Eat a big breakfast at /Ai-/Ais. Leave your car here and take the shuttle to the start of the trail (R150 per person). Remember to show your permits and medical indemnity forms at Hobas.
Aim to start heading down into the canyon by 9.30 am. You can be down within 45 minutes, but it’s a good idea to take it easy on this stretch – it can be intimidating for first-timers. Take a lunch break and set off again at about 1 pm. Start looking for a place to overnight from 4 pm.

This is the toughest day of the trail. Get going early. Pack your backpack the night before and only have breakfast after you’ve walked some distance.
The trail up to the sulphur springs crosses rocks and sand bars. Don’t lose heart if it’s slow-going. If you can spend the second night just beyond the sulphur spring, you’re doing well.

On the first three days you hike through the deepest parts of the canyon. Look around and appreciate the scenery. The best swimming pools are also on this stretch. Try to get to the 40 km point by the end of the day.

Use the short cuts so you can spend the night at the 70 km point. Then you can easily reach /Ai-/Ais early in the afternoon the next day. Hikers who want to follow the course of the river the whole way (without short cuts) should consider taking an extra day.