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Canyon
Fish Eagle Trail
Imagine exploring the Fish River Canyon from as close
as it gets, hiking in almost pristine nature with just
a light backpack, dreaming at the campfire and falling
asleep in the open under a dazzling night sky... Adventurous
and physically fit hiking enthusiasts who join a Trekking
Tour by Mule Trails Namibia can expect a unique and
exciting canyon experience in the wilderness area north
of the main lookout point. Luggage and equipment are
ferried by mules, while participants only need to carry
water and snacks for the day’s hike as well as
their camera. A qualified guide explains geology, flora
and fauna, a mule driver takes care of the pack animals
and a supply team is in charge of the camps.
The Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on
earth, is situated in the transition zone between two
desert systems, the Nama Karoo and the Succulent Karoo
(the world's most diverse desert). The landscape is
characterised by meandering gorges which are up to 500
m deep and twist and turn through layers of rock which
are millions of years old. The flora includes unique
plants like the quiver tree, candelabra euphorbia or
tamarisk; game such as mountain zebra, klipspringer,
kudu, duiker, springbok and ostrich abounds in the area.
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| Highlights |
High plateau with 360 degree panoramic views,
narrow gorges, natural springs, swimming and fishing
in pools (depressions, filled with water), fascinating
plant and animal world of the Nama Karoo Desert,
three nights in the open under the starry sky or
in a tent |
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| Participants |
Minimum 4 / maximum
7 people,
children from 12 years old |
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| Time |
1 May to 16 September;
otherwise on request |
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| Duration |
5 days / 5 nights
If tour includes transfer from/to Windhoek:
7 days, 6 nights |
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| Dates |
on request;
If tour includes transfer from/to Windhoek:
(departure Wednesdays, return Tuesdays)
14-05 to 20-05-08 / 11-06 to 17-06-08 /
09-07 to 15-07-08 / 13-08 to 19-08-08 /
10-09 to 16-09-08 |
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| Distance |
15 to 20 km / 6 to 8
hours of walking per day |
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| Languages |
English |
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Schedule
Day 1 - Arrival and Introduction
Transfer (own arrangement) to Gondwana Cañon Park
at the Fish River Canyon. In the evening we discuss all
there is to know about the tour and acquaint ourselves
with the equipment. Dinner, bed and breakfast at one of
the accommodation establishments in Gondwana Cañon
Park.
Optional - Tour with transfer
from and to Windhoek: guests are picked up at their accommodation
in Windhoek; light lunch on the way.
Day 2 - Mule Trekking
After breakfast transfer to Cañon Roadhouse, the
starting point of the tour. We set off as soon as our
gear is loaded onto the mules. The first stage is perfect
for warming up: the path takes us slightly uphill, past
quiver trees, to a high plateau where we enjoy terrific
360 degree views of the canyon scenery. Then we continue
along a small dry riverbed which digs deeper and deeper
into the layers of rock until it spills into a gorge.
Picnic lunch in the shade. In the afternoon we continue
further down the gorge and arrive at our camp. While we
have a drink at the campfire our tour guide prepares dinner;
everybody who feels like it is welcome to help. The night
is spent at Augurabis Gorge Camp – in a tent or
in the open under the star-studded night sky.
Day 3 - Mule Trekking
We enjoy our first breakfast out in the open. Then we
continue along one of the Fish River’s tributaries.
As our path takes us downward further and further, the
rock faces around us become steeper and narrower. Here
and there we come across springs from which crystal-clear
water is bubbling forth. Picnic in the shade of trees.
With a little luck we spot kudu, klipspringer and mountain
zebra – or waterbirds like the African Fish Eagle,
after which this trail has been named. On smooth blue
dolomite we find abstract rock engravings – left
by Namibia’s original inhabitants thousands of years
ago. In the afternoon the gorge suddenly widens: we have
made it to the Fish River. Dinner and overnight stay at
Fish River Camp.
Day 4 - Mule Trekking
After a substantial breakfast we explore the second largest
canyon on earth by following the course of the Fish River
downstream. The river bears water only after good rainfalls,
usually between January and April, the months when rain
is most likely. Pebble fields alternate with slabs of
rock and sand dunes. With every bend the gorges become
deeper and the rockfaces steeper. The massive layers of
rock recount dramatic chapters in the history of the earth.
