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NAMIBIA - Real Fish River Canyon Trek
The Real Fish River Canyon Hike (so called because it follows the
main part of the canyon) is one of the most popular hikes in Namibia.
The 85km route starts at Main Viewpoint and ends at the hot springs
of Ai-Ais. The hike is open between 01st May and 15th September
due to high temperatures in summer and the possibility of high water
levels in the rainy season.
Day 01:
Pick up time at about 8h00 in Windhoek. Heading southwards we will
reach one of the lodges of the "Gondwana Canon Park" late
afternoon. The spectacular sunset compensates for the long drive.
Overnight at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges;[LD]
Day 02:
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
After a short drive we reach the Main Viewpoint, which marks the
start of the hike. We will be on the move for about 8 hours each
day. The 500m descent into the Canyon takes us about 2 hours due
to the steep route and loose rocks. However the view into the canyon
landscape is spectacular. Finally we reach the bottom and our route
continues for 13 km through boulders and rough sand. The water in
the canyon is drinkable (Micropur or similar purifying tablets can
be used as an additional precaution). Exhausted, we reach "Palm
Springs" with its thermal sulphur pools, an enjoyment for our
tired muscles.
Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD] ¯500m
Day 03:
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
Today our route takes us along the riverbed, which we cross several
times, depending on the water level. It is advisable to take trekking
sandals along for the river crossings. The ground consists mostly
of gravel, pebbles and deep sand. About 15 km from Palm Springs
we will pass the "Table Mountain" named appropriately
after its "mother" near Cape Town. We will sleep close
to the "Three Sisters rock towers", which are illuminated
blood red by the setting sun. Overnight under a thousand stars;
[BLD]
Day 04:
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
After breakfast we climb a hill from which we have a beautiful view
of a rock formation consisting of four thick pinnacles, known as
the "Four Finger Rock". Another highlight along todays
trail is the "Von Trotha's grave". Second Lieutenant Thilo
von Trotha, a nephew of the well-known Lieutenant General Lothar
von Trotha, died here in 1905 during a confrontation between German
soldiers and native Namas. As a reliable source of water the Fish
River has always been considered as an oasis of life. We spent another
night under the overwhelming African sky. Overnight under a thousand
stars; [BLD]
Day 05:
Walking time: 7 - 8 hrs
As we carry on along the riverbed walking gets easier, but remains
sandy and rocky. The canyon widens out. Legend has it that a fleeing
dragon left behind him the 160 km long and 450m deep furrow, which
is now the second largest canyon of the world. Another adventures
day slowly comes to an end. Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD]
Day 06:
Walking time: 4 - 5 hrs
After 10km we reach Ai-Ais (Nama word for "hot hot").
The hot water from the natural spring is pumped into a swimming
pool, which we take advantage of. With a cold beer and a swim in
the pool we wash off the dust of the previous days, before we get
picked up and transferred to the "Gondwana Canon Park"
where we highly appreciate the feeling of stretching out on a soft
bed with fresh linen.
Overnight at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges; [BLD]
Day 07:
After a hearty breakfast we are back on the road for the long drive
back to Windhoek, where an unforgettable journey comes to an end.
[BL-]
Cost: £1425 per person.
Scheduled tours departing May - September on every second Wednesday.
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; hiking permits
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:
· sleeping bags, light iso mattress and back packs (recommended
55 litre plus), 1.5 ltr water bottle,
· Personal insurance (important: medical evacuation)
· Tips
· Alcoholic drinks and beverages
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.
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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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