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NAMIBIA - Fish River Canyon - Fish Eagle
Trail
Imagine exploring the Fish River Canyon from as close as it gets,
hiking in almost pristine nature with just a light backpack, dreaming
at the campfire and falling asleep in the open under a dazzling
night sky... Adventurous and physically fit trekkers who join this
tour can expect a unique and exciting canyon experience in the wilderness
area north of the main lookout point.
Luggage and equipment are ferried by mules, while participants
only need to carry water and snacks for the day's hike as well as
their camera. A qualified guide explains geology, flora and fauna,
a mule driver takes care of the pack animals and a supply team is
in charge of the camps.
The Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on earth, is situated
in the transition zone between two desert systems, the Nama Karoo
and the Succulent Karoo (the world's most diverse desert). The landscape
is characterised by meandering gorges which are up to 500 m deep
and twist and turn through layers of rock which are millions of
years old. The flora includes unique plants like the quiver tree,
candelabra euphorbia or tamarisk; game such as mountain zebra, klipspringer,
kudu, duiker, springbok and ostrich abounds in the area.
Highlights
High plateau with 360 degree panoramic views, narrow gorges, natural
springs, swimming and fishing in pools (depressions, filled with
water), fascinating plant and animal world of the Nama Karoo Desert,
three nights in the open under the starry sky or in a tent
Day 1 - Arrival and Introduction
Transfer to Gondwana Cañon Park at the Fish River Canyon.
In the evening we discuss all there is to know about the tour and
acquaint ourselves with the equipment. Dinner, bed and breakfast
at one of the accommodation establishments in Gondwana Cañon
Park.
Optional - Tour with transfer from and to Windhoek: guests are
picked up at their accommodation in Windhoek; light lunch on the
way.
Day 2 - Mule Trekking
After breakfast transfer to Cañon Roadhouse, the starting
point of the tour. We set off as soon as our gear is loaded onto
the mules. The first stage is perfect for warming up: the path takes
us slightly uphill, past quiver trees, to a high plateau where we
enjoy terrific 360 degree views of the canyon scenery. Then we continue
along a small dry riverbed which digs deeper and deeper into the
layers of rock until it spills into a gorge. Picnic lunch in the
shade. In the afternoon we continue further down the gorge and arrive
at our camp. While we have a drink at the campfire our tour guide
prepares dinner; everybody who feels like it is welcome to help.
The night is spent at Augurabis Gorge Camp - in a tent or in the
open under the star-studded night sky.
Day 3 - Mule Trekking
We enjoy our first breakfast out in the open. Then we continue along
one of the Fish River's tributaries. As our path takes us downward
further and further, the rock faces around us become steeper and
narrower. Here and there we come across springs from which crystal-clear
water is bubbling forth. Picnic in the shade of trees. With a little
luck we spot kudu, klipspringer and mountain zebra - or waterbirds
like the African Fish Eagle, after which this trail has been named.
On smooth blue dolomite we find abstract rock engravings - left
by Namibia's original inhabitants thousands of years ago. In the
afternoon the gorge suddenly widens: we have made it to the Fish
River. Dinner and overnight stay at Fish River Camp.
Day 4 - Mule Trekking
After a substantial breakfast we explore the second largest canyon
on earth by following the course of the Fish River downstream. The
river bears water only after good rainfalls, usually between January
and April, the months when rain is most likely. Pebble fields alternate
with slabs of rock and sand dunes. With every bend the gorges become
deeper and the rockfaces steeper. The massive layers of rock recount
dramatic chapters in the history of the earth. We pick a shaded
little spot for our picnic lunch. Here and there we come across
large, deep pools (depressions in the rock or in the sand, filled
with water) in which we can swim or fish for Fish River carp. Later
in the afternoon we arrive at Rock Pool Camp. Dinner at the campfire,
overnight in a tent or in the open.
Day 5 - Up to the Rim of the Canyon
Another big breakfast fortifies us for the highlight of the tour:
the ascent to the rim of the canyon, towering hundreds of metres
above us. The stony slope which we are about to conquer drops deeply
in many places. While the mules follow a path used by zebra we climb
in serpentines, stopping frequently to marvel at the view. North
of the main lookout point we clamber up to the canyon's rim. Picnic
lunch with a view. We cross a plain and are happy to see our driver
who is there to collect us. After a farewell look into the canyon
we are taken to our accommodation in Gondwana Cañon Park.
The hiking tour has come to an end. Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast
in the morning.
Optional days 6 and 7 - tour with transfer from and to Windhoek:
Day 6 - Relaxing in Gondwana Cañon Park
We use this day to recover from the exertion of the past few days
and to reflect on what we have seen and
experienced. If you like you can join various activities offered
by the lodge.
Go for a hack: enjoy the scenery of Gondwana Cañon Park on
horseback (Rates on request);
sundowner drive: this three-hour excursion is an opportunity to
acquaint yourself with Gondwana Cañon Park
- you will learn interesting facts and fascinating details about
the local geology and the adaptability of flora and fauna (about
3 hours, N$ 160.00 per person); scenic flight over the Fish River
Canyon (minimum 2 passengers, price on request).
Overnight in one of the lodges of Gondwana Cañon Park with
breakfast and dinner.
Day 7 - Return trip to Windhoek
After breakfast it is back to Windhoek; picnic on the way. Distance
to drive about 650 km.
Services included:
- Schedule as described above (single room / tent on request)
- All meals as described above. During the tour breakfast (cereals,
coffee/tea), lunch (bread, cheese, salami),
- dinner (a light cooked meal, with coffee/tea)
- During the tour: an experienced guide, mule driver and supply
team
- Mules for the luggage, crockery and cutlery, stool for sitting,
sleeping bag with lining, light thermo-mat, tent
- park fees where applicable
Optional - Transfer from/to Windhoek:
- Vehicle with English speaking driver
- Door-to-door transport within Windhoek
- All transfers (Windhoek - Fish River Canyon - Windhoek)
Services not included:
- Beverages (other than water, coffee & tea), bottle to drink
from (about 2 litres)
- Light rucksack (can be hired), 6 to 8 kg have to be carried by
everybody
- Personal insurance
- Tips
- Souvenirs/presents
- It is not possible to ride the mules
Special requirements
- Participants have to be physically fit and cannot be afraid of
heights
- We urgently recommend that comprehensive insurance cover be taken
out before embarking on the tour to
- make provision for cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses,
emergency evacuation, repatriation as well as
- loss or damage of personal baggage and loss of foreign currency.
We will not be held responsible for any costs arising from any
of the above events. Restriction of liability also applies if clients
were unaware of this policy.
Force majeure
It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct the tour
as described in the programme; we cannot vouch for it, however.
Unfavourable weather conditions, the Fish River in flood, organizational
problems, unforeseen events or other factors may force us to change
the course of the tour. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Time 1 May to 16 September; otherwise on request
Duration 5 days / 5 nights
If tour includes transfer from/to Windhoek: 7 days, 6 nights
Dates on request;
If tour includes transfer from/to Windhoek:
(departure Wednesdays, return Tuesdays)
Distance 15 to 20 km / 6 to 8 hours of walking per day
Cost: £820 per person
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Namibia can be visited at any time of the year. June - September
is the coolest and driest period
4X4 hire, Standard accommodation is shown - luxury is a higher
quality and full camping equipment is provided for that option,
meals and activities as stated plus maps, 24-hour support
and instruction.
Meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, taxes, trips, extras,
laundry service, additional tours, insurance, airline tickets
(where applicable), sleeping bags, hiking boots and personal
clothing and equipment.
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