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The
Real Canyon Hike – 7 day (from/to
Windhoek)
The five-day Fish River Canyon Hike is one of the most
popular hikes in Namibia. The 85km route starts at Main
Viewpoint and ends at the hot springs of Ai-Ais. The hike
is open between 01th May and 15th September due to high
temperatures in summer and the possibility of high water
levels in the rainy season. |
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Min.
/ Max per group: 4-7 pax
Min.
age: 12 years
Scheduled
departures 2008 for Real Canyon Hike (or on request):
- 14.05.-20.05.08
- 11.06.-17.06.08
- 09.07.-15.07.08
- 13.08.-19.08.08
- 10.09.-16.09.08
Rates:
N$ 9 985.00 per person
Single
suppl.: N$ 350.00 |
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Itinerary:
[meals: B = Breakfast, L
= Lunch, D = Dinner Dinner] |
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Day 01:
Pick up time at about 8h00 in Windhoek. Heading southwards
we will reach one of the lodges of the “Gondwana
Canon Park” late afternoon. The spectacular sunset
compensates for the long drive.
Overnight
at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges; [LD] |
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Day 02:
After a short drive we reach the Main Viewpoint, which
marks the start of the hike. We will be on the move
for about 8 hours each day. The 500m descent into the
Canyon takes us about 2 hours due to the steep route
and loose rocks. However the view into the canyon landscape
is spectacular. Finally we reach the bottom and our
route continues for 13 km through boulders and rough
sand. The water in the canyon is drinkable (Micropur
or similar purifying tablets can be used as an additional
precaution). Exhausted we reach "Palm Springs”
with its thermal sulphur pools, an enjoyment for our
tired muscles.
Walking
time: 7 - 8 hrs
Overnight under a thousand stars; 500m descent; [BLD]
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Day 03:
Today our route takes us along the riverbed, which we
cross several times, depending on the water level. It
is advisable to take trekking sandals along for the
river crossings. The ground consists mostly of gravel,
pebbles and deep sand. About 15 km from Palm Springs
we will pass the “Table Mountain” named
appropriately after its “mother” near Cape
Town. We will sleep close to the “Three Sisters
rock towers”, which are illuminated blood red
by the setting sun.
Walking
time: 7 - 8 hrs
Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD] |
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Day 04:
After breakfast we climb a hill from which we have a
beautiful view of a rock formation consisting of four
thick pinnacles, known as the "Four Finger Rock".
Another highlight along todays trail is the “Von
Trotha’s grave”. Second Lieutenant Thilo
von Trotha, a nephew of the well-known Lieutenant General
Lothar von Trotha, died here in 1905 during a confrontation
between German soldiers and native Namas. As a reliable
source of water the Fish River has always been considered
as an oasis of life. We spent another night under the
overwhelming African sky.
Walking
time: 7 - 8 hrs
Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD] |
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Day 05:
As we carry on along the riverbed walking gets easier,
but remains sandy and rocky. The canyon widens out.
Legend has it that a fleeing dragon left behind him
the 160 km long and 450m deep furrow, which is now the
second largest canyon of the world. Another adventures
day slowly comes to an end.
Walking
time: 7 - 8 hrs
Overnight under a thousand stars; [BLD] |
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Day 06:
After 10km we reach Ai-Ais (Nama word for "hot
hot"). The hot water from the natural spring is
pumped into a swimming pool, which we take advantage
of. With a cold beer and a swim in the pool we wash
off the dust of the previous days, before we get picked
up and transferred to the “Gondwana Canon Park”
where we highly appreciate the feeling of stretching
out on a soft bed with fresh linen.
Walking
time: 4 - 5 hrs
Overnight at one of the Gondwana Canon Park Lodges;
[BLD] |
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Day 07:
After a hearty breakfast we are back on the road for
the long drive back to Windhoek, where an unforgettable
journey comes to an end.
[BL-] |
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INCLUSIVE
IN THE PACKAGE:
- One English speaking experienced nature guide/driver
per group
- Free door-to-door courtesy transport in Windhoek City
area only
- All transfers Windhoek – start/endpoint of hikes
- Windhoek
- Program as stated above (incl. two nights lodge accommodation
- double room
- basis,
single room on request)
- All meals as stated above; during the hike (B= cereals,
coffee/tea, L= bread,
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cheese, salami, D= light cooked meal by our guide
incl. coffee/tea
- All crockery and cutlery
- Hiking permits |
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NOT INCLUSIVE IN
THE PACKAGE:
- Sleeping bags, light iso mattress and back packs (recommended
55 litre plus),
-
1.5 ltr water bottle
- Personal insurance (important: medical evacuation)
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages |
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Climate:
The seasons in Namibia are reversed compared to those
in Europe. During the European winter months we have
summer in Namibia and vice versa. Winter and summer
in Namibia differ from what we are used to in Europe,
though. The winter in Namibia is the cooler dry season
which is characterised by high temperature changes and
hardly any rainfall. It can get very cold at night in
the desert (June to August down to -5°C). During
the day temperatures may rise up to 25°C. The Namibian
summer (January to end of March) is the rainy season
and it seldom rains during the other months. November
and December are very hot with temperatures over 30°C,
so it is essential to pack the suitable clothes. Rest
assured that you will not encounter a grey sky that
will linger for weeks! So bring some Sandals, walking
shoes, light cotton clothes (Shorts and shirts), a jacket
or fleece pullover and long trousers. We have seen everything:
from beanies and gloves to bikinis!! |
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Character
of and requirements for the trails:
The trails are not difficult, but challenging. Fitness
and good condition is essential as the trails entail
7 to 8 hours walking and you have to carry your luggage
every day, including food and water (all together approx.
12 – 15 kg per person). As some of the routes
lead through rough terrain and over large boulders it
requires well balanced and secure walking. Please be
aware of high temperature fluctuations, which can reach
a high of 35°C during the day whilst sometimes plummeting
down to -5°C at night, which can cause additional
stress to your heart and circulation. We recommend you
to prepare yourself for the trail with some fitness
training. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism requires
a medical report by your doctor not older than 40 days. |
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Recommendation:
We urgently recommend that comprehensive insurance cover
be
taken out before embarking on the tour to
- make provision for cancellation and curtailment
- medical expenses, emergency evacuation, repatriation
- loss or damage of personal baggage
Safaris Unlimited will not be held responsible for any
costs arising from any of the above events. Restriction
of liability also applies if clients were unaware of
this policy. |
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Force Majeure:
It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct
the tour as
described in the program; we cannot vouch for it, however.
Unfavorable weather conditions, organizational problems,
unforeseen events or other factors may force us to change
the course of the tour. We apologies for any inconvenience
caused. The opening and the closing periods for the
Fish River Canyon Hike are regulated by the Ministry
of Environment and Tourism and can change due to external
influences (heat, water availability, flooding). Safaris
Unlimited cannot be held responsible for tours being
cancelled on those grounds and we reserve the right
to changes according to circumstances at the time of
booking. |
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| © Safaris Unlimited 2006-2007 l
Disclaimer
l Reservations |
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