We pick a shaded little spot for our picnic lunch. Here
and there we come across large, deep pools (depressions
in the rock or in the sand, filled with water) in which
we can swim or fish for Fish River carp. Later in the
afternoon we arrive at Rock Pool Camp. Dinner at the campfire,
overnight in a tent or in the open.
Day 5 - Up to the Rim of the Canyon
Another big breakfast fortifies us for the highlight of
the tour: the ascent to the rim of the canyon, towering
hundreds of metres above us. The stony slope which we
are about to conquer drops deeply in many places. While
the mules follow a path used by zebra we climb in serpentines,
stopping frequently to marvel at the view. North of the
main lookout point we clamber up to the canyon’s
rim. Picnic lunch with a view. We cross a plain and are
happy to see our driver who is there to collect us. After
a farewell look into the canyon we are taken to our accommodation
in Gondwana Cañon Park. The hiking tour has come
to an end. Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast in the
morning.
Optional days 6 and 7 - tour
with transfer from and to Windhoek:
Day 6 - Relaxing in Gondwana Cañon
Park
We use this day to recover from the exertion of the past
few days and to reflect on what we have seen and experienced.
If you like you can join various activities offered by
the lodge. Go for a hack: enjoy the scenery of Gondwana
Cañon Park on horseback (N$ 195.00 per person per
hour); sundowner drive: this three-hour excursion is an
opportunity to acquaint yourself with Gondwana Cañon
Park - you will learn interesting facts and fascinating
details about the local geology and the adaptability of
flora and fauna (about 3 hours, N$ 160.00 per person);
scenic flight over the Fish River Canyon (minimum 2 passengers,
price on request). Overnight in one of the lodges of Gondwana
Cañon Park with breakfast and dinner.
Day 7– Return trip to Windhoek
After breakfast it is back to Windhoek; picnic on the
way. Distance to drive about
650 km.
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| Rate: |
N$ 4,950.00 per person
(5 days, 5 nights)
With transfer from and
to Windhoek:
N$ 10,932.00 per
person (7 days, 6 nights) |
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Services included:
- Schedule as described above (single room / tent on request)
- All meals as described above. During the tour breakfast
(cereals, coffee/tea), lunch
- (bread, cheese, salami),
dinner (a light cooked meal, with coffee/tea)
- During the tour: an experienced guide, mule driver and
supply team
- Mules for the luggage, crockery and cutlery, stool for
sitting, sleeping bag with lining,
- light thermo-mat, tent
- park fees where applicable
Optional - Transfer from/to
Windhoek:
- Vehicle with English speaking driver
- Door-to-door transport within Windhoek
- All transfers (Windhoek – Fish River Canyon -
Windhoek)
Services not included:
- Beverages (other than water, coffee & tea),
bottle to drink from (about 2 litres)
- Light rucksack (can be hired), 6 to 8 kg have to be
carried by everybody
- Personal insurance
- Tips
- Souvenirs/presents
- It is not possible to ride the mules
Special requirements:
- Participants have to be physically fit and cannot be
afraid of heights
- We urgently recommend that comprehensive insurance cover
be taken out before
- embarking on the tour
to make provision for cancellation, curtailment, medical
- expenses, emergency evacuation,
repatriation as well as loss or damage of personal
- baggage and loss of foreign
currency.
Mule Trails Namibia will not be held responsible for any
costs arising from any of the above events. Restriction
of liability also applies if clients were unaware of this
policy.
Force majeure
It goes without saying that we do our utmost to conduct
the tour as described in the programme; we cannot vouch
for it, however. Unfavourable weather conditions, the
Fish River in flood, organizational problems, unforeseen
events or other factors may force us to change the course
of the tour. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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| © Mule Trails Namibia 2007 l Disclaimer
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us |
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Canyon
Fish Eagle Trail
5 days, 5 nights (with transfer from and to Windhoek:
7 days, 6 nights)
Time: 1 May to 16 September; otherwise on request
4 to 7 participants
View
details |
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Canyon Klipspringer Trail
4 days, 4 nights
Time: 1 May to 16 September; otherwise on request
4 to 7 participants
View
details |
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| Details
about the Canyon Fish Eagle Trail, with
rates and schedule, for printing: |
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