The Canyon Fish Eagle Trail is 5 day hike through the northern part of the Fish River Canyon. What makes this hiking experience unique is that you can explore the canyon without having to carry your own backpack, all the camping equipment is transported by a team of mules.

It has been designed for the more adventurous of visitors to Namibia, who are both physically fit and keen hiking enthusiasts. On the Canyon Fish Eagle Trail you can expect a unique and exciting experience in Namibia's premier wilderness area, around the northern part of the canyon. Tours can be organized between 15th March and 15th October. An alternative is the 4 day Canyon Klipspringer Trail.

The Fish River Canyon runs through the transition zone of 2 desert systems:

• Nama Karoo - this desert system includes regions of the interior of southern Namibia including the Gondwana Canon Park and Fish River Canyon. Karoo means semi-desert in the language of the Khoi-San and it's low mean annual rainfall and 'water deficit factor' entitle it to be regarded as desert.
• Succulent Karoo - this particular desert system is unusual in that rainfall occurs in the winter (May to September) as opposed to the summer as is the case in the remainder of Namibia. There is little moisture for desert flora and fauna to survive on and the small amounts of rain that do fall are complemented by fog that occasionally rolls in from the coast. The Succulent Karoo gets its name from the water storing succulent plants that account for most of the vegetation. There are more than 1,700 species of leafy succulents and 130 species of stem succulents.

Highlights:

• Diverse canyon scenery characterized by meandering gorges up to 500m deep.
• The high plateau offers 360 degree panoramic views of gorges and springs.
• Relax and refresh by swimming or fishing in natural pools.
• Learn about the fascinating plant and animal world of the Nama Karoo Desert.
• 3 x nights sleeping in a tent or in the open under the spectacular Namibian starry night skies.

Children are accepted from the age of 12 years old and over.

Hiking in Namibia

Day 1: Canon Outpost

Guests can either make their own travel arrangements to Canon Outpost, or they can request an optional extra and tour with a transfer from and to Windhoek. Passengers choosing the optional tour will be picked up from their accommodation and be driven the 650km, with a light lunch en-route. Participants arriving under their own steam should arrive no later than 17h00 as the evening is set aside for trail preparation in the form of a briefing and equipment familiarity.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Canon Outpost

Day 2: Mule trekking from Canon Outpost to Flamingo Bay Camp

After an early breakfast and once the mules have been loaded, the Canon Fish Eagle Trail sets off around 07h00, heading away from the gorge of the seasonal Gaap River on ancient zebra paths. The trek clambers up to the top of high plateaus before crossing them, stopping at appropriate viewpoints to admire and photograph the immense Fish River Canyon scenery along the way.
A picnic lunch is scheduled at around noon, whilst the mules and supply teams move on ahead to set up camp. The afternoon sees a steady descent down an escarpment, along steep and uneven valleys and traversing stony and sandy plains before arriving at the Fish River. The guides will prepare dinner whilst hikers enjoy a drink around the campfire and any budding chefs are welcome to assist with preparing dinner tonight, or any other night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Flamingo Bay Camp
Distance: 18km

Day 3: Mule trekking from Flamingo Bay Camp to Echo Pools Camp

An open-air breakfast offers the opportunity to spot a flamingo in the desert. There are abstract rock engravings etched onto smooth, blue dolomite rock thousands of years ago by Namibia’s original inhabitants on the way as the trail continues upstream along the Fish River. Sporadic patches of river pebbles alternating with slabs of rock and sand dunes are passed en-route. Your guide will inform of the country's dramatic change over millions of years, from information gleaned from the massive layers of rock.
A shady site will be selected for a picnic lunch and sometimes your guide can lead you to a deep pool of water for a refreshing dip or a spot of fishing. After more hiking in the canyon the team arrive at Echo Pools Camp - named after the echo reverberating from the arched rock faces. The sight as the rock reflects the light of the setting sun in an impressive array of colours is an outstanding backdrop to enjoy a sundowner before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Echo Pools Camp
Distance: 12km

Day 4: Mule trekking from Echo Pools Camp to Horse Shoe Canyon

Day 4 is the shortest, but most strenuous leg of the hike, starting with a steep and stony ascent on a zigzag path to the top of a high plateau. The exercise is well worth the effort with a 360º panoramic view across the canyon as far as the eye can see. The amazing views extend by 40km and beyond into every direction - a welcome sight compared to the limited field of vision in the canyon.
A shady picnic is scheduled for around noon. After lunch it's time to cross the plateau, passing clusters of quiver trees along the way before arriving at a small spring and depending on the time of year an amazing sight - a high waterfall! The highlight of the tour awaits though – this evenings camp – pitched next to the rim of Horse Shoe Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horse Shoe Canyon
Distance: 10km

Day 5: Road transfer from Horse Shoe Canyon to Canon Outpost

After breakfast some weary and tired legs can climb into an open vehicle for the final leg and to the destination of the Canon Fish Eagle Trail as the round trip draws to a close with a 2hr drive of stunning canyon scenery. On arrival at Canon Outpost, the trail has come to an end.
Meals: Breakfast

Included

• Luggage and equipment are carried by mules
• Stages are 10-18km/day, equivalent to 6-10hrs walking/day (including breaks).
• Hikers only need to pack water, snacks and camera's for the day’s hike.
• A qualified and knowledgeable guide accompanies you to explain geology, flora and fauna.
• A mule driver takes care of the pack animals.
• A supply team is in charge of the camps.
• Camp equipment includes tent, mattress, table, chairs, crockery, cutlery, WC and shower
• Meals are cooked on an open fire.
• Shower and toilets offer a spectacular view into the open wilds.

Excluded

• Beverages (other than water, coffee & tea), drinking bottle (about 2 litres)
• Light rucksack (day pack ± 25 litre)
• Sleeping bag (-5 °C)
• Personal insurance
• Tips
• Souvenirs/presents
• It is not possible to ride the mules