Ai-Ais (or /Ai-/Ais which means "burning water" in one of the local languages), refers to the sulphurous hot springs which are found in this area. One of the sulphur springs has its eye within the camp at Ai-Ais.
Ai-Ais lies at the southern end of the Fish River conservation area and marks the end of the 3-5 day Fish River Hiking Trail.
Ai-Ais Hotsprings Spa Accommodation includes 7 x Bush Chalet/Family Chalets, 16 x Riverview Double rooms, 20 x Mountain view Double rooms and Camping.
View AccommodationWhile staying at Ai-Ais you can take guided walks or drives into the Fish River Canyon, visit the hot springs, enjoy some bird watching or relax at the restaurant, bar or around the swimming pool.
View Activities
The resort lies at the southern end of the Fish River conservation area and offers a welcome respite to visitors, especially hikers at the end of their walk through the Fish River Canyon.
The main attraction at the resort is the spa complex. The extreme heat heat of the springs date back to 1850 when they were discovered by a Nama herder searching for his lost sheep.
/Ai-/Ais, which means "burning water" in one of the local languages, refers to the sulphurous hot springs which are found in this area.
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.
Due to the resort's location, there is no running cold water. The water needs to be cooled down as such there is a set schedule as to when cold water is switched on and off.
There is also room service, laundry services, secure parking, safe at the reception and disabled ramps into the building and into all the rooms.
Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa 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.
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, particularly if you prefer to stay in the rooms rather than camping.