Fish River Canyon Namibie reizen
If you're visiting the south of Namibia, travelling from South Africa for example, you must be sure not to miss the Fish River Canyon Reserve and the Ai Ais hot springs. With a depth of 550 metres and a length of 161 kilometres, the canyon is the second largest in the world, following the Grand Canyon. It's not famed so much for its abundance of game and plants, but more for its unique geological features: a wilderness of vast proportions that can best be viewed on foot.
You won't encounter much game in Fish River Canyon, although the odd zebra, springbok or steenbok might come into sight. Nor is the vegetation particularly spectacular. The biggest attraction in the reserve is the canyon itself, which is breathtakingly large. Without warning, a bare rock plateau will suddenly disappear some 550 metres downwards and reveal how over the course of hundreds of millions of years a 161-kilometre stretch of purple, grey and pink rock layers have formed.
The bare and dusty landscape, broken up only by hills and crevices, lends itself well to horse treks. Healthy and experienced walkers will also be able have a steady trek through the canyon.
One of the most famous hiking routes in southern Africa runs through Fish River Canyon. All that remains of Fish River are emerald green pools at the bottom of the canyon. After the rainy season, it resembles a stream that has branched off and is doing its best to earn the title of 'river'. Hikers can brave the elements for five days along an 85-kilometre route at the bottom of the canyon. There are no amenities along the way, so you carry everything you need and the only water you will find will be in the semi-permanent puddles. What make all of this adversity more than worthwhile are the Ai Ais hot springs at the end of the journey.
After walking 86 kilometres, a dip in the therapeutic Ai Ais hot springs is a welcome way to end your journey. The trail is not accessible during the stiflingly arid hot season, between November and mid-March, and it's best to book a trip well in advance. You will also have to obtain a certificate of good health. For those who don't want to or are unable to complete the route, you can also travel there by car. Whichever way you choose to arrive at the springs, the temptation to take a dip in the outside or inside pools is equally as overpowering. Ai Ais is Nama for 'scolding hot' and the temperature of the water can rise to around 60ºC. The springs emerge from deep under the earth and are rich in minerals that are beneficial to people with rheumatic complaints.
There are still many beautiful buildings in Luderitz, which are reminders that this was the first German settlement in Africa. The most impressive of these is Goerke Haus, which is situated on Diamond Hill. It offers fantastic views of Ludertiz and the surrounding area, and the stunning stained glass and wooden Art Deco style panelling all make a visit to Goerke Haus very worthwhile. If you want to gain a more comprehensive impression of Luderitz, you might perhaps enjoy a drive or walk to the peninsula.
Diaz Point is located to the south of Luderitz. A large stone cross here reminds visitors that the Portuguese were the first to visit Namibia. Here you can also sit and watch the penguins and sea lions swimming in the cold currents.
A few kilometres inland from Luderitz lies Kolmanskop (or ‘Kolmanskuppe') - the 'boom town' that turned into a ghost town. At the beginning of the 20th century, diamonds were literally scattered around this area. Houses were built around the diamond mine, and even a casino and bowling alley, yet there was no luck in this town. The water supply was a big problem and the Namib Desert just kept on advancing. The market crashed after the World War I and when production decreased in the thirties, the mining industry was moved to Oranjemund. The houses were buried under the sand, but since then most of these have been dug out again. The desert continues to advance however, which means that you'll be up to your knees in sand when you have a look in the houses.
