This south-western corner of the country holds many surprises: the geological marvel of the Fish River Canyon, the green ribbon of the Orange River that snakes through the desert and the rich biological hotspot of the Richtersveld. The /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a pocket of wonder!
Peace park
The transfrontier park was established in 2003 when Namibia’s /Ai-/Ais and Fish River Canyon Park was amalgamated with South Africa’s Richtersveld National Park.
© Gondwana Collection
Where the Earth smiles
Stand on the edge of time at the second largest canyon in the world. This is where the earth bursts into a wide grin for all to see. It’s 549 metres deep and covers a distance of 90 kilometres to its end at Ai-Ais. Its widest point measures 27 kilometres.
Eternity
The Fish River Canyon took hundreds of millions-of-years to form. When the earth’s crust subsided along faults, it provided an easier route for the Fish River to follow and the river began to slowly carve away the canyon walls. Glaciers also flowed through the ancient riverbed, helping to shape the canyon depths. When the supercontinent Gondwana began to break up 120 million years ago, it lifted up the continental edges to form the younger and deeper part of the canyon. This gradient allowed the Fish River to flow even faster so that in the last few million years, it managed to cut through the hard quartzites of the Nama group and reach the ancient gneisses of the Namaqualand Metamorphic Complex. These layers are visible today on the canyon walls, marked by a line of unconformity separating the two, which gives us a glimpse back in time.
Awe-inspiring
Visit the canyon viewpoints to gain different perspectives of this great Earth masterpiece. To the north of the main viewpoint is Hiker’s Point and to the south, Sunset Point, Rocky Point and The Edge lead to the viewpoint at Sulphur Springs.
Lifeline
The Fish River, which originates east of the Naukluft Mountains, is a lifeline in the arid land. The water that remains in its permanent pools through the dry season has always been valued by local people. Archaeological evidence dates back 50 000 years.
© Gondwana Collection
Hike the Canyon: for the fit & feisty
For the fit, feisty and self-sufficient hiker, the 5-day 90km Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a wilderness adventure. Everything you need, you carry on your back. It starts at Hiker’s Point with a steep descent and follows the Fish River in a southerly direction to its end point at Ai-Ais. The hike includes clambering over boulders, crossing rivers and negotiating sandy and rocky stretches. Drink from the river and sleep under a blanket of stars.
Very hot
/Ai-/Ais is the Nama word for ‘very hot’ and Ai-Ais it the place where the hot water bubbles to the surface at ±60C. The hot springs have attracted people since earliest times to be healed by the rejuvenating waters. Soak in the pools in the spa at Ai-Ais Hotspring Resort or leap into the large outdoor pool.
Flora & fauna
Look out for the corky quiver trees and spiky Euphorbias that survive along the rim of the canyon, and the agile klipspringer, springbok and Hartmann’s mountain zebra that can sometimes be seen on the slopes.
© Mikkel Beiter
Wild horses
A small and hardy population of wild horses live in the Fish River Canyon depths between sulphur springs and Ai-Ais. They lead a tough existence eating hard river grass and being preyed on by leopard.
Fascinating facts
Over the years, the Fish River Canyon has had incidents of people losing their way or being injured. Day visitors are, therefore, no longer permitted to venture down into the canyon. This privilege is restricted to participants of the hike listed here, with valid permits, recent medical certificates and travel insurance.
Traveller’s tips
Book the 90km trail at Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Booking is compulsory. Tel. +264 (0)61 285 7333 or reservations@nwr.com.na
Entrance to the canyon is at Hobas where entrance permits must first be purchased before driving the 10km to the viewpoint.
Experience life on the edge.
Author: Ron Swilling
© Teagan Cunniffe
Do you feel like exploring the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park?
Contact the Gondwana Travel Centre to plan your trip.
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