Fish River Canyon, Namibia - Griessballs on Tour

02 Sep

02Sep

Leaving Springbok to head for Namibia, we passed through the Vioolsdrif border post with remarkable ease. The process was quick and straightforward, with friendly South African officials efficiently checking our documents. However, Noordoewer on the Namibian side proved more challenging. Despite our thorough research indicating that cooked meat was permitted, the border officials confiscated all our carefully prepared cooked meals and long-life milk, citing precautions against South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease. Though frustrating, we understood their need to protect Namibia’s agricultural sector, and we continued our journey with a lighter load but undampened spirits.

We travelled through the arid yet striking landscapes of Aussenkehr, a small agricultural settlement along the Orange River, known for its sprawling vineyards. Our route took us via the tranquil Ai-Ais Hot Springs. From there, we proceeded to the Canyon Roadhouse Campsite, a charming and quirky destination in southern Namibia. The campsites, nestled alongside a dry riverbed, offered a serene setting under vast desert skies. The ablution facilities were impeccably clean, well-appointed, and provided hot water, ensuring a comfortable stay after a long day on the road.

The Canyon Roadhouse itself was a highlight, with its eclectic decor evoking a nostalgic, almost kitsch charm. Vintage car parts and quirky memorabilia adorned the walls, creating a lively atmosphere. We savoured ice-cold Hansa Draught beers, a refreshing Namibian staple, and enjoyed hearty meals paired with a glass of crisp South African wine, all served with warm hospitality that made us feel right at home.

The next morning, we set out to explore Fish River Canyon, a geological marvel that ranks as Africa’s largest canyon and one of the world’s most impressive, just behind the Grand Canyon in North America. Stretching 161 km from south of Seeheim to the point where the Fish River joins the Orange River, northwest of Aussenkehr, this is an awe-inspiring landscape. The canyon’s vast, rugged expanse, carved over millions of years, is a must visit on any trip to Namibia. We visited several viewpoints along the canyon’s rim, each offering breathtaking vistas that no photograph could fully capture. The sheer scale of the chasm, coupled with the stark beauty of the surrounding desert, made it a humbling experience. As we stood at the edge, in the belting sun of 35 degrees we decided late in the day that we indeed need to retire back to the Roadhouse for a well-deserved beer and bottle of wine.