City Slicker’s Guide for Visiting the Fish River Canyon Viewpoint

Many guests long to hike the Fish River Canyon, but some of us aren’t crazy! 😉 We’re just keen to see the spectacular view from the top – and specular it is.

Second biggest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon in America), here’s our City Slicker’s Guide to visiting the Fish River Canyon Viewpoint:

1. Tickets to view the canyon are available from the Hobas office for about R90 per person (SADC).
2. If your vehicle can not take you to the canyon, there is a shuttle from Hobas.
3. There are picnic tables at the canyon to allow for visitors to relax while taking in the view.
4. There are 2 viewing decks, the main one and a smaller one to the north.
5. There is absolutely no mobile reception near the canyon so do not count on having communication.
6. Wear closed shoes as it is very rocky at some parts and always wear sunscreen.
7. Absolutely no day hiking allowed in the Canyon.
8. Visitors are allowed to camp at Hobas where there is a canteen, pool and ablution block.
9. There is a small shop at Hobas for general snacks and cool drinks.
10. Because of the extreme weather, permits to enter the canyon are only supplied from 1 May and 15 September.

If you’re considering hiking the canyon…

The trail from Hobas to the Ai Ais Hot springs takes 5 days. Once you are down in the canyon – you can’t turn back! This means it is essential to be super prepared and fit enough to complete the trail (a doctor’s certificate is required to prove this). We stayed at Ai-Ais and joyously watched the hikers come in and ring the bell after 5 days in the canyon. What an achievement.

Check out Getaway Magazine‘s in-depth article if you want to actually hike the canyon.

Meg’s History with the Fish River Canyon

Having spend a family holiday at Ai-Ais, the De Beers helicopter was called into the canyon to rescue someone who had had a stroke in the canyon. This meant we were able to ‘catch a flight’ home – a way better trip than the 4 hour drive back in Dad’s VW Passat! Needless to say, it’s a memory of a life time flying back down the Orange river to our humble village of Oranjemund.