Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail reopens from 17 July 2026

Travellers planning to hike Namibia's famous Fish River Canyon can once again include the trail in their itinerary. After recent high water levels led to concerns about conditions in the canyon, the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail will reopen on Friday, 17 July 2026.

According to Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), recent water assessments have confirmed that river levels and flow are once again suitable for hiking. While the trail is reopening, hikers should still expect some sections to be slippery, particularly at river crossings, where rocks remain wet after the recent high water.

Hiking one of Africa's most spectacular canyons

The Fish River Canyon is one of Namibia's best-known natural attractions and among the largest canyons in the world. Carved over millions of years, it stretches for around 160 kilometres through southern Namibia, with sheer rock walls dropping as much as 550 metres to the canyon floor.

For many visitors, the highlight is the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail. Covering roughly 85 kilometres between Hobas and Ai-Ais, the route usually takes four to five days to complete and is widely regarded as one of Africa's finest wilderness hikes. Along the way, hikers follow the river through dramatic scenery, tackle numerous river crossings and spend their nights camping beneath exceptionally dark skies.

Because summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C and flash floods are possible, the trail is only open during the cooler winter months.

Expect slippery river crossings

Although the trail is considered safe to reopen, recent conditions mean hikers should still take extra care when crossing the Fish River. Wet rocks and uneven surfaces can remain slippery even after water levels have dropped.

Anyone setting out should wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, take their time at river crossings and be prepared for conditions to vary along the route. Authorities will continue monitoring water levels throughout the hiking season.

Planning your hike

July and August are among the most popular months to hike the Fish River Canyon thanks to mild daytime temperatures and cool nights. As permits are limited and the trail is only open seasonally, accommodation in nearby Hobas and Ai-Ais, as well as hiking permits, should be booked well in advance.

If you're heading to southern Namibia in the coming weeks, the reopening of the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail means one of the country's most iconic outdoor experiences is once again available. Even so, it's worth checking the latest trail conditions before setting off and allowing extra time for river crossings if recent rain has affected the route.

 

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

update 11 July 2026

NWR has announced that the water level in the Fish River continues to recede gradually. While conditions are improving, water levels remain high, and the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is not yet considered safe for hiking. It remains temporarily closed, and NWR anticipates providing a more definitive update on the trail’s condition within the next week. 

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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Fish River Canyon hiking trail reopens after flood delay

Namibia’s iconic Fish River Canyon hiking season is officially back on track after a delayed start caused by flooding inside the canyon. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has confirmed that the Fish River hiking trail reopened today, 15 May 2026.

The hiking season had originally been scheduled to begin on 01 May 2026, in line with the traditional annual opening of the Fish River Canyon trail. Like in the previous year, unusually high water levels inside the canyon forced authorities to postpone the start of the season while conditions were closely monitored.

Following recent assessments along the route, water levels have now subsided to safe and manageable levels, allowing hikers to once again experience one of Namibia’s most spectacular outdoor adventures. The reopening will come as welcome news for travellers, tour operators and adventure enthusiasts who had been waiting for conditions to improve following recent flooding in southern Namibia.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier multi-day hikes, the Fish River Canyon trail attracts visitors from around the world during Namibia’s cooler winter months. Hikers can expect dramatic canyon landscapes, rugged terrain and unforgettable desert scenery along the route.

NWR thanked hikers, travel partners and stakeholders for their patience during the postponement period, stressing that visitor safety remains the organisation’s highest priority. The decision to reopen follows careful consideration of current conditions inside the canyon.

Travellers planning to tackle the hike are reminded to comply with all safety regulations, follow official guidance and help preserve the pristine environment by keeping the canyon clean.

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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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park update: Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry closed!

update 16 April 2026

As of mid-April 2026, there is no confirmed reopening yet of the Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.  

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed the pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park due to high water levels in the Orange River. Visitors planning to enter the park are advised to use the Alexander Bay gravel road as an alternative route to reach Sendelingsdrift. 

The Sendelingsdrift border post is a vital gateway to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote and rugged wilderness straddling the South Africa - Namibia border. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, unique flora, and panoramic scenery, the park attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The pontoon ferry at Sendelingsdrift offers an adventurous and scenic way to cross the Orange River, but its operation is water-level dependent. Currently, extreme conditions have necessitated its closure.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. For those seeking adventure in one of Southern Africa’s most striking desert landscapes, the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains accessible via alternative routes.

 

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