Location
Local folklore tells of a leviathan snake that
preyed upon the livestock of ancient herders in
the region. Subdued finally by arrows of the tribe’s
bravest warriors, the monster’s death throes tore
giant furrows in the earth, creating the southern
hemisphere’s mightiest natural canyon.
Formed
during wet Pluvial times some 500 million years
ago and probably the early result of a massive
seismic collapse that formed the deep valley bottom,
this, the world’s second largest canyon is 27
km at its widest point and up to 550m deep. Geologically,
the canyon extends some 160 km into the interior,
with the Fish River flowing through it intermittently,
collecting mostly in deep pools.
A
mecca for southern African tourists and one of
Namibia’s prime eco-attractions, the canyon, the
Ai Ais Hot Springs on the floor of the canyon
and the surrounding Huns Mountains are part of
a reserve encompassing an area of 346 117 km²,
which also forms part of the newly declared Ai
Ais Huns Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
The
park is home to many unique plant species, including
xerophytic Halfmens and Quiver trees and wildlife
that include dassie (hyrax), klipspringer, squirrel,
mountain zebra, monitor lizard, baboon and occasional
leopard.
Resorts
A variety of resorts and accommodation facilities
within a broad radius of 100km serve this area.
Some of the most well known are located either
in the reserve or just adjacent to it.
Among
those in the park are the Hobas Camping Site at
the entrance to the park and the Ai Ais Hot Springs
Resort at its southern end. “Ai Ais” means “burning
water” in the Nama tongue and refers to the sulphurous
hot waters welling from the floor of the canyon.
This modern spa resort includes indoor and outdoor
pools, with chalets, camping and caravanning sites,
a shop, restaurant and filling station, while
a landing strip, 11 km from the resort, is available
for fly-in guests.
Outside
of the park, just 20 km from the canyon’s main
viewpoint is one of Karas’ most remarkable tourism
projects. Contained within a huge, game-stocked
private eco reserve is the Gondwana Cañon
Park, housing three exceptional resorts: Cañon
Lodge: An inspiringly designed complex of 30 luxury
thatched bungalows, built literally into the rocky
outcrops of the park, with huge granite boulders
protruding into every room. A beautifully restored
1908 farmhouse is now the lodge’s restaurant,
providing 5-star dining, with cinema scope views
of the canyon landscape. Cañon Roadhouse
features tranquil, cosy accommodations, or camping
facilities under the stars, with swimming pool
and sundeck tucked between indigenous succulents,
plus the convivial charms of a famous bar and
historically decorated a-la carte restaurant.
Cañon Mountain Camp is set among the park’s
beautiful dolerite hills and ideal for larger
self catering parties, with 8 double rooms, fully
equipped kitchen and dining room and outside lapa
and braai area.
This
internationally acclaimed, award-winning enterprise
also boasts a unique self-sustaining agricultural
project that produces products such as cheese,
meat and other fresh produce for the park.
Activities
Activities
in this region are many and varied, for all levels
of interest, budget and age group, with easy access
from resorts in the immediate area, or from towns
in the interior.
Almost
all sought-after tourism experiences here relate
to absorbing the wonders of this rare landscape:
from panoramic photo opportunities at one of the
Canyon’s viewpoint promontories, to taking on
the river gorge in a guided overnight hike from
Ai Ais, or viewing the spectacle via 4x4, or even
from the air. Horse riding, fishing, sundowner
game drives, high-adventure experiences or simple
relaxation are just a few of the delights of this,
the region’s premier tourism hotspot.
