09/08/2026
FISH RIVER CANYON
Group 122 (B) | 5 Nights, 6 Days 🥾🏜️
Where do I start? I’m not quite sure, but I know I need to start somewhere…
First of all, I want to thank each and every person who joined me on this guided hike. We had hikers from Spain, Pretoria, Mossel Bay, Cape Town and George. What a privilege it was to share this incredible canyon with all of you.
This was my 4th time hiking the Fish River Canyon, and one thing I have learned is that every time you enter the canyon, you experience it differently.
But this time… this was, without a doubt, the most difficult and challenging experience I have ever had in the canyon.
We crossed the river approximately 26 times! Taking off your backpack, taking off your shoes, crossing the river, putting your shoes back on, picking up your heavy backpack and continuing… and then doing it all over again.
The river crossings themselves weren’t necessarily the challenge. It was the constant stopping, taking off the backpack, putting it down, picking it up again and getting going that became exhausting.
And then came the challenges.
On Day 3, one of our hikers shoe soles started coming loose. We tried everything we had — duct tape, bandages, white plaster and gaiters. By Day 6, we were almost out of options!
In the end, she completed the canyon wearing socks, my Crocs, and with another hiker’s long gaiters to keep the sand out.
That is how she conquered the canyon. Total respect! 👏🥾
On Day 3, we had another difficult moment when one of our hikers twisted her ankle. We took some weight from her backpack to reduce the pressure on her ankle. She never gave up.
She kept going and conquered the canyon. Total respect! 💪
And that is what made this group so special.
We started as a group, and we finished as a group.
Everyone looked out for one another. It wasn’t about thinking only of yourself. It was about encouraging each other, helping when someone struggled and making sure nobody was left behind.
Standing together makes you stronger. And together, you can achieve so much more.
To every single person in Group 122 (B), thank you. You were an amazing group, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you. ❤️
The Fish River Canyon is a very special place. It is bigger than all of us, and we should always remember that. We need to respect the canyon, respect nature and respect the incredible environment we are privileged to experience.
This year, we had plenty of fresh water. I have never seen the canyon so lush and green, with so many beautiful wildflowers.
The mighty canyon certainly took our breath away this year.
Magnificent night skies.⭐️
Warm nights and colder nights.🌕
Hot days and slightly less hot days.☀️
Wild horses.🐴
Scorpions.🦂
River crossings.🏞️
Challenges.🪨
Laughter.😃
Exhaustion.😩
And memories that will stay with us for a very long time.🙏
Fish River Canyon — you challenged us, tested us and humbled us once again.
And I cannot wait to return. 🥾❤️🏜️
Until next time, mighty canyon…
Wishing everyone a safe journey back home🙏
