NamibWeb.com - The online guide to Namibia: Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais Resort and Hobas

Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais Resort and Hobas

Information on the second largest canyon in the world.

The Fish River Canyon can be reached driving down south on B1, turning to B4 towards Luderitz, turning left on C12 and follow signs. The main attraction of the park is Fish River Canyon Hike (see information below).
Can be booked in advance only! fishcanyon.JPG (15691 bytes)
Due to extreme temperatures (up to 50 degrees in the summer!) open only during winter time.

The canyon, which is 161 kilometres long and up to 550 meters deep, forms part of the conservation area proclaimed a reserve in 1969.
Vegetation. The vegetation in the area has been classified as dwarf shrub savannah. The following trees occur: camel thorn, quiver tree (kokerboom), sweet thorn, buffalo thorn.
Ai-Ais: One of the most famous hot-spring resorts in the country. The name is a Khoekhoen word which can be translated as ''fire water''. The area was discovered in 1850 by local Nama shepherd. During Nama uprising of 1903-07 the spring was used by German military forces as a base camp. They were also using this area in 1915 as a base to recover from wounds during invasion of South African troops. Later the spring was leased to local entrepreneur and proclaimed a national monument in 1962. In 1969 it became a conservation area. The rest camp was opened in 1971 on 16 March. Severe floods in 1972, 1974 and 1988 caused camp to close down for some time. The Fish River Canyon Conservation area was enlarged in 1987 by addition of state land west of canyon. Renovations to the Ai-Ais camp were carried out in 1987-88.

Pictures:

Related links:

Accommodation in the area:

Ai-Ais: Usage and entrance fees per day (payable on arrival only):

Adults foreign N$ 80	Passenger vehicle (up to 10 seats) N$ 10
Adults SADC N$ 60	Bus (11-25 seats) N$ 40
Adults Namibian residents N$ 30	Bus (26-50 seats) N$ 300
Children (6-16) no charge	Bus (51 and more seats) N$ 500

Additional information:
Day visitors are admitted between sunrise and sunset only. Overnight visitors may not leave the resort between 23.00 and 6.00.
Other facilities:
Kiosk, swimming pool, restaurant, fuel, fire wood. No banking facilities.
Entrance to mineral bath or spa:
Open: 7.00-9.00, 12.00-14.00, 18.00-22.00.
Restaurant:
Open: 7.00-9.00, 12.00-14.00, 18.00-22.00
Meal times:
7.00-8.30, 12.00-13.30, 18.00-20.30

Hobas
Located 10 km from the main viewpoint along the access road to the canyon. There is a kiosk with basic supplies and a swimming pool.
Usage and entrance fees per day (payable on arrival only):

Adults N$ 20	Bus (11-25 seats) N$ 60
Children (6-16) N$ 2	Bus (26-50 seats) N$ 160
Passenger vehicle (up to 10 seats) N$ 20	Bus (51 and more seats) N$ 240

Ai-Ais accommodation per night 2008, valid from 01.11.2007:

Ai-Ais will be closed from 01 November 2007 to 01 April 2008 for a complete refurbishment. NWR will release the new rates in due course. NWR appreciates your patience.

Hobas camping per night: camping sites 2008, valid from 01.11.2007:

Unit type	Number of units	Daily rates	Note
Camping	10	N$ 99 per site plus N$ 99 per person	Maximum 8 persons per site
Children under the age of 6 stay free of change, 6-12 years old pay 50%

Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail:
Starts from main view point 10 km from Hobas and ends in Ai-Ais. It is approximately 80 kilometres long and takes 4 to 5 days to complete.
Open from 15 April to 15 September.
Groups of minimum 3 and maximum of 40 persons are allowed. No children under 12 years old.
Reservations should be made well in advance. The price: 130 N$ per person. Own transport must be arranged. Transport back to Hobas from Ai-Ais must be arranged with Ai-Ais office directly. Approximate cost is 40 N$ per person.
Medical questionnaire is here. Please print it out and fill it in.
All going on Fish River Canyon Hike do pay normal entrance fees for the first day only.
Certificates of fitness and indemnity forms must be submitted to the office in Hobas!

Trail Hoppers Canyon hikes

Reservations of resorts in National parks
Note on day hikes in the canyon
Reservations
(click for more information)

Reservations & information:

Elena Travel Services & Car Hire CC
P.O. Box 3127 Windhoek, Namibia
Fax: +264 61 244558
E-mail: info@namibweb.com

To book:

1) you can e-mail us requesting information and/or rates

Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.

See also: Terms & conditions, Payment options and Cancellation policy
DAILY PARK AND RESORT FEES (PER PERSON AND PER VEHICLE) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN ACCOMMODATION FEES!