Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Southern Africa | Namibia | The Real Canyon Hike (7 days)
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The 7 Day Real Canyon Hike  - ex Windhoek

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.  The first and last day are for transfers to/from Windhoek

Day 1
Pick up time at about 08h00 in Windhoek. Heading southwards we will reach one of the lodges of the “Gondwana Canon Park” late afternoon. The spectacular sunset compensates for the long drive.
Overnight at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges; (LD)

Day 2
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 (micropur 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 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 7
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. 





2012 Rate
[valid until 30 September 2012]
N$14,755person twin share
R495 single supplement

- Departures on request only between May to September

MIN/MAX GROUP SIZE: 4-5 pax
MIN AGE: 12 years

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

 


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