di 30 juli - Ai-Ais campsite

Fish River Canyon

Ais-Ai Camp site

Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa now forms part of the Ai-Ais / Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and visitors can now cross from South Africa to Namibia, using the Sendelingsdrift border post from within the park.

Email Reservations: aiais@namibiabookings.com

The recently re-furbished Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa & Resort is at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon and offers an excellent place to relax in and around the thermal baths & heated swimming pool, especially after a hot, dusty day's drive or when completing The Fish River Hiking Trail.

It is the ideal destination when heading towards South Africa, or northen-route to Sossusvlei and Windhoek, for individual travelers and families alike.

The resort is set at a sulphurous hot spring, which makes perfect sense as the name '/ai-/ais' means 'burning water' in the local Nama language. It indicates the extreme heat of the hot springs, which date back to 1850, when they were discovered by a Nama herder, searching for his lost sheep.

As this resort is a very popular holiday destination with families from both Namibia and South Africa, it is advisable to book well in advance.

As with all thermal springs, the water is supposed to have natural curative properties, and is especially beneficial for sufferers of rheumatism .For the more energetic, there are some enjoyable, but sometimes arduous walks into the canyon, especially pleasant in the late afternoon when the shadows are long, and the heat off the rocks contrast with the cool sand.

The improvements at Ai Ais include a brand new restaurant and bar, serving buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seating up to 100 visitors. Other facilities include a laundry and room service, secure parking and up-to-date disabled ramps into all buildings, including the rooms.

Ai Ais Hot Springs Spa Resort Activities
Activities include walking trails up the ravine, the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail and guided scenic excursions within the park.

An advantage when traveling in this part of the world, is the clear and open southern sky. It is great for star gazing, and the minimal reflections at night make it an ideal stopover for keen astronomers and enthusiasts alike.

The Ai-Ais area is also a geologists' dream - with rock formations dating back to millions of years. Visitors of all ages can enjoy some soul-searching walks in the surrounding areas of the camp, and they can also easily drive to the main Fish River Canyon View point at Hobas for breathtaking panoramic views.

Hiking
The Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail starts from the main viewpoint near Hobas and ends at Ai-Ais, is a truly unique trail. It is approximately 80km long, and takes 4-5 days to complete. The park is open for these trails from May 1 to September 15 each year. A maximum of 30 persons per day are allowed into the canyon for hiking. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted.

Demand is high, so reservations should be made well in advance. Hikers must present a recent medical certificate of fitness within the preceding 40 days and complete an indemnity form, prior to commencing the trail. They are also advised to stay over at Hobas the night before the hike commences, although there is a shuttle service to Hobas from Ai-Ais for hikers only.

Hot springs
Built around the thermal springs - days can be spent relaxing in the spa water

Directions:
The thermal hot springs of Ai-Ais lie in the southern part of the Fish River nature conservation area. It is best accessed via the B1. Near Grünau turn off on to the C10. Ai-Ais lies at the end of this gravel road (73 kilometers)