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Canyon Klipspringer Trail

The alternative for those who do not have a lot of time on their hands. The experience of hiking in the canyon scenery is condensed into 4 days.

Highlights High plateau with 360 degree panoramic views, narrow gorges, natural springs, swimming and fishing in natural rock pools, fascinating plant and animal world of the Nama Karoo Desert, three nights in the open under the starry sky or in a tent
Participants Minimum 4 / maximum 7 people,
children from 12 years old
Time 1 May to 16 September; otherwise on request
Duration 4 days / 4 nights
Dates 06.-09.05.08 / 22.-25.06.08 /
01.-04.07.08 / 20.-23.07.08 /
23.-26.08.08 / 21.-24.09.08
or on request
Distance 15 to 20 km / 6 to 8 hours of walking per day
Languages English


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.

Day 2 - Mule Trekking
After breakfast our gear is loaded onto the mules and we set off. With a little luck we spot oryx, kudu, ostrich, klipspringer and mountain zebra – or waterbirds like the Hamerkop and African Fish Eagle. The path takes us gradually 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. In the afternoon we come to one of the adjoining gorges and follow the river’s course which is fed by springs. The night is spent at one of the springs. The distance covered today is about 15-20 km; hiking time 6-7 hours; overnight stay in the open. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 3 - Mule Trekking
The trail continues through the gorge into the Fish River Canyon and then follows the dry river valley. The Fish 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. At times we walk in the riverbed, at others above it. The massive layers of rock recount dramatic chapters in the history of the earth. Here and there we come across large, deep water pools in the rock or sand in which we can swim or fish for Fish River carp. We spend the night at the foot of tall rockfaces. Today’s hike is about 10-15 km; walking time 5-6 hours; overnight stay in the open. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 4 - Mule Trekking, Up to the Rim of the Canyon
We follow the course of the river for another couple of bends and then start to climb up to the canyon’s rim, some 500 metres above. A zebra path between the rocks takes us through a dry little tributary and in a zigzag course up the stony, often steep slope. We stop 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. Today’s hike covers about 10-15 km; walking time 5-6 hours. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; breakfast the next morning)
Rate N$ 3,840.00 per person (4 days, 4 nights)
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

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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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
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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