Travellers can stop briefly at a viewpoint on the route between Keetmanshoop or Grünau and Aus or Lüderitz. However to explore the Fish River Canyon and its surroundings a minimum of 1 night stay near the canyon is recommended.

Hiking
The Fish River Canyon hike requires 5 days. The hiking trail is only open from May to September each year. Please see The Fish River Canyon Hike section for more details.

Ai-Ais
Ai-Ais is presently closed for renovations. It is expected to re-open on the 10 July 2009.
* Restaurant
* Hot Springs
* Swimming pool
* No petrol station
* No banking facilities

Hobas Campsite
Visitors to the Canyon have to pay entrance fees at Hobas.
Facilities at Hobas are very limited
* Park office
* Small kiosk
* Table & chairs for picnics
* No petrol station
* No banking facilities

Note: Travellers should be advised to fill up, stock up and obtain cash at either Keetmanshoop, Grünau or Lüderitz, before driving to the Fish River Canyon.

Safety
The Canyon is a very rugged and difficult environment. Under no circumstances should travellers enter the Canyon unless a hike has been booked. Day hikes into the canyon are not permitted.

The Fish River Canyon Hike
The hike should be booked 12 months in advance. The trail is only open from May to September each year. The trail takes 5 days to complete and there must be a minimum of 3 persons in a group. A medical certificate must be presented. For more details please see the Fish River Canyon Hike section.

Day hikes
Day hikes have been discontinued due to safety concerns following a number of fatalities. Under no circumstances should travellers enter the Canyon unless a hike has been booked and all the requirements have been observed.

Itinerary
If the accommodation is in the immediate vicinity of the Fish River Canyon, then time can be spent at Ai-Ais and the main viewpoint. Some of the viewpoints along the rim of the canyon require a 4x4 vehicle. Alternatively, the main viewpoint near Hobas can be visited on the route between Keetmanshoop, or Grünau and Aus or Lüderitz.

Extreme heat & cold
The area can be extremely hot during summer, and travellers should take precautions against heat exhaustion and sunstroke, including wearing a hat, shoes and drinking enough water. The area can also be extremely cold during winter and can even experience rain and snow. Travellers should be advised to carry plenty of warm clothing when travelling through southern Namibia in winter.

Entry into the park is subject to rules established by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The rules are designed to protect both the traveler, other travelers and the wildlife and environment.  Contravention of the rules may result in injury, damage to wildlife and the environment, a fine and / or being ordered to leave the park. Below is a summary of the main rules.

* Pay the necessary entrance fees.
Comment: Entrance fees to the Fish River Canyon (/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park) can be paid at Hobas.

* Keep on existing roads and walking tracks.
Comment: No matter how great the temptation of the offroad vehicle, driving where there is no road will damage the environment. Creating new walking trails also damages the environment and can lead to getting lost.

* Do not remove or disturb any plants or animals from the park
Comment: /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park was established to protect the environment, including plants and animals.

* No pets are allowed.
Comment: this rule is primarily directed at Namibians, but also at anyone else traveling with pets. Pets may injure and / or kill wildlife, and they may bring diseases into the park.

For the rules on the Fish River Canyon Hike please see here>>

* The Fish River Canyon
* The Fish River Canyon hiking trail
* Succulent Karoo Biome
* The rugged environment
* Ai-Ais hot springs

The Fish River Canyon is Namibia's most recognised geological wonder. It stretches about 160 km from Seeheim to Ai-Ais, is up to 550 meters deep and is 27 km wide at places. According to geologists the canyon was initially created by a fracture in the earth's crust, followed by glacier movement and finally, Namibia's longest river, The Fish River, eroded the canyon even deeper. The San however believe it was created by San hunters escaping the serpent, Kouteign Kooru.

There is some debate as to whether the Fish River Canyon is the second largest (not deepest) canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA. Some even call the Fish River Canyon the "Grand Canyon of Africa". However, the Grand Canyon may equally be described as "the Fish River Canyon" of the USA.

