Ai-Ais Hot Springs

• Ai-Ais

Ai-Ais Hot Springs

Local legend goes that the hot springs were discovered in 1850 by a nomadic Nama shepherd rounding up stray sheep. The springs originate deep under the riverbed and form an oasis in the extremely arid area.

Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort is at the source of a mineral and sulphur-rich hot spring, and means 'burning water' in the local dialect. One of the eyes of the hot spring is in the Ai-Ais resort area.

Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa lies at the Southern end of Fish River Canyon, in a scenic area beside natural sulphurous hot springs, from which it got its name, as Ai-Ais means 'burning water' in the Nama language. It was completely renovated in August 2009, and the lodge now offers a relaxing stop for those travelling between South Africa and Namibia and for those visiting 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. The water is supposed to have natural curative ingredients and is especially therapeutic for rheumatism sufferers.