20 May 2025
Every year the same anxious question among hiking fans in Namibia and South Africa: Will the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail be open or not? Usually because the river has not flowed and there is hardly any drinkable water to be found. This time, however, because it is still flowing and it is critical to cross it at the necessary spots...
Eight days before the start of the hiking season on 1 May came the bad news. Too dangerous, the river level was too high, said the rangers of the |Ai |Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (see message on the website of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)).
However, on the last day before the opening, NWR decided "[a]fter careful review and further discussions with key stakeholders" to open the trail after all. "While the water levels remain higher than usual, the route is deemed safe for hiking, provided that participants take necessary precautions" (see NWR website).
The state accommodation group NWR is responsible for operating the trail. It operates the Hobas and |Ai |Ais rest camps. Hobas is located 10 kilometres from 'Hiker's Point', the starting point of the trail, and |Ai |Ais at the end point. At both rest camps, staff monitor who sets off on the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail and who completes it.
The first hiking groups spoke of a major challenge. It is necessary to now and then cross the Fish River on the route. You have to be careful where you step to avoid slipping. Being rescued from the canyon with a broken ankle is very time-consuming and expensive – nevermind the pain.
But so far there have been no injuries, only enthusiastic hikers. "We have never experienced the Fish River flowing so strongly," said some who had already completed the hiking tour several times. Experience reports with photos can be found on the Facebook group “I hiked the Fish River Canyon”.
In March and April, southern Namibia received good rainfall, as did the rest of Namibia. The Neckartal Dam more than 100 kilometres upstream overflowed in April. The Naute Dam south of Keetmanshoop also had to open its floodgates. It dams the Löwen Rivier (dry river), which flows into the Fish River above the canyon.
In 2023, park rangers had to set up drinking water reservoirs for hikers at several points along the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail. At that time, it had hardly rained in southern Namibia. As a result, there was very little drinkable water in the canyon.
The season for hiking in the Fish River Canyon starts every year on 1 May and ends on 15 September. From mid-September to the end of April it is usually too hot. The sun heats up the rocks during the day.
The Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail from 'Hiker's Point' near Hobas to ǀAi ǀAis is around 85 kilometres long. The hike must be booked well in advance (see NWR website) and may only be undertaken in groups of at least three people.
Another great challenge for hiking fans is the 120 km long Naukluft Hiking Trail (see Facebook group 'I hiked the Naukluft Hiking Trail'). It is open from 1 March to 31 October and can also be booked via NWR. There are also day hikes in the Naukluft Mountains: the Waterkloof Trail and the Olive Trail.
Further hiking trails and experience reports can be found on the Facebook group 'Hiking in Namibia'.
Sven-Eric Stender
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