Fish River Canyon

Namibia · geology · Africa · canyons

Enormous African Canyon. Fish River Canyon is the largest canyon in all of Africa, stretching about 160 kilometers (100 miles) long. It's so massive that in some places it spans almost 27 kilometers wide, making it a truly giant feature of the landscape.

Incredibly Deep Walls. The canyon drops almost 550 meters deep in its deepest places, which is about as tall as 55 ten-story buildings stacked straight up. Those steep rocky walls show layers of Earth's history going back millions of years.

Popular Tourist Spot. Fish River Canyon is the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia, with visitors coming from around the world to hike its trails and see its breathtaking views. Many people trek along the bottom of the canyon and camp under the African stars.

Carved by a River. The Fish River slowly carved out this enormous canyon over millions of years, flowing through the southern Namibian desert. The river still runs through the bottom of the canyon today, creating an oasis of life in the dry landscape.

Dramatic Desert Beauty. The canyon's rugged terrain and colorful rock layers make it one of the most stunning natural wonders on the continent. The landscape changes colors throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.