Hiking in the Fish River Canyon

On 26 April, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) announced that the Fish River Canyon has enough water to facilitate the annual hiking season.

This takes place between May and September each year.

I was filled with great anticipation upon hearing this announcement, as it assured a safer and more enjoyable experience for my hike through the world’s second-largest canyon.

The Fish River Canyon, located in the south of Namibia, is a geological marvel and a premier destination for adventurous hikers from around the world.

A motley crew of four, including myself, each hailing from diverse backgrounds and professional paths, made a collective decision to venture on this hike – each propelled by their own motivations.

We sought the services of experienced hiker Clive Owen Bergh of Fly Boy Tours and Safaris to guide us through what promised to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience covering nearly 80km.

Hiking in the Fish River canyon is a must.

I set out on the journey with a deep-seated desire to explore the magnificent landscapes of our country and to traverse the very land our forefathers valiantly defended.

The idea of challenging myself both physically and mentally was incredibly appealing.

I sought to experience the raw beauty of Namibia’s wilderness and to push my boundaries, testing my endurance and resilience.

Additionally, I wanted to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature, finding solace and inspiration in the canyon’s serene yet rugged environment.

Before undertaking this adventure, I encountered several negative media reports that depicted a discouraging portrayal of the canyon, citing issues such as insufficient water and safety concerns, along with social media comments made by previous hikers.

These reports highlighted NWR’s apparent lack of assistance with water.

They could easily deter potential hikers from experiencing this natural wonder.

The media must conduct thorough fact checking before publishing stories, especially those that could negatively impact local tourism.

My experience contradicted these reports, as I found there was adequate water at most natural water points, and NWR was diligent in providing water.

The facilities were well maintained, and the environment felt safe for well-prepared hikers, who were accompanied by an experienced guide familiar with the canyon, and who had hiked it before.

The Fish River Canyon hike was a profound learning experience, offering numerous lessons applicable to everyday life.

Each kilometre covered was unique, teaching me the importance of preparation, perseverance, resilience and endurance.

Proper planning was essential, from packing the right gear to ensuring sufficient water supply, preparation was key to a successful hike.

Perseverance was vital during the gruelling stretches under the relentless sun, while resilience helped me overcome physical and mental fatigue.

Endurance, both physical and mental, was necessary to complete the hike and savour the achievement.

During my hike, a notable observation was the lack of Namibian hikers on the trail.

Statistics reveal that the majority of hikers were non-Namibian citizens, highlighting a disparity in domestic participation.

Surprisingly, many NWR staff members expressed astonishment upon encountering our group of Namibians navigating the canyon’s paths.

For instance, when one of my companions, Tuhafeni, introduced himself to a water marshal named George, George responded in disbelief, saying: “But Tuhafeni sounds like a Namibian name.”

COMMENDABLE

At the conclusion of our hike, Mee Saara at the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort extended congratulations and gratitude to our group, again emphasising the infrequency of Namibian hikers in the canyon.

These encounters shed light on the challenges facing domestic tourism in Namibia, attributed in part to the country’s wide income gap.

However, it serves as a poignant reminder that those with means should seize the opportunity to discover and appreciate the natural wonders of their own homeland.

NWR has done commendable work in maintaining the Fish River Canyon and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of hikers.

The staff we encountered, both within the canyon and at the resorts, were friendly and professional.

Water provision was adequate, addressing one of the critical needs of an arid environment.

However, there is always room for improvement. NWR should enhance its efforts in domestic marketing to make these natural wonders more attractive to Namibians.

Offering special incentives for local tourists and creating more engaging and informative promotional campaigns could entice more Namibians to explore the canyon.

Additionally, developing packages tailored to various interests and preferences could help attract a wider range of domestic tourists.

Hiking the Fish River Canyon was an unforgettable adventure that has left me with a deeper appreciation of Namibia’s natural beauty and the resilience of the human spirit.

It’s a journey I recommend to anyone seeking a profound connection with nature and a personal challenge. Despite the unfortunate media reports that would have a negative impact on the turnout, the experience is immensely rewarding.

The canyon is not just a geological marvel, but a testament to the endurance and perseverance that lies within us all.

A special thanks and heartfelt shout-out to my hiking companions Tuhafeni Muhongo, Bregida Ray-Anne George and Tuwilka Ashipala, along with our experienced guide, Clive Owen Bergh.

You made this adventure truly unforgettable.

The post Hiking in the Fish River Canyon appeared first on The Namibian.