Namibia’s best kept secret: Fish River Canyon and Orange River (blog and vlog)

Hi Steemit community,

Hope your enjoying the holidays and wish you a happy new year and may it be the best year for you.

While the Orange River was named after the Dutch Royal House, in recent times it has been referred to by its original name of Gariep, which simply means “river” in the indigenous Khoekhoe language. Starting its passage in the mountains of Lesotho the Orange River is the longest river in South Africa and offers a unique difference to the desert landscapes along its banks. Our campsite was on the banks of the Orange River. It was beautiful and the grounds were so well set up, and with lawn. Throughout Namibia we struggled with sand and dust, which is expected in the Namib Desert, so to see the lawn was a wonderful change.

This morning there’s the chance to see the beautiful river valley by canoe or just relax at camp. I decided to just chill at the camp. That meant I got extra time to sleep and that’s was a nice change to waking up very early every day. Pauline and I decided to go for a walk to explore the area whilst waiting for the rest of the coning crew to come back. Later that morning we cross the border into Namibia and travel onwards to the Fish River Canyon, which is the second largest canyon in the world.

Once we crossed the border I got myself a sim card because I love myself some snap chat… you can follow me on (djkhalid91). This afternoon we take a walk along the rim of the canyon and end our day with a memorable sunset on the canyon edge.

In 2010, a new and environmentally-friendly viewpoint for the canyon was assembled for N$ 1.6 million. It was designed by Windhoek architect Nina Maritz and improves the visitor’s knowledge with a tremendous view of the canyon and better for photographs at sunrise, though sunset is also a popular time. There are several posters that provide information about the region’s flora and fauna, the geology of the canyon, the history of the Transfrontier Park and hiking in the Fish River Canyon.

The Fish River Canyon is the Second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon in Arizona, this mighty 160 km canyon was carved by the Fish River, with the process beginning more than 500 million years ago. At its widest point, the canyon is 27 km wide and has depths of up to 550 meters. The Fish River Canyon lies within the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and the main viewpoints can be accessed from the Hobas Gate.

Something I wanted to do but didn’t have time was to go hiking in the fish river canyon, which has been said to be the hardest trial in Africa. I think that is got to do with the temperate is always doubled down there.
• That’s why you can only climb it from 1st may till 15th September as the other months are too hot.
• Up to 8 hours of walking/day
• Should reserve a year in advance
• Minimum 3 hikers in your group
• Must carry everything: food, shelter, medical kits, etc.
• Permits are difficult to get as a maximum of 30 hikers start each day. Recommended booking 12 months in advance.
• The hike itself costs $25 per person plus other $4.5 for locals and $6 for foreigners and to travel from Ai Ais to hobass is $20.5 per person. Total of $50

You have to book before going. Firstly you have to phone to inquire availability

Winkhoek, Namibia: (+264 61) 285 7333 [email protected]

Cape Town, South Africa (+27 21) 422 3761 [email protected]

CLICK ON THE VIDEO TO WATCH THE JOURNEY!!!!!