The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA. It is part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The entrance to the park is located 10 kilometers from the well-known viewpoint called Hell's Bend at the Hobas Restcamp.

The Fish River Canyon National Park, officially known as Ai-Ais National Park, covers a total area of 6,045 km², providing a protected area for Karoo succulents and endemic wildlife. To experience the beauty and serenity up close, lace up your hiking boots and embark on a private journey along the canyon. Unfortunately, day visitors are not allowed to hike into the canyon. Guided expeditions are also offered from April to September.

The Fish River is 800 kilometers long, making it the longest river in Namibia. It originates in the eastern parts of the Naukluft Mountains and flows for about 200 km before reaching the Hardap Dam, the largest water reservoir in the country, with a circumference of 30 km and an area of 28 km². The Fish River Canyon begins at Seeheim, at the lower reaches of the river. The canyon stretches for 161 km, is 27 km wide, and reaches depths of up to 550 meters. It ends at Ais-Ais, where the river flows into the Orange River, forming the border with South Africa.

About 650 million years ago, an impressive mountain range was shaped by the forces of erosion, eventually giving way to a vast plain flooded by the sea. However, it wasn't until about 350 million years later that a fascinating biological process set the formation of the Fish River Canyon in motion. Ancient tectonic faults opened up a massive trench, which expanded over time. Thus, the wide, ancient valley of the mighty Fish River was formed. The edges of this trench, now more than 20 km apart, mark the imposing cliffs that shape the canyon.

Originally, the riverbed was about 300 meters higher than it is today around 300 million years ago. Shortly thereafter, the Gondwana Ice Age began, further deepening the mighty glacial trench. Today, it is almost unimaginable to picture ice or glaciers in this breathtaking gorge—a contrast that makes the incredible history and transformation of the Fish River Canyon all the more fascinating.