News 2008News 05.05.08
 

Dual Go-ahead for Hikers at the Canyon - 05.05.08
Regular as clockwork, the first groups of hikers climbed down into the Fish River Canyon from Hiker’s Point on 1 May. The roughly 80 km trail follows the twists and turns of the main gorge from the viewpoint near Hobas all the way downstream to Ai-Ais further south and usually takes five days. Hikers have to carry all their equipment and provisions for the entire tour, resulting in a backpack of 15 to 20 kg. There is still a lot of water in the Fish River at present, as southern Namibia had good rains and the sluice gates of the dams north of the canyon were opened several times. Last year the hikes had to be stopped end of July, because in the Canyon there was not enough water for the hikers. The trail is only open during the winter months, from May to September, which are dry and more moderate in temperature.

  
 
Previously there had been rumours that the trail was closed completely this year. They may have been set off by the fact that the restcamp at Ai-Ais, where the tour ends, is currently closed due to renovations and will only reopen in October. Hikers usually park their vehicles there. It is advisable to enquire at the reservations office of Namibia Wildlife Resorts (see link below for contact details) whether that is still possible at the moment, before embarking on the hike. Guests of Cañon Lodge (and Mountain Camp), Cañon Village and Cañon Roadhouse have Gondwana’s shuttle  
Hiker’s Point, the start of the hiking tour through the second largest canyon on earth.
 
  service at their disposal: for N$ 500 per vehicle (max 10 passengers) to Hiker’s Point, and from Ai-Ais for N$ 1,100 per vehicle (max 10 passengers). In Ai-Ais the vehicle will arrive well-stocked with chilled beer for the return-trip, if requested...  
   
Exploring the Canyon landscape with Mules. Photo: Judy & Scott Hurd
  The new Mule Trekking Tours by Mule Trails Namibia are less strenuous and a little shorter: participants just take care of their daypack while mules carry all the luggage and equipment. A qualified tour guide points out and explains the rock formations, which are millions of years old, as well as the unique fauna and flora. Nights are spent in a tent or in the open, depending on personal preferences or outside temperatures. The first official tour took place a few days ago, the last one this season is scheduled for mid-September.
  The Mule Trekking Tours, in contrast to the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail, are conducted in the wilderness area north of the main viewpoint. One can choose between two tours: The Canyon Fish Eagle Trail (5 days; 3 nights in the wilds, 2 in a room) and the Canyon Klipspringer Trail (4 days; 2 nights in the wilds, 2 in a room).  
  - More on the Canyon Trail: www.nwr.com.na
- More on Mule Trekking: www.mule-trails-namibia.com

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