Fish River Canyon, located along the lower stretch of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. It was developed predominantly during the pluvial times (rainy climatic epochs) many millions of years ago. With depths of up to 1,800 feet, the Fish River Canyon is surrounded by high, forbidding cliffs, and is gashed into the plateau with starling abruptness. This is reported to be the second largest canyon in the world, following the Grand Canyon in the USA.

The gorge winds along a distance of approximately one hundred miles through the fissured Koubis Massif all the way down to the Ai-Ais Hot Springs. As the Fish River is dammed in the town of Hardap, it usually carries only a small amount of water. However, after a heavy rainfall, it quickly turns into a raging river. The main viewpoint for the Canyon is at Hobas near the northern end of the canyon. To the south where the canyon starts to open out are the Ai-Ais hot springs which offer welcome respite at the end of a day of hiking. Due to the risk of flooding and the high summer temperatures the hiking trail is only open from May 1^st to August 31^st.