Second in size only to the Grand Canyon in the USA, the Fish River Canyon is one of the world's great natural wonders. But unlike its more famous big brother, you will not have to share the experience with thousands of other people. Its comparative remoteness means that it is little visited. It meanders for 160km through the barren landscape of southern Namibia, reaching a depth of 550m and a width of 27km. Geologically, it is in fact a canyon within a canyon. The legendary origin of the canyon, according to local San hunters, is that a serpent retreated into the desert to escape hunters and carved deep scars into the earth there.

We suggest an early start to appreciate the majesty of the canyon before the strong light washes the colour of the rocks away. There are several viewpoints, which give magnificent vistas of the canyon. You might also like to walk along the canyon edge to gain a perspective on its size as there is a track which follows the edge.

In the dry winter months, you can undertake a multi-day hike through the dry and stony canyon. It is too hot to undertake in summer. At the bottom part of the canyon are the hot springs of Ai-Ais which you may like to visit.