Windhoek: With less than a month remaining before the Fish River Canyon hiking trail closes for the season, the assistant manager of Gondwana’s Canyon Roadhouse guesthouse has urged Namibians to explore the natural beauty of southern Namibia.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the popular trail in the //Kharas Region typically closes at the end of September due to weather conditions. Canyon Roadhouse assistant manager Carlo Joodt stated in an interview that water levels in the canyon, which attracts approximately 8,000 visitors annually, have improved following heavy rainfall this season.
“This makes it possible to cater for more local and foreign tourists. I encourage locals to tour the country, especially the Fish River Canyon,” Joodt said.
After an earlier delay due to high water levels, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) reopened the trail on 01 May 2025, following a review with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. While water levels remain elevated, the route is now considered safe for hiking, provided participants take the necessary precautions. NWR also warned that hikers should be experienced or be accompanied by expert guides.
Joodt noted that hiking activity picks up towards the end of May. “From around the end of May hiking begins, so we are at about 65 percent capacity with our accommodation, and hiking is at its peak,” he said.
The lodge is situated approximately 30 kilometers before the canyon in the ?Kharas Region and serves as a transit point for guests heading into the canyon.
The Fish River Canyon trail spans about 88 km and is typically completed over five days. Hikers descend into the canyon and exit at the Ai-Ais Resort. Permits, which require a medical fitness certificate and a group size between three and 30, must be obtained in advance from NWR. The trail is usually open from 01 May to 15 September, marking the winter hiking window in response to safety and weather conditions.
Canyon Roadhouse is one of a number of stops on the Namibia Tourism Board’s ‘Southern Experience’ media tour, which aims to promote rural tourism and provide journalists with first-hand exposure to tourism products.