500 million years in the making, Namibia's Fish River Canyon National Park remains largely unknown in name, but wildly popular by reputation.
Not for the faint of heart, rugged travelers wanting to experience the canyon will have to embark on a five-day backpacking journey just to reach the middle of the impressive canyon. More than 16 miles wide and 100 miles long, the canyon reaches depths of nearly one mile, creating one of the most demanding hiking routes on the entire continent.
Starting at Hobas, guests must hike a little more than 6 miles along a gravel trail to get to the beginning of the canyon's main trail, which spans just over 50 miles and has a number of amazing vistas. At the main viewpoint, hikers can take in momentous plateaus created by steep-sloped canyon walls, with the park's waterways snaking a silvery trail along the canyon's bottom.
The hike itself ends in a most rewarding natural surprise: the Ai-Ais hot springs. Rich in sulfur, chloride and sulfide, the enriched waters offer the perfect remedy to tired nerves and strained muscles.
Fish River Canyon National Park, Namibia
Posted on Monday, Feb. 6th, 2012
