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.
The Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa and Resort is at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon and offers an excellent place to relax in and around the thermal baths and heated swimming pool, especially after a hot, dusty day's drive or when completing The Fish River Hiking Trail.
Discounts may be available for children sharing with adults, please specify the ages and number of children when making your booking or requesting a quote.
| November 2024 - June 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Per Person Sharing | Single Rate |
| Mountain View Room (Bed & Breakfast) | NAD 1,360 | NAD 1,640 |
| River View Room (Bed & Breakfast) | NAD 1,640 | NAD 1,910 |
| Family Bush Chalet (Bed Only) | NAD 1,820 | |
| Camping | Per Person | |
| Camping | NAD 390 | |
| July 2025 - October 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Per Person Sharing | Single Rate |
| Mountain View Room (Bed & Breakfast) | NAD 1,640 | NAD 1,910 |
| River View Room (Bed & Breakfast) | NAD 2,000 | NAD 2,280 |
| Family Bush Chalet (Bed Only) | NAD 2,180 | |
| Camping | Per Person | |
| Camping | NAD 390 | |
Accommodation is in 36 brand new double rooms and 7 premier chalets. 12 of the rooms have river views and the remaining 24 have mountain views. All of these rooms have been fitted in the new spa complex and sit over the indoor thermal pool.
So there is no excuse for not popping downstairs for a relaxing session in the pool or to visit one of the treatment rooms for a body or head massage, to get rid of those unwanted aches and pains.
The 12 River View Rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom and bath, air-conditioning and a tea/coffee station.They also have the added facility of an outside shower!
The 24 Mountain View Rooms have an en-suite bathroom with a shower, air-conditioning and a tea/coffee station.
The 7 Premier Chalets are for families/groups and are equipped with an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. The 3 bedrooms have either a ¾ size, 2 x queen or 1 x king-size bed in each room.
The self-catering kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, 2 plate stove, microwave oven, kettle, pots/pans and plates/cutlery.
An added attraction of these brand new chalets, is that there are 2 verandahs, with both river and mountain views! The other main attraction at Ai-Ais (besides the indoor thermal pool) is the popular, but cooler outdoor pool.
As the surrounding countryside is arid and rocky and in summertime temperatures soar, not only is a session in either pool beneficial to your health, it also helps you to keep cool. This is a perfect venue for chilling out and tables/chairs are provided.
Activities include walking trails up the ravine, the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail and guided scenic excursions within the park. An advantage when travelling in this part of the world, is the clear and open southern sky.
It is great for stargazing 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.
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 80 km 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.
Built around the thermal springs - days can be spent relaxing in the spa water.
Ai Ais Resort is the ideal destination when heading towards South Africa or northern-route to Sossusvlei and Windhoek, for individual travellers 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.
Valuables can be locked up in the safe in the reception. Children of all ages are welcome, but parents must supervise their youngsters at all times, especially when in and around the thermal baths / swimming pools.
