Fish River Canyon, Canyon in Karas Region, Namibia

Fish River Canyon is a deep rift that cuts through southern Namibia and divides the landscape into two distinct zones. The upper plateau and the lower valley below create dramatic natural views with steep rock walls and gentler sections in between.

Formation of this canyon began around 650 million years ago as erosion from water and wind slowly wore away the rock. Tectonic movements of the earth also contributed to carving the depth and shape of this spectacular gorge.

The canyon lies largely within the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, with the remainder in the private Gondwana Cañon Park. Its two main camps are Hobas, near the main viewpoint and information centre at the northern end, and ǀAi-ǀAis, in the river basin with hot springs in the south. The name comes from the Fish River (Afrikaans Visrivier), which carved it.

The best viewpoints are reached via unpaved roads from Keetmanshoop, with several viewing areas equipped with rest spots and basic facilities. Arrive early to avoid midday heat and see the landscape in better light.

The canyon's two parts were declared a national monument in 1962. The Fish River below the Hardap Dam carries water only in rainy periods, yet pools in the riverbed are probably fed by groundwater all year and are used by antelopes and leopards. MeteoNa has recorded temperatures well above 50 °C here.