|
Hiking in Namibia is a truly great experience. Here, you can enjoy endless views, feel at one with nature and fully appreciate the beauty and harshness of the land. There are numerous places that all levels of walkers can enjoy and the best time to hike is between April and October when the weather is cooler. Namibian summers can be incredibly hot - over 40c and as rains fall during summer, there is also the risk of flash flooding in some parts so it's not really a time of year that we recommend. Before taking up any of these trails a recent medical certificate must be shown. Longer distance hiking here is wonderful but not for those looking for a leisurely stroll!
The five-day Fish River Canyon Hike is one of the most popular hikes in Namibia. The 85km route starts at Main Viewpoint and ends at the hot springs of Ai-Ais. The hike is open between 01th May and 15th September due to high temperatures in summer and the possibility of high water levels in the rainy season.
Day 01
Pick up time at about 08h00 in Windhoek. Heading southwards we will reach one of the lodges of the “Gondwana Cannon Park” late afternoon. The spectacular sunset compensates for the long drive.
Overnight at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges; (LD)
Day 02
After a short drive we reach the Main Viewpoint, which marks the start of the hike. We will be on the move for about 8 hours each day. The 500 decent into the Canyon takes us about 2hours due to the steep route and loose rocks. However, the view into the canyon landscape is spectacular. Finally we reach the bottom and our route continues for 13 km through boulders and rough sand. The water in the canyon is drinkable (micropure or similar purifying tablets can be used as an additional precaution). Exhausted we reach “Palm Springs” with its thermal sulphur pools, an enjoyment for our tired muscles. Walking time 7 – 8 hrs Overnight under a thousand stars; (BLD) 500m
Day 03
Today our route takes us along the riverbed, which we cross several times, depending on the water level. It is advisable to take trekking sandals along for the river crossings. The ground consists mostly of gravel, pebbles and deep sand. About 15 km from Palm Springs we will pass the “Table Mountain” named appropriately after its “mother” near Cape Town. We will sleep close to the “Three Sisters rock towers”, which are illuminated blood red by the setting sun. Walking time 7 – 8hrs Overnight under a thousand stars; (BLD)
Day 04
After breakfast we climb a hill from which we have a beautiful view of a rock formation consisting of four thick pinnacles, known as the “Four Finger Rock”. Another highlight along todays trail is the “Von Trotha’s grave”. Second Lieutenant Thilo von Trotha, a nephew of the well-known Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha, died here in 1905 during a confrontation between German soldiers and native Namas. As a reliable source of water the Fish River has always been considered as an oasis of life. We spent another night under the overwhelming African sky. Walking time 7 – 8 hrs Overnight under a thousand stars; (BLD)
Day 05
As we carry on along the riverbed walking gets easier, but remains sandy and rocky. The canyon widens out. Legend has it that a fleeing dragon left behind him the 160 km long and 450m deep furrow, which is now the second largest canyon of the world. Another adventures day slowly comes to an end. Walking time 7 – 8 hrs
Overnight under a thousand stars; (BLD)
Day 06
After 10km we reach Ai-Ais (Nama word for “hot hot). The hot water from the natural spring is pumped into a swimming pool, which we take advantage of. With a cold beer and a swim in the pool we wash off the dust of the previous days, before we get picked up and transferred to the “Gondwana Canon Park” where we highly appreciate the feeling of stretching out on a soft bed with fresh linen. Walking time 4 – 5 hrs Overnight at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges; (BLD)
Day 07
After a hearty breakfast we are back on the road for the long drive back to Windhoek, were an unforgettable journey comes to an end. (BL)
Disclaimer – please note that this itinerary is just a guideline and may change from the above.
Safari Facts
Price 2012: EUR 1475
Group Size: 4 to 7 (Minimum age: 12 years)
Start in Windhoek/Namibia
End in Windhoek/Namibia
Meals included
Tour in english
Accommodation: lodge and camping under a thousand stars
Important notes: A single supplement is available on this trip @ EUR 495.
Price Includes: English speaking guide/driver; door-to-door courtesy transport in Windhoek City area only; all transfers Windhoek - start/end point of hikes - Windhoek; accommodation as per itinerary; meals as per itinerary (B= cereals, coffee/tea, l= bread, cheese, salami, d= light cooked meal by our guide incl. coffee/tea); hiking permits;
Price Excludes: Personal travel insurance - this is compulory; sleeping bags, mattresses & backpack & water bottle; tips/gratuities; drinks/snacks; items of a personal nature; flights; visas
Departures 2012:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
between May and September 2012
CLIMATE:
The seasons in Namibia are reversed compared to those in Europe. During the European winter months we have summer in Namibia and vice versa. Winter and summer in Namibia differ from what we are used to in Europe, though. The winter in Namibia is the cooler dry season which is characterised by high temperature changes and hardly any rainfall. It can get very cold at night in the desert (June to August down to -5°C). During the day temperatures may rise up to 25°C. The Namibian summer (January to end of March) is the rainy season and it seldom rains during the other months. November and December are very hot with temperatures over 30°C, so it is essential to pack the suitable clothes. Rest assured that you will not encounter a grey sky that will linger for weeks! So bring some Sandals, walking shoes, light cotton clothes (Shorts and shirts), a jacket or fleece pullover and long trousers. We have seen everything: from beanies and gloves to bikinis!!
CHARACTER OF AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRAILS:
The trails are not difficult, but challenging. Fitness and good condition is essential as the trails entail 7 to 8 hours walking and you have to carry your luggage every day, including food and water (all together approx. 12 – 15 kg per person). As some of the routes lead through rough terrain and over large boulders it requires well balanced and secure walking. Please be aware of high temperature fluctuations, which can reach a high of 35°C during the day whilst sometimes plummeting down to -5°C at night, which can cause additional stress to your heart and circulation. We recommend you to prepare yourself for the trail with some fitness training. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism requires a medical report by your doctor not older than 40 days.
RECOMMENDATION:
We urgently recommend that comprehensive insurance cover be taken out before embarking on the tour to make provision for cancellation and curtailment, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation, loss or damage of personal baggage.
SafariScout.com or the local company that organizes or runs this trip will not be held responsible for any costs arising from any of the above events. Restriction of liability also applies if clients were unaware of this policy.
FORCE MAJEURE:
It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct the tour as described in the program; we cannot vouch for it, however. Unfavorable weather conditions, organizational problems, unforeseen events or other factors may force us to change the course of the tour. We apologies for any inconvenience caused. The opening and the closing periods for the Fish River Canyon Hike are regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and can change due to external influences (heat, water availability, flooding). Safaris Unlimited cannot be held responsible for tours being cancelled on those grounds and we reserve the right to changes according to circumstances at the time of booking.
|
