"The devastatingly beautiful arid and mountain landscapes of Southern Namibia more than make up for what the region lacks in wildlife. It’s an area marked by the passing of time; where, over millions of years, glaciers clawed and carved at the earth, gouging out the ridges and valleys of the colossal Fish River Canyon. Extensive plains, sand dunes, rocky outcrops, hot springs, a quiver tree forest, ghost town and wild horses – Southern Namibia is, beyond doubt, an intriguing part of the country.”
- Narina Exelby
Fish River Canyon & Southern Namibia
One can only truly appreciate the enormity of the immense Fish River Canyon when it’s seen in reality. This colossal 160km-long canyon, carved over 500-million years, is utterly compelling when seen in the late afternoon or early morning light… and even more unforgettable when experienced from the river bed during the well-known five-day, 85km hike through the canyon. In some places the canyon is 550m deep; at its widest point the canyon measures 27km.
The Fish River Canyon falls within the |Ai- |Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Namibia’s first cross-border park (shared with South Africa) and one of the most species-rich arid zones in the world. You’ll see baboons and antelope such as klipspringer, steenbok and grey rhebok, but there aren’t many large mammals in the park; it’s the landscape and the flora, however, that are the real heroes here. There are more than 100 endemic succulents within the park, and more than 1600 other plant species; on the South Africa side of the park the Succulent Karoo biome is one of the richest on the planet.
The quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum) forest near Keetmanshoop is a national monument, and much loved by photographers. Here, more than 250 quiver trees (the oldest are about 300 years old) grow between rocky outcrops. Also popular, especially with photographers, is the ghost town of Kolmanskop, once a thriving diamond-mining settlement whose dilapidated old buildings are now filling up with sand.
The sleepy little Lüderitz, which is wedged between the coastline and the Namib Desert, is known for its fine example of German colonial architecture.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
A beautiful time to visit season of change as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. Temperatures can however be extremely hot, with a midday high of around 35°C/95°F, though at times it can often rise well over 40°C/104°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
A beautiful time to visit season of change as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. Temperatures can however be extremely hot, with a midday high of around 35°C/95°F, though at times it can often rise well over 40°C/104°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
A beautiful time to visit season of change as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. Temperatures can however be extremely hot, with a midday high of around 35°C/95°F, though at times it can often rise well over 40°C/104°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
A beautiful time to visit season of change as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. Temperatures can however be extremely hot, with a midday high of around 35°C/95°F, though at times it can often rise well over 40°C/104°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate – all in all a great time of year to visit this region. Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate – all in all a great time of year to visit this region. Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate – all in all a great time of year to visit this region. Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate – all in all a great time of year to visit this region. Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate – all in all a great time of year to visit this region. Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 28°C/82°F, while night temperatures average a low of 14°C/57°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate – all in all a great time of year to visit this region. Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 28°C/82°F, while night temperatures average a low of 14°C/57°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm.
Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 33°C/91°F midday, it is not uncommon for much warmer days than this, with temperatures occasionally over 40°C/104°F. Morning temperatures are more pleasant with an average minimum of 18°C/64°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
A beautiful time to visit season of change as the landscape transforms into many shades of green. Great birding with migratory species present. Temperatures can however be extremely hot, with day hot, with a midday high usual around 35°C/95°F midday, temperatures can often rise well over 40°C/104°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Fish River Canyon and Southern Namibia has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. This is one area which is great throughout the year, although more pleasant perhaps in the drier, cooler months of the year.
Explore Fish River Canyon & Southern Namibia Properties
Fish River Lodge
Fish River Lodge
Designed to make the most of the incredible views of Fish River Canyon, Fish River Lodge is a modern, minimalist property and the only lodge to enjoy a location on the rim of the canyon. Surrounded by rugged beauty and a grove of ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
