Africa Adventure

In the world of canyons, only the Grand Canyon in the U.S. rivals the Fish River Canyon in Namibia in terms of popularity. The Fish River Canyon is one of the most visited natural sites in Africa, and it attracts hordes of tourists and geologists each year. So, if you happen to be taking a trip to Namibia on an air charter or other mode of transportation, be sure to stop by the Fish River Canyon and be astounded by the sheer beauty that nature can create.

Geologists speculate that the Fish River Canyon formed from a fracture in the earth’s crust over 500 million years ago, but San Bushmen natives in the area think something quite different happened. They believe that a large serpent named KouteignKooru carved the canyon as it was trying to escape being captured. If you look closely at the valley of the canyon, you can almost see the shape of a giant serpent.

The canyon is 100 miles long and 1,800 feet tall. In some areas, the Fish River Canyon is up to 17 miles wide, which means that there are lots of opportunities for visitors to walk around and explore. The rocks that make up the canyon are pink, brown, gray, and even purple. The gorgeous Fish River runs in the valley of the canyon. The canyon is home to quite a few interesting species of animals. These include mountain zebras, horses, and over 60 species of birds. Note that it’s rare to spot a mountain zebra while visiting the canyon, so if you spot one consider yourself lucky!

Many tourists like to swim in the Ais-Ais Hot Springs, which are a part of the Fish River. The hot springs are full of minerals and are thought to have healing properties. The temperature of the Ais-Ais Hot Springs can get up to 60 degrees Celsius, so it’s not always safe to swim there. The springs are closed when they get too hot, which is usually between November and March.

So, if you decide to take a trip to Namibia, don’t forget to stop by the Fish River Canyon, take a dip in the Ais-Ais Hot Springs, and watch the sun set atop one of the most beautiful canyons in the world!

About the Author: Logan is a guest writer on the topics of travel, natural beauty, and hiking.

(Image by Frames-of-Mind, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)