update (05 May 2025): Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has officially reopened the Fish River Canyon trail as of 01 May 2025, following a thorough assessment and consultations with key stakeholders. Despite water levels being higher than usual this season, the iconic hiking route is now open and considered safe for experienced adventurers.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, NWR issues the following important guidelines:
- All hikers are strongly encouraged to hire experienced guides, or
- Must have prior canyon hiking experience.
NWR emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and safety precautions for anyone planning to embark on the Fish River Canyon trail.
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the official state-owned operator of tourism facilities in Namibia’s protected areas, has announced the postponement of the 2025 Fish River Canyon hiking season, which is usually scheduled to start on 01 May. The delay is due to unusually high water levels in the canyon, raising safety concerns for hikers.
According to NWR, this change currently affects bookings scheduled to arrive up to 15 May 2025. Guests with reservations during this period are being offered the option to postpone their trip or request a refund, in accordance with NWR’s standard terms and conditions.
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.
Important hiking requirements:
- Advance booking is mandatory through Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)
- All hikers must present a medical certificate of fitness, signed by a qualified doctor
- Solo hiking is not permitted – the minimum group size is three people
If you’ve booked a hike with arrival dates between 01 May 2025 and, as of now, 15 May 2025, you can:
- Reschedule your booking to a later date during the 2025 season
- Request a refund, subject to NWR’s booking policies
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