/Ai-/Ais – Tourists who completed the 80km Fish River Canyon hiking trail described it as the ultimate experience, compared to other nature walks in Africa.
Cecil Biker (70), who hails from South Africa, told VIBEZ! that he completed the trail for a second time, and plans to do so every five years until he reaches the age of 90.
“This is something only those who have experienced it can best describe. But from my experiences, it is something worth trying in your lifetime,” he said.
Biker noted that despite rumours on social media that there is not enough drinking water in the canyon, they were provided with fresh water by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) water marshalls whilst hiking.
“With good preparation, planning, a good guide/team leader, the right equipment and being physically fit with the right mindset, you can enjoy a wonderful five-day journey in the valley,” he advised.
“What also makes the hiking more exciting is the reward you receive at the last point (Pink Palace) before ascending to the /Ai-/Ais rest camp. The NWR staff will surprise you with fresh burgers and cold beverages as a token of appreciation for your support”.
One of the youngest hikers, 12-year-old Teagan Cockburn who was with her parents, said she would encourage her peers back in South Africa to emulate her brave move to partake in the hiking. “It is an amazing thing to do, making you enjoy and appreciate the open nature,” she noted.
Meanwhile, /Ai-/Ais resort manager Japhet Xoagub informed izthis publication that the negative remarks aimed at discouraging hikers from visiting the facilities are devoid of all truth.
“We are not denying that there are water restrictions in place, but that does not mean tourists will succumb due to thirst in the canyon,” he stated emphatically.
Xoagub added that this situation is attributed to the low water supply from NamWater due to insufficient water levels in the pipes, caused by the drought.
“Warm water is, however, available permanently from the hot springs whilst potable water is supplied to the establishment with periodical interruptions. Tourists can attest that they are surviving despite the current, unfortunate situation prevailing at the rest camp,” the manager emphasised.
He also gave the assurance that water marshalls are permanently available in the canyon, and provide hikers with drinking
water, should the need arise.
In terms of safety and emergencies, once something happened to a hiker, they would evacuate such a person. But if that is not possible due to the nature of the injury, chartered helicopters can airlift them at their own expense. “NWR thus always ensures that they (hikers) have proof of their fitness and medical insurance when they register at our office. In addition to tourists coming for hiking, we also offer other relaxing activities like mountain climbing, or visiting the hot springs which have a healing bodily effect,” he said.
Information provided indicated that the peak season for hiking is from May to November since temperatures are not very high in the canyon then.
Most tourists are South African citizens, with some from the United States of America and Europe. Namibians are offered a 25% discount to lure more of them to visit the facilities.
To allow more locals to experience the canyon, the NWR holds a clean-up campaign annually, whereby volunteers can partake. The volunteers are provided with free transportation and accommodation (two nights in the valley).
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