South Africa

Ai-Ais Richtersveld National Park

Water heated deep underground rises through cracks in the rock at 60°C. Ai-Ais means fire water. A place to slow down before the Fish River Canyon pulls you back onto the road.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Here, fire water rises from the rocks.

Deep underground, the water at Ai-Ais heats naturally. It finds its way up through cracks in the rock and still reaches the surface at 60°C.

The name comes from the Nama people. Ai-Ais means fire water. A very literal name for a place where hot spring water emerges from the rocks.

Today, Ai-Ais is mainly a place to slow down beside the hot springs. It is also a base for visiting the Fish River Canyon.

Then the Fish River Canyon waits.

From Ai-Ais, you can visit the Fish River Canyon. The gorge is around 160 kilometres long, up to 27 kilometres wide in places and reaches depths of up to 550 metres.

According to the current source information, it is the second-longest canyon in the world. Only the Grand Canyon in the United States is longer.

The numbers give you a sense of scale. Standing at the edge, the canyon simply stretches away for kilometres.

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View trips from the region

What you can do in and around Ai-Ais:

  • Visit the hot springs
  • Visit the Fish River Canyon

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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