Fish River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world and Namibia's most dramatic natural landmark. The canyon stretches 160 kilometres through the south of the country, dropping over 550 metres at its deepest, with the Fish River cutting through ancient Precambrian rock at the bottom.
The canyon is best known for the multi-day hike along its floor — 85 kilometres from Hobas in the north to the hot springs at Ai-Ais in the south, taking four to five days to complete. The trail presents unique challenges of heat, terrain, and self-sufficiency rather than technical difficulty, and water management is everything. It runs only between May and September; outside these months the heat makes it dangerous and the river can be impassable after rains. In early winter, river crossings can add time to the journey.
The rim viewpoints near Hobas can be visited year-round and are impressive on their own terms. The hot springs at Ai-Ais, at the southern end of the canyon, are accessible by road and make a good base for shorter walks around the canyon's lower section.