The Fish River Canyon is the second largest in the world and Africa’s largest at 160 km long. In places it reaches up to 27 km wide and 550 metres deep. About 70 km of the canyon, from Hobas to Ai-Ais, falls into the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park while the remaining more-than-half is privately owned. It must feel good to have your own canyon! In truth this is a canyon within a canyon and the somewhat intermittent Fish River dribbles or pours at its base. The 5-day hike through the canyon, with no facilities whatsoever, is one of the toughest of its kind. Participants sleep rough and carry all their own equipment. Temperatures regularly reach 45 degrees Celsius in the summer; thus the hike is only available in the winter months and even then you need a medical certificate to take part.