Namibia's Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa. It is also a tourism hotspot. Many operators offer days-long treks to the canyon.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
Namibia's Fish River Canyon is the second largest natural gorge in Africa. It is also a tourism hotspot. Many operators offer days-long treks to the canyon.
Courtesy CNN
Most treks make a stopover in the Quiver Tree Forest, 124 miles outside Fish River Canyon. The quiver tree (pictured) is a unique species of aloe that only grows in southern Namibia.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
Most treks make a stopover in the Quiver Tree Forest, 124 miles outside Fish River Canyon. The quiver tree (pictured) is a unique species of aloe that only grows in southern Namibia.
CNN
The quiver tree gets its name from the local bushman, who used to make quivers for their bows from dead quiver tree branches.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
The quiver tree gets its name from the local bushman, who used to make quivers for their bows from dead quiver tree branches.
Brigitte Weidlich/AFP/Getty Images
Nearly 300 trees congregate in the Quiver Tree Forest. The area is also home to Giant's Playground, a maze-like area filled with stacks of giant dolerite rocks.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
Nearly 300 trees congregate in the Quiver Tree Forest. The area is also home to Giant's Playground, a maze-like area filled with stacks of giant dolerite rocks.
Brigitte Weidlich/AFP/Getty Images
Tour companies, like The Gondwana Collection, offer mule trekking to Fish River Canyon. It is a low-impact means of tourism in the area.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
Tour companies, like The Gondwana Collection, offer mule trekking to Fish River Canyon. It is a low-impact means of tourism in the area.
CNN
Parts of the Fish River Canyon are 500 million years old. The gorge used to be a huge sea, filled with sediment. As the continents drifted apart, the sediment was pushed up, forming layers.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
Parts of the Fish River Canyon are 500 million years old. The gorge used to be a huge sea, filled with sediment. As the continents drifted apart, the sediment was pushed up, forming layers.
CNN
Six million people visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona every year. By comparison, the Fish River Canyon draws a modest 60,000 visitors annually.
The 500-million-year-old canyon —
Six million people visit the Grand Canyon in Arizona every year. By comparison, the Fish River Canyon draws a modest 60,000 visitors annually.
Thomas Schoch