Nature is Amazing

Friday, September 09, 2016
Fish River Canyon, Namibia


With our newly acquired Gondwana membership cards, we had only been able to secure 1 night's accommodation at the popular Canyon Lodge, part of Gondwana Resorts Collection . They have numerous resorts around Namibia and the benefits and discounts to card holders are substantial. As a rule we do not open our tent/trailer for stays of less than 2 days, just too much PT for such a short time. This is where the roof top tents which Namibians adore, come in handy! With our King size XL bed in the Metalian trailer, we don't miss our old roof top tent in the slightest, as you will have gathered from certain incidents written in my blogs of 2014/2015. 
 
The Fish River Canyon has been on MY bucket list ever since I bought the book "Your Bucket List" by Patrick Cruywagen and this destination was directly south of Erindi. It is the largest canyon in Africa as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It features a gigantic ravine, in total about 100 miles (160 km) long, up to 27 km wide and in places almost 550 meters . It is also the longest interior river in Namibia. It cuts deep into the plateau which is today dry, stony and sparsely covered with hardy drought-resistant plants . The river flows intermittently, usually flooding in late summer; the rest of the year it becomes a chain of long narrow pools. At the lower end of the Fish River Canyon, the hot springs resort of Ai-Ais is situated and the 5 day trail ends here.

Carol & Peter suggested we phone Gondwana again to try and secure another night as one night was just too rushed to do justice to this awesome experience, so I was over the moon when TK managed to obtain another night at the eleventh hour, with the use of our Satellite phone! From red earth to rocky outcrops - what amazing and dramatic landscape changes we went through en route to FRC. Had to fill up with petrol at Hobas, the only station for miles - and thought we had done a time-warp into the 1930's at the Canon Roadhouse! Old rusty relics of Fords & Chevy's and a host of paraphernalia dating back to bygone years, adorned the walls of this Gondwana establishment which has a restaurant and accommodation with camping sites.

Loved our accommodation at Canyon Lodge which was at bottom of property and built into surrounding rocks with Gemsbok and rock dassies meandering around the property, enjoying the green grass meticulously watered and maintained by pumped borehole . Their stunning grassed pool area with cool water is inviting at the end of a hot day so I could not wait to spend a relaxing afternoon lounging around the pool with G&T in hand and my book! First though we had to do the group sunset walk up to the rocky outcrop about 5 minutes from the Lodge. A chance to see the Quiver Tree Forest in the distance and the arid rocky landscape. After a delicious buffet supper and bottle of red wine, surrounded by a large group of Parisian tourists, our secluded lodge was calling. Such a romantic spot down a winding lantern lit path with a black starlit sky and cool breeze. The long days of travel, early risings and red wine saw TK asleep within 5 minutes of crawling under the duvet!! So much for a romantic spot!!! 
 
Oh well we had another night in this awesome spot but Terry or should I say CopK was on a different track! His camping mate had left, his trailer locked up, bored with his wife's conversation and he longed for the clean sea air of home and a lunch at Freshline Fisheries was tantalizing his taste buds . So yours truly had to forget the extra night or that lazy afternoon around the pool while CopK convinced a dejected Lizzie that it was the right thing to do ! Time to hit the view points and then head for Springbok for our overnight stop. Within 20 minutes of sunrise we had showered, packed and wolfed down some scrambled egg, checked out and were on the road to the public view points near Hobas.

The GPS lead us to Edge View point, Sulphur Springs, Desert Rim and Main view point where NWR are busy erecting a formal viewing platform with information on the Canyon and also much needed ablution facilities.  This is also the start of the winter only, 5 day 85 km trail in the Canyon. The private reserve to the north of Hobas is owned by Gondwana and also offers a five day mule trek into the Canyon - no you don't get to ride a mule !! Poor animals have to take your heavy backpack and you walk, so this would suit the fairly fit oldies who don't have buggered knees and like to camp au natural with absolutely no frills!! TK's knees would handle it but not Lizzie! Early mornings give you the best light for photos so we hopped in and out of the car - me with my binocs and Terry taking pictures. It was a whirlwind drive along the Canyon ridge and within 90 minutes we had completed all view points near Hobas and were now heading for Border post and onto Springbok B&B, or so we thought!! 


 


 

 

 

 


 


 








Comments

Sconny
2016-09-16

Lizzie, you are a fabulous writer. I love following your stories. Thank You. Earl of Don

Cliff Kelly
2016-09-16

Desolate, arid beauty with a different. No wonder you had it on your bucket list. The "retired" vehicle photos awesome. Brings to mind Paul's painting of "The Old Warrior"! I am going to fwd these to Colleen and Paul. Thanks for all the lovely blogs guys. Love Jason and Cliff.

Liz and Kurt
2016-09-16

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Love and big hug.

Dassie D'Assonville
2016-09-17

Sounds like a great spot Pity we missed you guys in Clan Next time Safe drive

2025-02-12

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