Namibia Self Drive. Is Fish River Canyon worth it?

Old Jul 28th, 2009, 02:07 AM
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Namibia Self Drive. Is Fish River Canyon worth it?

My friend and I have been on half a dozen package trips to Africa (Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda) and have decided we want to do a self-drive next year. We reckon Namibia would be a good place to start. We're looking at going for around 14 days and, having been to the north before, we're fairly sure where we want to go to in that part of the country.

What we're not sure about is whether it's worth spending three days going to the south for Fish River Canyon. From my reading it seems that there's not really a lot there apart from one viewing point - unless you want to actually trek the canyon.

I'd rather use the time in the north. Maybe we can go to FRC in the future (perhaps driving up from S. Africa).

So, for those who've been there, is FRC worth visiting? What are the attractions of the area apart from the big gash in the ground?
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Old Jul 28th, 2009, 07:45 AM
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We have visited FRC three times (2005, 2007, 2008) on a self-drive basis and, on all three occasions, it was because it is a convenient stopover when driving between Cape Town and the dunes in Namibia. However, the scenery in the canyon is lovely, particularly first thing in the morning, when the light is lovely and the tour buses have not yet arrived. Would I make a special trip to see the canyon? - yes, not only because of the canyon and the lovely scenery in the southern part of Namibia, but also because it would allow us to re-visit one of our favourite places in southern Africa - Eagle's Nest Lodge in Aus. In 2005, we discovered that driving from FRC to the dunes (Sesriem) is a long drive so, for our next two trips, we sought a place to stop somewhere in between and, after much research, discovered Eagle's Nest Lodge in Aus - and wow! We love it! Below is a link to a trip report and photos from the trip last year - both the canyon and Eagle's Nest Lodge are included. Hopefully, this will help with your decision. Happy reading - the report is lengthy, I'm afraid, but you can skip from page to page. There are photos of the canyon and other areas of Namibia (the dunes, Swakopmund etc). Happy planning! Robin

http://bert-and-bin.smugmug.com/gall...61053054_KcDbR
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Old Oct 12th, 2009, 07:40 AM
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Wow! DH and I periodically day dream about our next trip to Namibia - Eagle's Next Lodge is definitely on my "where to stay" list!
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Old Oct 12th, 2009, 04:04 PM
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Hi fbirder,
I visited FRC as part of a 30 day self drive last year. I can understand you wanting to concentrate on the north and 14 days is a good amount of time for those areas. Personally, as beautiful as FRC is, I wouldn't squeeze it in on a 14 day trip that included the north as well. Less is more in Namibia Perhaps save it for a drive up from CT, as suggested elsewhere.
Namibia deserves time to take in her grandeur. I couldn't believe that others we met on the road were only staying a day (if that) in a particular area- be it Etosha, Damaraland or Namib Nukluft/ Sussevlei area!

Self driving Namibia is absolutely the right choice and it's so easy. I was particularly impressed with the accomadation signage on the road and the road signage generally. All very clear. Better than here in Oz! A really handy thing that was suppied with our vehicle were trip notes including customised maps, distances, road conditions, fuel stops, disposition of locals, estimated drive times etc. The care hire company may provide this service.
Have a great time in Namibia.
When are planning to travel in 2010?
Kaye
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