Hiking Namibia - Deserts, Dunes & endless skies (Self-Drive): Windhoek – Kalahari – Fish River – Sossusvlei – Walvis Bay – Damaraland – Sesfontein – Etosha – Windhoek

This is the only access route by vehicle into the Fish River Canyon. As you journey into the depths of the canyon, you will witness first-hand the millions of years of geological upheaval when the earth’s continents separated and tectonic movement resulted in the formation of the canyon. Petrified rippled mud and glacial deposits, dramatic fault lines, rough limestone and shiny quartzite are but a few of the features you will see along the way. Guides will point out evidence of rhino that once navigated the gorges and pairs of territorial klipspringers as they feast on succulents. The drive ends at the permanent rock pools. Lunch is served before heading back to the Lodge. The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours.

Departure time from the Lodge – between 06h00 and 07h00 after an early breakfast | Minimum 2 guests per excursion, maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

These easy unguided walks along the rim of the canyon are best taken early in the morning and late afternoon when the canyon’s shadows and colours are at their most dramatic. Have a closer look at the plants and the birdlife and marvel at the vastness of the landscape and the skies. There are few places left in the world where you can truly be alone and have clean air to breathe and time to reflect. Alone on the rim of the canyon – seize the moment!

Guided walks are also available on request depending on availability of guides.

The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served.

Departure: 17h00 in winter, 18h00 in summer | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

Full Day Canyon Day Hike

Our guide will help you navigate ‘jelly legs’ gorge from the rim to the upper part of the canyon below. After traversing the rock strewn slopes there is a further descent to permanent rock-pools in the river. A refreshing swim through the craggy gorge gets you well and truly into the heart of the canyon. A picnic lunch is served before hiking back up to the Lodge.

This is a strenuous hike and requires a high level of fitness.
Departure time for this hike of 8-10 hours varies according to the season.

Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

Half-Day Canyon Hike
The Half-Day hike takes hikers from the viewpoint into the canyon to a second view point and back up again.
Departure time for this hike of 4-5 hours varies according to the season.

Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

The guided route through harsh terrain descends steeply into the canyon via ‘jelly legs gorge’ and up again to the rim. There are no demarcated tracks adding a sense of true adventure to the experience. Whilst this hike requires significant levels of fitness – there is no need to carry heavy backpacks; a canvas bag with your personal belongings will be delivered each day to either Camp Eternity or Camp Edge where you will overnight.

You will pass intriguing desert-adapted quiver trees standing solitary against a fascinating 500 million year old geological fault. Or you might want to stop and watch a herd of the rare Hartman’s zebra as they disappear into a side canyon. On hot days you can cool off in permanent rock pools and swim between the rock faces while a Pied Kingfisher watches from a ledge above.

Camp Eternity and Camp Edge are as evocative as their names suggest. Carefully designed stone gabion shelters merge with the landscape. Meals are served under a trillion stars and when you retire to the comfort of your tent, nature’s elements – either harsh or heavenly – are close by and keep you company through the night.

The Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

An experienced guide for a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail
Night 1 at Fish River Lodge, Nights 2 and 3 at Camp Eternity and /or Camp Edge

The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.comThe Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

This activity caters for visitors who do not overnight at the Fish River Lodge or not satisfied with only a fly over either. Arrive at Canyon Nature Park airstrip from where your guide will transfer you to the lodge for a wholesome breakfast. After breakfast and a short briefing you will venture further out on the plateau towards the main lookout point where there is opportunity for photography and a detailed explanation of the geology and interesting facts about the area. The duration of this activity is between 45 minutes to an hour. Guests not in a hurry to leave are welcome to book lunch on the patio, accompanied by infinite vistas dropping down from the edge of eternity. After your visit you will be transferred back to the airstrip where your plane awaits you.

•Departure time varies according to flight arrival and departing time
•Pre-booking is essential
•Guests chartering in by plane are requested to coordinate their arrival and pick up times with our
Reservations office beforehand.

Six fat tyre bikes are available for hire to guests.
Guided rides are dependent on availability of guides.

Morning Excursion
The 22 km guided cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon and with a loop back down washes and rocky outcrops interspersed with quiver trees.

Duration: ± 3.5 hours
Helmets, water and snack packs are provided.

Sundowner Excursion
This 10 km cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon to a designated sundowner spot where you will be rewarded with refreshments and snacks as you watch the sun set. You cycle back to the Lodge in time for dinner.

Helmets, water, drink and snack are provided.

Experience the wide-open spaces and the thrill of being at the edge of the canyon with a group of friends. Cycling up a remote valley you will feel the spirit of the rhino that once roamed here freely for hundreds of years.

