purifier bottle or water purification tablets, but remember that the pools may be puddles. Take enough water to see you through the hike.
✔️ The wind can blow up the sand – a light neck gator can be great for this.
✔️ A light bivvy bag and a down sleeping bag
✔️ Layers to see you through cool mornings and warm days. You’ll want layers that you can also wear to sleep in if you get too cool. A knit cap is a good idea for nights, as well.
✔️ A towel – a small microfiber one works best
✔️ A headlamp. Battery-powered is best, with extra batteries, unless you have a suitable power bank and are able to plug in a rechargeable one.
✔️ Purify any water before you drink it! A Life Straw is a great option, as there is no waiting time. Water purification tablets are another option.
Find all the information you need in this IWIF article about water purification tablets.
Summing It Up: Ai-Ais Namibia and Fish River Canyon Guide for 2025
There’s so much to see in Namibia, and the Ai-Ais Game Park is a great place to start. Fish River Canyon is the experience of a lifetime – there’s nothing else like it in Africa, so soak it up! This guide will make it easy.
If you need help deciding what to take to Namibia, check out the main Namibia Planning Guide. You’ll also find info on when to go to Namibia, renting a car, what adapters you need, and more.
Happy travels!
Read more about travelling in Namibia:
• Your Namibia Trip Planner: Everything You Need to Know
• Your Southern Namibia Road Trip Guide
• Your Central Namibia Travel Guide
• Northern Namibia: Your Epic In-Depth Travel Guide
• The Caprivi Strip: Your Namibia Travel Guide
• Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
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