Stage 4 of the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail covers 13.4 km from Three Sisters to Fool's Gold Corner, with 213 m of ascent and 254 m of descent. The highest point is 307 m. Allow about 5.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Informal camping on the sand at Fool's Gold Corner after Bandage Pass, about 10–11 km by the river from Ai-Ais; no facilities. This is the last usual camp; the final day crosses long stretches of soft sand, so carry enough water.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "informal camp" are well-known sandbank camping spots taken from hikers' reports and NWR information; they have no operator and their exact position is approximate. There are no huts or campsites in the canyon: you camp on the river sand wherever water and shade suit you, with no facilities. Your NWR hiking permit covers the nights in the canyon; the trail is open only from 1 May to 15 September.
Emergency: no signal in the canyon. Satellite phone: MEFT Hobas +264 63 683 445, police 10111. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.