Cyclists overnight on the edge of the canyon at the fully serviced Camp Edge and Camp Eternity, where meals, hot showers and comfortable camp beds are provided.

The 3-day Canyon Mountain Bike Trail includes:

A host at each Camp for a minimum 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group
Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail
The 3-day Trail does not include mountain bikes. Cyclists should bring their own mountain bikes.

Canyon Mountain Biking Trails can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

If you want to explore the flora and fauna of the Succulent Karoo desert on your own you have five different hiking trails to choose from. They are well marked and take you through the wildly romantic scenery of the Aus Mountains. Duration: between 2 and 5 hours

These drives in the late afternoon present an opportunity to experience the incredible scenic beauty of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park at dusk. (min. 3 persons per excursion)

Discover the delights of the desert: guided tours through the impressive scenery of the Succulent Karoo desert.

Lüderitz is just 120 km away and the ghost town of Kolmanskop only 115 km (tar road). Klein-Aus Vista is the ideal starting point for a trip to both places. Only 20 km from Aus, on the way to or back from Lüderitz, visit the Garub water hole where the wild horses and several other animals of the desert plains can be found. The Wild Horses of the Namib have roamed this harsh habitat since 1915 and are an experience one should not miss.

There is a choice of different routes on well-marked trails, varying from 18 km to 35 km - mostly single track trails - recommended for riders with intermediate skills. Dual suspension bikes available for rent.

A scenic nature drive in the ephemeral Huab River and surrounding valley, including a picnic lunch, exposes visitors to unique geological formations and the possibility of sighting the elusive desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.

(Available during stays of two nights or more only)

Three open game drive cars are permanently available with guides.

We depart in a guesthouse 4x4 safari vehicle (if available) or your 4x4 vehicle to a Himba village. Here you will be able to see the daily duties in the village. Himba people are very proud of their tradition and they will explain their daily life to you. You will also have the possibility to view the accommodation and living areas.

Duration: 4 hours
Includes: food presents for Himbas and water for guests.

Credit: TBA

This excursion is a full-day excursion: a visit to a Himba village in the morning and an afternoon excursion into the dry Hoanib riverbed.

After an early breakfast, we depart from the guesthouse and drive to a Himba village, where we meet some of the Himba people. Here you will be able to see the daily duties in the village. Himba people are very proud of their tradition and they will explain their daily life to you. You will also have the possibility to view the accommodation and living areas.

Afterwards, we explore parts of the Hoanib River in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants (wildlife sightings are never a guarantee).

Includes: light lunch and refreshment drinks.

Requires a min. 2-night stay at the guesthouse on a DBB basis (at an additional cost).

Credit: TBA

Credit: TBA

This excursion is a full-day excursion into the dry Hoanib riverbed.
After an early breakfast, we depart from the guesthouse. We explore parts of the Hoanib River in search of the elusive desert-adapted elephants (wildlife sightings are never a guarantee).

Includes: light lunch and refreshment drinks.
Requires a min. 2-night stay at the guesthouse on a DBB basis (at an additional cost).

Credit: TBA TBA

A guide will accompany you in your own vehicle, exploring the area around Sesfontein, and the Hoanib riverbed in search of the desert-adapted elephants and other Namibian game that call these dry landscapes their home (wildlife sightings are never a guarantee).

Excludes: entrance fees, lunch and drinks for guests.
Requires a min. 2-night stay at the guesthouse on a DBB basis (at an additional cost).

We depart on a scenic nature drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle to a nearby lookout point/sunset spot. Here we relax and enjoy the breathtaking views with some snacks and drinks.

Duration: 2.5-3 hours (16:00/17:00-19:00/19:30).
Includes: snacks and sundowner drinks.

Join one of our knowledgeable rangers on a morning or afternoon game drive to explore the concession area, learn more about the plant and bird life, admire the amazing termite mound structures among big mopane trees. If you are lucky, you might even spot a herd of elephants or our local pride of lions, while birding enthusiasts will appreciate the large variety of species. Ask our guides about the Namibian Lion Trust and their involvement with the Hobatere lions. 



Departure from the lodge: Morning drive at 07:00 in summer, at 08:00 in winter | Duration 2-3 hours | Afternoon drive at 16:30 in summer and at 15:00 in winter after coffee, tea and cake | Night drive after dinner at 20:30 in summer and at 20:00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | Half-price for children under 12.

With the help of a non-intrusive spotlight our experienced guides will try to find some of those secretive nocturnal animals for you. Since it might become a bit chilly at times on an open game viewer, hot drinks will be served during the night drive.

Departure after dinner at 20:30 in summer and at 20:00 in winter | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.