Southern Namibia's Fish River Canyon and Orange River

We were nearing the end of a two week journey through Namibia. Our last two stops in Southern Namibia were Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa, and Noordoewer, on the north back of the Orange River. Namibia had seemed so far away when we began our overland journey from Nairobi, Kenya to Cape Town, South Africa. Still, it was indeed a bitter sweet feeling for me, as we left Sossusvlei's sand dunes, heading south through the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia © Spaswinefood

Fish River Canyon, Namibia: The Largest Canyon in Africa
Our overland trip took us southwards from Sossusvlei to Fish River Canyon, near the Namibian border with South Africa, a distance of 200 km. It took our overland truck approximately 3-4 hours to complete the journey. While at Sossusvlei we had visited two sand dunes in the area. In preparation for our early morning climb of Dune 45 we camped at Sesriem Campsite. After pre-sunrise climb of Dune 45 we ate breakfast.  Yes, you get that climb in early before it gets too hot.

Sunrise, Dune 45 © Spaswinefood

Dune 45 © Spaswinefood

Then it was onto Big Daddy. We did a little exploration around the base of Big Daddy before leaving for Fish River Canyon. After hiking around the base of Big Daddy I was happy to sit in the shade.

Relaxing in the Shade, Near Big Daddy © Spaswinefood

Highlights from Fish River Canyon
It was afternoon when we arrived at Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world, next to Grand Canyon. The canyon is 500 meters deep and over 160 kilometers long.

Walking the Rim of Fish River Canyon, Namibia © Spaswinefood

After we arrived in Fish River Canyon we checked into our accommodations. Then we were off to explore the canyon before sunset. That day, as I walked a section of the canyon rim, I kept an eye on the ever changing canyon features on my right. I enjoyed viewing the fascinating effects of light on the canyon walls, and the ever changing clouds in the sky.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia © Spaswinefood

Plants along the Top Rim, Fish River Canyon © Spaswinefood

The plant life was sparse. It was indeed interesting to observe its adaptation to this dry, rocky environment.

Plant Adaptation, Fish River Canyon © Spaswinefood

Just before sunset our overland truck returned. Given the lack of vegetation in the desert environment I could see our overland truck approaching far in the distance.

Distant View, Fish River Canyon © Spaswinefood

Overlanding, Namibia © Spaswinefood

Soon the sun disappeared below the horizon. It was a spectacular sunset. Without doubt the perfect place to drink a glass of your favorite South African wine.

Sunset, Fish River Canyon, Namibia © Spaswinefood

While our visit to the canyon lasted only 3-4 hours I do remember Fish River Canyon as a place with such remarkable photographic moments. Overland days on the road very often long. That day we had left camp before sunrise to climb Dune 45 and here we were viewing sunset over Fish River Canyon.

Fish River Canyon to Orange River, Namibia

Next day when we left  Fish River Canyon early for a five-hour journey (275 km) to Noordoewer on the north bank of the Orange River. Traditionally known as the Gariep River, the Orange River is the longest in South Africa (2200 km). The river's source begins high up in the Drakensberg mountain range in Lesotho and it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay in South Africa. Orange River is responsible for transporting diamonds and creating the deposits that can be found along the Namibian coast.

As we approached Orange River, which borders on South Africa we passed irrigated vineyards.

Vineyards near Orange River, Namibia © Spaswinefood

I was appalled to see the very basic housing where the farm workers lived.

Farmer Workers Housing near Orange River © Spaswinefood

Given that Namibia is mostly a desert environment it is difficult to grow grapes for winemaking. The result is there is a very limited wine production in Namibia. Nevertheless, the history of winemaking in Namibia indicates that the first vineyards were planted in 19th century near Windhoek. German Roman Catholic priests carried on this tradition until the 1960's when the last wine-making priest died. However since Namibia's independence in 1960 grape growing started in Southern Namibia near the Orange River. While most of the grapes are grown for table grapes some are used in winemaking.

Our last night in Namibia was spent on the north bank of the Orange River at Felix Unite River Lodge. 

Cabanas, Felix Unite River Lodge © Spaswinefood

There you will find campsites and cabanas. We enjoyed relaxing in the swimming pool overlooking the river.

Felix Unite River Lodge © Spaswinefood

Swimming Pool, Felix Unite River Lodge © Spaswinefood

We crossed over into South Africa the next morning. This #winelover was excited about the possibility of touring South Africa's wine country regions. Our Namibian travels prior to our last two stops included (1) the Okavango Delta,  (2) Roys Camp, near the San Bushmen community, (3) Etosha National Park  (4) Spitzkoppe and the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, (5) Swakopmund and (6) sand dunes in Sossusvlei. I invite you to join me in my travels in Africa and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

Namibia, Africa

© Spaswinefood

Overlanding, Nairobi to Capetown © Spaswinefood

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