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Best time to visit Fish River Canyon

Namibia

The best months to visit Fish River Canyon are May – Sep. Cooler hiking, trail open May–Sep only.

Quick facts

💰 Currency NAD (Dollar) Pegged 1:1 with ZAR, both accepted
🗣 Language English / Afrikaans English widely spoken
🕐 Timezone CAT (UTC+2) No DST
☀️ Best Months May – Sep Cooler hiking, trail open May–Sep only
🎒 Daily Budget ~$25–40 USD Budget to mid-range
🛂 Visa Visa-free many 90 days for EU/UK/US/Aus/NZ

When to go

Africa's Grand Canyon: 160km of sheer rock, the world's toughest 5-day hike, hot springs on the canyon floor, and the darkest skies you will ever see.

Health & Safety in Fish River Canyon

  • No malaria risk in southern Namibia
  • Dehydration is the main danger, so carry and drink minimum 3L of water per day. Start drinking before you feel thirsty
  • Cliff edges are unfenced and rock is loose. Keep well back from the edge, especially in windy conditions

For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Fish River Canyon travel guide.

Timezone: CAT (UTC+2) (No DST)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Fish River Canyon?

The best months to visit Fish River Canyon are May – Sep (Cooler hiking, trail open May–Sep only), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Fish River Canyon budget breakdown.

Find a travel companion for Fish River Canyon

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See the full Fish River Canyon guide