Name: |Ai-|Ais Hot Springs Game Park
Address: Namibia

Overview

/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs is home to Africa's largest natural gorge, some of the oldest rock paintings in existence, one of the richest botanical hot spots on earth, and Namibia's most well-liked hiking trail. The Richtersveld National Park in South Africa shares an immediate border with the park. The /Ai-/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTFP) was established by a treaty signed in August 2003 between Namibia and South Africa. The sulfurous hot springs found in Fish River Park are referred to as "burning" water in the local Nama language by the term "Ai-/Ais." The Fish River Canyon, the second-largest in the world, which took over 600 million years to evolve, dominates the park.

High Season

June to September and January to February

Best Time to Go

Year-round destination with seasonal variations

Pros & Cons

Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
Beautiful and diverse scenery
Professional guided safaris
Unique ecosystem and biodiversity

Can be crowded during peak season
Weather dependent activities

Map in Namibia

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Wildlife & Animals

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Although there are few large mammals in Transfrontier Park, it is a wilderness area that is home to a wide range of species. Numerous antelope species, such as the klipspringer, grey rhebok, steenbok, and common duiker, can be seen. Additionally present are chacma baboons and velvet monkeys. Leopard sightings are uncommon, but their footprints are a sure sign that they exist.
The park's most prominent species is Hartmann's mountain zebra. They are quick climbers and live in small groups of seven to twelve. In groups, suricate can be seen scanning the area while standing on their hind legs before scuttling off into their burrows because they are also well adapted to the arid environment. Although fairly common, caracal sightings are extremely rare.

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

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Birds

Over 200 bird species have been identified in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld, with 23 species only occurring in southern Africa. The high cliffs provide excellent viewing opportunities for other raptors, including the African fish eagle and the only breeding pair of augur buzzards in the area.

From November to April, migratory birds can be found here.

Best Time for Birding

Birding is usually best during the Wet season when migratory species are present.

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Best Time to Visit – |Ai-|Ais Hot Springs Game Park

High Season

Varies by park and activity

Low Season

Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas

Best Weather

Typically during dry months; check local patterns

Worst Weather

Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area