Namibia’s Fish River Canyon hiking trail temporarily closed due to safety concerns

23 June 2026 update 

All 96 hikers have been safely evacuated from the Fish River. 

23 June 2026 update

The closure of the Fish River Canyon hiking trail follows a major flood-related emergency in the canyon. According to reports from Namibia, 96 hikers became stranded after exceptional rainfall caused the Naute Dam (116.9% full) and Neckartal Dam (105.7% full) to overflow, sending large volumes of water downstream into the Fish River Canyon. NWR, assisted by the Namibian Police and a police helicopter, has been carrying out rescue operations from Hobas. The incident highlights the extent of the recent flooding in southern Namibia and why the Fish River Canyon hiking trail remains closed until further notice.

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Travellers heading to southern Namibia should note that the Fish River Canyon hiking trail has been closed with immediate effect.

Heavy rainfall in the Naute Dam catchment area has led to rising water levels in the system and the opening of the Naute Dam sluice gates. In response, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) confirmed on 21 June 2026 that conditions along the hiking route are currently not safe for public use.

The closure will remain in place until further notice, and no hiking activity is permitted on the trail during this period.

Visitors planning trips to the Fish River Canyon area are advised to adjust itineraries accordingly and avoid all access points to the hiking route.

Further updates will follow once conditions have stabilised and the trail has been declared safe again.

The Fish River Canyon is located within the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a cross-border peace park shared between Namibia and South Africa. It holds the title of Africa’s largest canyon and is often considered the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA.

The Fish River Canyon hiking trail is one of Africa’s most famous multi-day hikes. Spanning approximately 85 kilometers, the route typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. The trail begins at Hobas, located on the canyon rim, and ends at the soothing Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa.

The Fish River Canyon hike is only open during the cooler months, generally from 01 May to mid-September, due to extreme summer temperatures and the risk of flash flooding. The trail is closed for the rest of the year for safety reasons.  

 

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