Fish River Canyon Destination Guide

Overview of Fish River Canyon Africa's largest canyon, the Fish River Canyon is located in southern Namibia in the eastern Namib Desert. Created by a fracture in the earth's crust, the 100-mile (161km) canyon was carved out further by the erosion of the Fish River over millions of years. The river can still become a torrent of fast-flowing water after heavy rainfall in summer, drying up into occasional, semi-permanent pools during the winter months. The main attraction of the area is hiking, but hiking the Fish River Canyon can only be undertaken during the winter months, Requiring a high level of fitness, good health, and with no facilities whatsoever, hikers must carry all they need. The five-day trail covers 53 miles (86km) and is the best way to take in the canyon's magnificent immensity, passing beneath the sheer cliffs with their visible rock strata patterns towering 1,640-foot (500m) above the harsh, rock-strewn plain. The canyon comes to an end at Ais-Ais, meaning 'burning water' in Nama, where one of the most famous hot spring resorts in the country is located. Hikers can look forward to a relaxing soak in the therapeutic hot water after completing the trail.

Key Facts

Language: English is the official language, but many people also speak Afrikaans and German. There are also several indigenous languages spoken, mainly in the rural areas. Passport/Visa: All foreign passengers to Namibia must have confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Additionally, visitors should ensure that they have at least two blank pages remaining in their passports, for entry and departure endorsements from the Namibian Immigration Service. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Namibia, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. All travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia. Currency: The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), divided into 100 cents. Its value is equal to the South African Rand, which is accepted as legal currency in Namibia. Major credit cards are accepted, while foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or bureau de change. ATMs are available in larger towns only. Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are standard.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Fish River Canyon Health Notes when travelling to Namibia Typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for travel to Namibia. Safety regulations in Namibia require all visitors to have a yellow fever certificate if arriving from an infected area. There is a malaria risk in the northern region of Namibia during the rainy season (January to April). HIV/AIDS is prevalent and precautions are essential, although travellers are seldom at risk unless engaging in unprotected sex. Cholera outbreaks do occur and visitors should drink only boiled or bottled water, avoiding ice in drinks. There has been an increase in the incidents of rabies among dogs in Windhoek, so travellers at risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination. There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, but medical insurance is essential as treatment is expensive. Outside of the main cities, medical treatment may be hard to come by. Travellers to Namibia should seek medical advice at least four weeks prior to departure. For peace of mind, it is best to take prescription medications along when travelling. Medicines should be kept in their original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor, detailing why the medication is needed. Safety Notes when travelling to Namibia The majority of visits to Namibia are safe and trouble free. But street crime and pickpockets are on the increase in Windhoek and other town centres. Theft from vehicles is common, especially at service stations, and valuables should be kept out of sight and the car locked. Avoid using taxis if possible and never take one alone, taking special care when travelling in the Caprivi Strip. One should travel in daylight hours only, both for general safety and to avoid livestock which wander onto roads causing accidents. Additionally, stay on the main tarred highway as there is a risk of undiscovered landmines left over from the Angolan civil war. The terrorism threat in Namibia is very low, with no major incidents of violence against foreigners reported. At all times, travellers should carry identification like photocopies of passports. Customs in Namibia It is best to check before taking pictures of State House or properties where the President is residing, as well as any buildings guarded by the army or police. Homosexuality is criminalised in Namibia, although these laws may not always be enforced. Duty Free in Namibia Travellers to Namibia over 16 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1 litre spirits or liquor; 50ml perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; and gifts to the value of N$50,000. Doing Business in Namibia Business in Namibia is somewhat formal, although drinking and socialising are an important part of building good working relationships. Standard business etiquette applies. Dress tends to be formal, with more lightweight materials worn in the hotter seasons, and punctuality is important. People shake hands on greeting and leaving, and should generally be polite and professional. English is the language of business, though German and Afrikaans are widely spoken. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Communication in Namibia The international access code for Namibia is +264. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)61 for Windhoek. A GSM 900/1800 mobile network covers most towns and major highways. Large parts of the country are not covered by the mobile network. A satellite phone is a good backup option for those heading off the beaten track. Internet cafes are pretty common in Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Wifi is increasingly available in hostels, hotels, lodges and guesthouses, but the signal rarely extends beyond the reception area.

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Tipping in Namibia Tips of 10 percent are expected where a service charge has not been included in the bill. Tour guides, game rangers, and trackers rely on tips for their income and should be tipped accordingly. Passport/Visa Note All foreign passengers to Namibia must have confirmed return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Additionally, visitors should ensure that they have at least two blank pages remaining in their passports, for entry and departure endorsements from the Namibian Immigration Service. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Namibia, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. All travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Namibia.

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Currency The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), divided into 100 cents. Its value is equal to the South African Rand, which is accepted as legal currency in Namibia. Major credit cards are accepted, while foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or bureau de change. ATMs are available in larger towns only.

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