Nothing strengthens unity and friendships like hiking one of the largest canyons in Africa and that on breathtaking Namibian soil. Four very brave friends from Vryheid made their way to this very challenging hike during August. Although they were spotted on numerous occasions in and around town with their backpacks and walking gear while preparing for this hike, nothing beats the real experience. Here is their story….
“We hiked the Fish River Canyon!” Adéle Richter, Etienne and Elsabe Le Roux, and Elaine Jansen van Rensburg had the unbelievable opportunity of getting to do this amazing hike together with six other people from South Africa. Adéle tells the story: “Descending into the second biggest canyon in the world definitely presented its own challenges and amazing, breathtakingly beautiful scenery. The start at Hobas takes you on a 460m descent over 1.76km; a very steep climb down with no turning back! One would think that the rest of the 65km hike would take you on a calm and level meandering route next to the river, but no… you get to do some more rock clambering, rock hopping, walking through small forests, hot springs (with their own palm trees!), navigating bare open plains scattered with rocks, and hiking through some of the finest sand I’ve seen in my life. Dreaming of abandoning (and burning) your backpack occur often over the five nights, but then taking the next bend on the following day sweeps your breath and doubts away with its own stunning simplicity. Sleeping under open starry skies with a moon winking at you makes every heavy kilogram of carrying your backpack around worth it, not to mention the delicious cold beer and burger waiting for us at the Ais-Ais exit! It was one of the most amazing and beautiful places we have ever had the pleasure (and pain) of hiking, and we will definitely recommend it to those who long for a big adventure in a landscape that settles into your soul and heart.”
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