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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Namibia: Fish River Canyon hiking season 2025 postponed! [update]

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

Namibia: Sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season!

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), have announced that there is sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season (01 May 2024 - 15 September 2024 (?)). Like in the previous year, in which the water levels in the canyon were lower than expected due to the low rainfall season in the south of Namibia, water marshals will be stationed at strategic points along the hiking routes, including King Palace and Bushy Corner, to ensure the safety and well-being of all hikers.
The Fish River Canyon forms part of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Cayon in the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a 4-5 day guided or unguided hike with a total length of 86 km.

Namibia: NWR expects more than 4000 tourists to descend into the Fish River Canyon in 2022!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, and the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) will inspect the famous Fish River Canyon hiking trail between 12 - 17 April 2022. As part of the inspection, the two institutions will make sure that the Fish River Canyon is fit for hiking and also mark the safest hiking routes. The hiking season runs from 01 May - 15 September every year and for this year alone, the hiking list is already full. The NWR expects more than 4000 tourists to descend into the Fish River Canyon in 2022.
The Fish River Canyon forms part of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Cayon in the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a 4-5 day guided or unguided hike with a total length of 86 km.

/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Hobas Lodge in Namibia set to re-open!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, has announced that the Hobas Lodge in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is set to re-open on 01 June 2019. The lodge was closed in early February 2019 due to flash floods which resulted in a damaged sewerage system, broken trees and vast piles of sand around the restaurant, swimming pool and camping grounds.
The Hobas Lodge is situated at the northern end of the Fish River Canyon in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and offers six en-suite rooms and 14 campsites. The lodge is widely known as the main starting point of the Fish River Canyon hiking trail. 

nb. Regarding the availability of water within the Fish River Canyon, the NWR has in cooperation with Namibia Breweries Ltd. proactivley introduced measures to supply water at the 20km – 35km entrance from /Ai-/Ais and the cut of at 40km from Sulphur Springs. Namibia Breweries Ltd. assisting NWR by providing equipment such as tanks and portable water containers.

Namibia: Hobas Camp in the /Ai-/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has been reopened!

Hobas Camp in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has been reopened by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) after a extensive refurbishment. The camp, which was previously just a campsite, now also offers 6 rooms (chalets), a restaurant (Quiver Restaurant), a swimming pool and, of course, 14 camping sites. The spacious chalets offer two single beds, a sleeper couch, toilet and bathroom. The total costs for the faceflift are about N$6.5 million.
Hobas Camp is situated at the northern end of the Fish River Canyon in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and is widely known as the main starting point of the Fish River Canyon hiking trail. 



The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a Peace Park located on the border between South Africa and Namibia. The park was formed in 2003 by combining the |Ai-|Ais/ Hot Springs Game Park in Namibia and the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa.

Namibia: Fish River Canyon - "The Beauty of the Irrational" (video)

The Fish River Canyon in Namibia is one of the most stunning landmarks in Southern Africa. The largest canyon in Africa and the 2nd largest canyon in the world is about 160km long, up to 27km wide and in places almost 550m deep.
The short film "The Beauty of the Irrational" follows Ryan Sandes, a South African Ultra-Runner, as he returns to the Fish River Canyon to run the 5 day, 84km, Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail in the fastest time possible. He completed the run, self-supported, in amazing time of 6h57min!

The Beauty of the Irrational from The African Attachment on Vimeo.

The Fish River Hiking Trail starts from the main view point near Hobas, and ends about 84km further south at the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa. No facilities are available and hikers sleep outdoors for the entire trip which usually takes 3 to 5 days to complete. The hike is usually only open from 01 May to 15 September, as temperatures in the canyon can exceed 45°C in summer and flash floods may occur. All hikers must have a medical certificate to attempt the hike. Groups must consist of at least 3 participants older than 12 years.
Kudos @ The African Attachment for the great film!

Namibia: Fish River Canyon remains closed to hikers

update (15 May 2012): I just got the info from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) that the hiking route through the Fish River Canyon has re-opened as anticipated! Great news! [via facebook]

Due to rising water levels in the Fish River Canyon the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has decided not to open the popular hiking route through the canyon on 01 May 2012 as is usually the case. The new opening date is anticipated to be the 15 May 2012 depending on the level of water of the Fish River.
The canyon is currently considered unsafe for hikers and therefore closed to any visitors.
Last year (2011) the Fish River Canyon was also closed due to the local rains in the south of Namibia and releases from nearby Hardap and Naute dams.

Fish River Hiking trail reopens on 03 June 2011

The popular Fish River Canyon hiking trail in Namibia will be reopened effective 03 June 2011. The trail had been closed due to flash floods which presented a danger to hikers. The water levels in the Fish River Canyon have however subsided sufficiently to allow hikers to negotiate the 90 km long African marvel.

Please be aware that the Fish River Canyon is a fragile environment and remains subject to flash floods after an exceptional rainy season.
Visitors to the Fish River Canyon assume all risks while in the canyon and should come prepared with sufficient water. For more information visit the Namibia Wildlife Resorts website.

Fish River Canyon hiking trail has been closed

The Fish River Canyon hiking trail has been closed until further notice as a result of  the strong flow of the Fish River. A combination of more than normal rainfall figures recorded in central and southern Namibia and the subsequent large volumes of water released from the Hardap Dam which feeds the Fish River, has led to the river bursting its banks.

The Canyon, normally dry this time of the year is now considered unsafe for hikers and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism has officially closed the trail until further notice. Because of the serious safety hazard, visitors are asked to stay out of the canyon.