Namibia, Botswana and Zambia

Hobas Campsite

The Hobas camp site is situated at the northern end of Namibia's Fish River Canyon, 10km from the canyon's main vantage point. It is the second largest canyon in the world, the largest in Africa and the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. It was formed millions of years ago by water from the Fish River flowing through its arid environment.

The fantastic views from this majestic, gigantic ravine, make it a popular hiking destination. The Fish River is the longest interior river in Namibia and it cuts deep into the dry, stony plateau, which is sparsely covered with hardy drought resistant succulents.

Public view points can be found the around the camp site, and this part of the canyon is part of the Ai-Ais / Richterveld Transfrontier National Park. (Peace Park).

In the canyon you may encounter several species of mammals, such as wild horses, Mountain Zebra (Hartman Zebra), kudu, leopard, springbok, troops of Chacma baboons and isolated groups of klipspringers. Bird-life includes pelicans, black eagles, fish eagles, kingfishers, lovebirds, wild ostrich and various species of waterfowl and wading birds. Bring your binoculars to view rock kestrels and lanner falcons riding the thermals.

Reptiles and insects are in abundance. You may encounter huge Leguan lizards, cape cobra, black spitting cobra, puff adder and horned adder. Different species of locusts, butterflies and moths are also present. In the natural pools of the Fish River, fish such as barbled catfish and yellow fish can be found.

There are 14 shady campsites, all with braai areas, taps and lights. The ablution block has showers/baths, toilets and wash basins.

There is no mains electricity and the site is powered by a generator from 6am-midday, and from 5pm – 10pm. From May – September the restaurant and bar is in full operation. From October – April, basic groceries, beer, wines and tinned food can be bought from the kiosk.

Visitors must be aware that additional park fees must be paid on arrival.

The Fish River Hiking Trail is about 80kms long and takes between 4 and 5 days to complete. It follows the length of the Fish River Canyon. No facilities are provided, so hikers must be self-sufficient. Water can be found in semi-permanent pools.

Due to the risk of flooding and the high summer temperatures, the Fish River hiking trails are only open from 1st May 31st August. Or 15th April – 15 September?

Hobas is also a good place to overnight before starting the Fish River Hiking Trail, as the hiking trail starts at the main viewpoint, (close to Hobas) and ends at Ai-Ais.

The Fish River Hike must be pre-booked. Bookings must be for groups of between 3 and 20 people. Individual hikers are not allowed for safety reasons. Hikers must be over 12 years of age and have a recent medical certificate of fitness. This certificate needs to be presented at Hobas, the starting point of the Fish River Canyon hike, before departure. Day hikes and walks are also available.