Africa's largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon is located in
southern Namibia in the eastern Namib Desert. Created by a fracture
in the earth's crust, the 100-mile (161km) canyon was carved out
further by the erosion of the Fish River over millions of
years.
The river can still become a torrent of fast-flowing water after
heavy rainfall in summer, drying up into occasional, semi-permanent
pools during the winter months. The main attraction of the area is
hiking, but hiking the Fish River Canyon can only be undertaken
during the winter months,
Requiring a high level of fitness, good health, and with no
facilities whatsoever, hikers must carry all they need. The
five-day trail covers 53 miles (86km) and is the best way to take
in the canyon's magnificent immensity, passing beneath the sheer
cliffs with their visible rock strata patterns towering 1,640-foot
(500m) above the harsh, rock-strewn plain.
The canyon comes to an end at Ais-Ais, meaning 'burning water'
in Nama, where one of the most famous hot spring resorts in the
country is located. Hikers can look forward to a relaxing soak in
the therapeutic hot water after completing the trail.