Hobas viewpoint
Awe-inspiring.
Thomas Schoch — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Reinhard Kraasch — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0
Africa's largest canyon, an immense gash in the plateau of southern Namibia running about 160 kilometres, up to 27 kilometres wide and almost 550 metres deep, carved by the Fish River, Namibia's longest interior river, over hundreds of millions of years. From the rim viewpoints near Hobas camp an awe-inspiring scene unfolds: layers of brown, red and grey rock stepping down in terraces, the river twisting through sharp bends on the canyon floor, and the desert plateau stretching to the horizon. Sunset and sunrise, when the layers change colour, are finest. The canyon is known for a trail along its floor of about 85 kilometres over five days, one of Africa's toughest hikes, allowed only in the cool months with an advance permit and a medical certificate. At its southern end are the Ai-Ais hot springs and resort. The park fee differs between sources. Keep back from the edge, which is mostly unfenced. The desert is very hot by day from October to March and cold at night, so start early and carry water and a hat. Namibia's gravel roads cause many accidents, so drive slowly, never travel at night and carry plenty of water and fuel.
Awe-inspiring.
On the floor.
For the fit.
Southern Namibia, about 150 km south of Keetmanshoop
Yes, on the five-day trail, but only in the cool months, with an advance permit and a medical certificate.