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Namibia> Safaris in Namibia> Other Safaris around Namibia |
This guided hiking trail through the Fish River Canyon, offers two nights of lodge accommodation (one on either side of the hike) as well as return transport from Windhoek.
The five-day Fish River Canyon Hike 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 only open between 15th April and 15th September due to the summer heat and the possibility of high water level in the rain season.
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Day
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Route/Activities |
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1
Wednesday |
Pick up time at 8h00 from Windhoek. Heading southwards we will reach a lodge of the “Gondwana Canon Park” late afternoon |
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2
Thursday |
From the lodge to Main Viewpoint, the start of the hike, it is only a short drive. For the 500m descent into the Canyon we need about 2 hours. The route is steep and leads across loose rocks. However this section with the view into the canyon landscape is spectacular. Each day we will be on the move for about 8 hours. The water in the canyon is drinkable (but you may us Micropur or similar purifying tablets as an additional precaution). The first 13km are quite exhausting because the route leads through boulders and rough sand. Overnight at "Palm Springs” with thermal sulphur pools an enjoyment for our tired muscles. [BLD] |
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3
Friday |
The route mostly leads along the riverbed, which has to be crossed several times, depending on the water level. It is advisable to take trekking sandals along for the river crossings. The ground today mostly consists of gravel, pebbles and deep sand. About 15 kms from Palm Springs we will pass “Table Mountain” named appropriately after its “mother” near Cape Town. We will overnight just before the “Three Sisters rock towers”, which look like red blood illuminated in the light of the last rays of the sun. [BLD] |
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4
Saturday |
A shortcut leads to the top of a hill with a view of a rock formation consisting of four thick pinnacles, known as "Four Finger Rock", Further along the trail we will pass “Von Trotha’s grave". Second Lieutenant Thilo von Trotha, a nephew of the well-known Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha, fell here in 1905 during a confrontation between German soldiers and native Namas. In former times the fish river was already considered as an oasis of life. Overnight along the riverbed. [BLD] |
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5
Sunday |
The Trail gets more easy but still sandy and rocky. The canyon widens out. Overnight along the riverbed. [BLD] |
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6
Monday |
There are still 10km to go to Ai-Ais, a cold beer, hot shower and a soft bed. We should reach “Ai-Ais” around noon. The hot water from the natural spring is pumped into a swimming pool, where we can relax. The name Ai-Ais means in the Nama language "hot hot". Transfer per vehicle to the “Gondwana Canon Park” where we again can relax in one of their lodges. [B--] |
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7
Tuesday |
Drive back to Windhoek. [B--] |
Note: Itinerary Description Text supplied by tour operator
| Vital Statistics | |
| Duration | 7 Days |
| Cost - until 1 November 2006 | From N$6156 per person Price depends on number of participants |
| Mode of Transport | Hiking Boots |
| Group Size | Maximum 7 people |
| Minimum age | 12 Years |
| Special Requirements | good fitness; doctors medical report which is not older than 40 days; guest must sign indemnity form and have to provide own medical evacuation insurance. |
| Other | Clients have to carry weight up to 15kg (all equipment and food is to be shared plus personal belongings). |
| Included in the package | • One English/German speaking experienced nature guide/driver per group • Free door-to-door courtesy transport in Windhoek City area only • All transfers Windhoek – start/endpoint of hikes - Windhoek • Program as stated above (incl. two nights lodge accommodation - double room basis, single room on request) • All meals during the hike (B= cereals, coffee/tea, L= bread, cheese, salami, D= light cooked meal by our guide incl. coffee/tea, during lodge accommodation breakfast only • All crockery and cutlery • Hiking permits |
| Not Included | • Equipment such as: sleeping bags, light iso mattress and back packs (recommended 55 litre plus), 1.5 ltr water bottle (these can be rented) • Personal insurance (important: medical evacuation) • Tips • Alcoholic drinks and beverages |