Overland truck to Fish River Canyon

The afternoon before we were to leave Felix Unite and our home for the past 3 weeks our overland truck arrived.  We met our new travel companions and learned a little about what would happen over the next couple weeks.  The next morning we pulled out waving to the staff after having said our goodbyes.

The truck

The truck from Africa4Us

Her name was Zambezi and, at times, riding along was comparable to white water rafting in the Zambezi River.  Your head bobbed around as she bounced on the rocks and bumpy gravel beneath the tires.  Occasionally you got the feeling in your stomach that you were on a rollercoaster and other times you swayed from side to side as she slid in the mud.  Beneath where we sat our belongings as well as the kitchen were stored away safely.  On her 6 wheels was how we’d get from the South to the Northwest of Namibia before ending in Windhoek.

The group

The girls walking in the desert

We were a small group with only 6 of us including the guide and driver even though the truck can hold up to 20 people.  The other travelers were 2 German women.  Karin was volunteering in Swakopmund and Cornelia came to visit her.  Our guide was Jenn, a South African who used to be a school teacher, but wanted to travel more.  Reinier was our driver and is also a South African who went through a career change as he used to be a judge.

Reinier and Tico after changing two tires

Fish River Canyon

The road to Hobas

It was a short drive up to Hobas, which is the ‘village’ where we would stay for the night.  As it turned out, it was really only a campsite that monitored the gate to the canyon.  We had hoped to hike down into the canyon, but they only allow hikers down with prebooked reservations in the winter when there is no water.  After relaxing at the campsite for the afternoon, we loaded back into the truck for a ride to the canyon for the sunset.

Maria and Tico at Fish River Canyon

We got dropped off about 2 kms from the main viewpoint and walked along the edge of the canyon as the sun moved towards the horizon.  There was a rainstorm in the distance and the sun hid behind the clouds as we started our walk.  A rainbow appeared through the clouds and was gone a few moments later.  With all of the recent rain, we were lucky to see water in the river, which is dry most of the time.

Maria enjoying the sunset at Fish River Canyon

Everyone regrouped at the main viewpoint where snacks and wine were waiting for us.  We chatted as the sun went down over the canyon.  The clouds went from gray to orange and then pink before the stars began to fill the sky.  The gate closed at sundown so it was time to head back to camp for dinner.  Not long after, we put our mattress on the table so we could sleep under the stars.  It was recommended not to sleep on the ground as scorpions and snakes are around.  Throughout the night, we could hear jackals in the distance as they were frustrated over an uneventful night of hunting.

Fish River Canyon view from the Hiker’s viewpoint

The Fish River Canyon is the 2nd largest canyon in the world with the Grand Canyon preceding it and Blyde Canyon behind.  It was impressive to see and is quite expansive, but much smaller in comparison to the largest.  But there is something special about seeing the sunset over this canyon so much that it was the best we’ve seen so far this trip.

Overland tour organized by Africa4Us.

Helpful tips:

• Fish River Canyon can only be hiked into in the winter and booking can be done via Namibia Wildlife Resorts.  Book in advance.
• The main viewpoint has covered picnic tables and faces West overlooking the canyon for a great sundowner.