Things to Do at the Fish River Canyon: 10 Best Activities

By Stephy, Travel Specialist at Tourgy Tourz · Published 4 November 2026

Standing on the rim of the Fish River Canyon at sunset, you look down on giant bends of rock carved over millions of years, with barely another person in sight. It’s the largest canyon in Africa, but there’s much more to do here than look at the view. From guided canyon drives and night walks to the famous 5-day hike and the hot springs at Ai-Ais, here are the best things to do at the Fish River Canyon, and how to fit them into your trip.

What are the best things to do at the Fish River Canyon?

1. Watch sunset or sunrise at the Main Viewpoint

The Main Viewpoint near Hobas, on the eastern rim, gives the classic view of the canyon’s great bend. Nearby, Hikers’ Viewpoint overlooks the start of the hiking trail. The low sun turns the layered rock gold, orange and purple, so time your visit for the first or last hour of the day. Bring a jacket: it can be windy and cool on the rim.

2. Join a guided canyon drive

If you’d rather not drive the gravel roads yourself, lodges in the Gondwana Canyon Park offer a guided Canyon Drive of about 3 hours, visiting two main viewpoints. It usually leaves in the morning or the late afternoon, and your guide explains the canyon’s geology, plants and history along the way.

3. Hike the Fish River Canyon trail

The Fish River Canyon hiking trail is one of Africa’s great treks: about 85 to 88 km along the canyon floor, from Hobas to Ai-Ais, over 4 to 5 days. There are no facilities along the way, so you carry everything. The trail normally runs from 1 May to mid-September, when temperatures are cooler, and permits are booked through Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Opening can be delayed after rain: in 2026 the trail opened on 15 May because of flooding. Read our full Fish River Canyon hiking trail guide.

4. Take a shorter guided hike

Not ready for five days? The Gondwana Canyon Park has guided morning hikes of about 6 km and 3 hours through boulder landscapes and quiver trees, and a 2 to 3-hour hike past the striking Archway Rock. They’re a great way to stretch your legs and see the area’s plants and wildlife up close.

5. Enjoy a sundowner drive or walk

End the day with a sundowner: a guided drive through the park or a short walk to a nearby viewpoint, with a drink in hand as the granite boulders glow red in the evening light.

6. Go on a night walk

After dinner, some lodges offer a guided night walk with UV torches, which make scorpions glow, and a laser pointer to trace the constellations. It’s a fun and surprising look at the desert after dark, and children usually love it.

7. Soak in the Ai-Ais hot springs

At the southern end of the canyon, ǀAi-ǀAis is famous for its natural hot springs, the traditional reward at the end of the hike. The resort has thermal pools, a spa and accommodation, and it makes a relaxing overnight stop, especially in the cooler months.

8. Stargaze under some of Namibia’s darkest skies

Far from any city lights, the Fish River Canyon has superb night skies. On a clear night you can see the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. Read our guide to stargazing in Namibia.

9. Stop at the Canyon Roadhouse

The Canyon Roadhouse is one of Namibia’s most fun stops, with vintage cars and old fuel pumps parked among the quiver trees and a restaurant full of road-trip memorabilia. It’s perfect for lunch, photos or an overnight stay.

10. Photograph the landscape

Beyond the canyon itself, the area is full of photo opportunities: quiver trees, huge granite boulders, wide plains and dramatic summer storm clouds. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light.

Can you go quad biking near the Fish River Canyon?

Quad biking isn’t a typical activity at the Fish River Canyon, where the focus is on viewpoints, hiking and nature. If quad biking is on your list, add the coast to your trip: the dunes around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are Namibia’s quad-biking capital, with guided tours for beginners and experienced riders in set areas of the dunes. See our guides to things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and the Living Desert tour.

What can you do near the Fish River Canyon?

• Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop, a few hours north. Read our Quiver Tree Forest guide.
• Kolmanskop and Lüderitz, a ghost town in the dunes and a colourful harbour town to the west. See our Kolmanskop and Lüderitz guide.
• The Kalahari, with red dunes and game drives, an easy stop on the way from Windhoek. Read our Kalahari Desert guide.
• The Orange River on the South African border, where you can join multi-day canoe trips.

When is the best time to visit the Fish River Canyon?

See our best time to visit Namibia guide for month-by-month advice.

How many days do you need?

Two nights lets you see the canyon at both sunset and sunrise, join a guided canyon drive and enjoy a walk or sundowner. Add a night at Ai-Ais for the hot springs, or 5 days for the full hike. For everything you need to know about getting there and where to stay, read our Fish River Canyon guide.