Fish River Canyon
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The Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world and the largest in Africa. Formed 500 million years ago it is magnificent in its immensity and desolate with enticing hills and chasms created from a combination of water erosion and the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earths crust. It features a huge ravine measuring 100 miles long, 5 miles wide and almost 600 metres deep. The River is generally quite dry but during the rainy season between January and April it can become a raging torrent. Although it is Namibia’s longest interior river it is just a trickle compared to the raging river it once was.
Although wildlife in the Canyon is not as concentrated as it is elsewhere in Africa it is still quite impressive. It is home to many species of mammals including kudu, klipspringer, leopard, baboon, steenbok, springbok, mountain zebra and wild horses. Birdlife includes lovebirds, kingfishers, wild ostrich, wading birds, fish eagles, pelicans and black eagles riding the thermals. Reptiles are also plentiful and you may even catch a glimpse of a large Leguan lizard.
The best time to visit the Fish River Canyon is during the winter season between May and September when the weather is cool and pleasant. The best way to explore the area is on a guided hike.