Hobas Campsite is both the entrance to the nature reserve and the base from were the Fish River Canyon hike begins. Facilities at Hobas are very limited and include the park office, campsites with shared ablutions, a small kiosk and several picnic tables.

The entrance gate is open daily from 06:00 to 22:00 and all visitors to the canyon have to report to the Hobas office to pay entrance fees.

Main (Hell's Bend) viewpoint
From Hobas drive about 10 km to the main viewpoint. This is the view featured on most photographs and the only view most visitors to the canyon get to see. There are some shaded picnic tables and public toilets.

Hiker's viewpoint
From the Main viewpoints a 3 km track leads to the Hiker's viewpoint. It is from here that the 5 day Fish River Canyon hiking trail begins. It also gives a different view of the canyon.

Sulphur Springs (Palm Springs) viewpoint
From Hobas Campsite follow the continuation of the D324. The road runs southwards for about 15 km roughly parallel to the canyon, with several viewpoints along its length. The last one that can be reached with a 2x4 is Sulphur Springs (Palm Springs) viewpoint. It offers a great view of another tight bend in the river's course and has a picnic table.
Note:
* This road is little used and seldom serviced so the drive is bumpy and slow. Travellers not staying overnight in the area should be advised not to drive to Sulphur Springs viewpoint.
* There is a track from Sulphur Springs viewpoint into the Canyon. This track is an emergency exit for hikers and it is not permitted to enter the canyon from here.

Eagle's Rock viewpoint
If driving a 4x4 travellers can continue south to the Eagle's rock viewpoint. From Sulpher Springs it is a rough, stony and slow drive to Eagle's Rock.

Travellers have to backtrack to Hobas from Sulphur Springs and Eagle's Rock.

Ai-Ais is presently closed and is scheduled to re-open on the 10 July 2009.

Ai-Ais is located on the southern end of the Fish River Canyon and is the final destination of the Fish River Canyon hiking trail.

Ai Ais, meaning 'burning water' or 'hot water' in Nama, is best known for it's hot springs. It is believed that the hot springs were first discovered in 1850 by Nama shepherds rounding up stray sheep. The springs were used as a military base by the Germans during the Nama uprising between 1903 and 1907. In 1915 the South African army used the springs during the South West African campaign and in 1962 the springs were leased to a local businessman. In 1969 the area was proclaimed a conservation area and in 1971 the Ai Ais Resort was opened.

The thermal springs originate from deep under the riverbed. They are rich in sulphur, chloride and fluoride, and are reputed to be therapeutic for rheumatic sufferers. The springs are also home to a number of species of fish, including yellowfish and barbel.

Today the springs are a popular holiday destination  and a number of indoor, manmade pools are fed by water from the hot springs for the use of visitors.

Besides the hot springs there are limited facilities, with no bank or petrol station. Travellers are advised to fuel up, stock up and get cash before travelling to Ai Ais.

Although the area is very arid, it forms part of the Succulent Karoo Biome, considered a world biodiversity hot spot. There is a sparse amount of wildlife in the area. Travellers may see Hartmann mountain zebra, oryx, springbok, klipspringers, rock hyrax (dassie) and Bat-eared fox. Leopards are also known to inhabit the area, but sightings are extremely rare. There is a wide variety of bird life drawn by water in the vicinity. In the Canyon, water monitors, commonly known as ‘leguaans’ are often seen.

* Ai Ais, Hobas and several viewpoints can be reached with a 2x4 sedan vehicle.
* Although the area is arid, rain in other parts of the country can cause rivers to flow. The onset of the flow is very rapid.
* As a large part of the journey takes place on gravel roads, consultants should switch to a 4x4 vehicle during the rainy season (October to April).
* To visit the southern viewpoints such as Eagels Rock viewpoint a 4x4 is required.
* Hikers on the Fish River Canyon hiking trails must either arrange for transport to and from Hobas and Ai Ais, or for their vehicle to be driven from the Hobas to Ai-Ais.

Routes to and from Hobas and Ai-Ais
* Mariental
* Keetmanshoop
* Grünau
* Karasburg
* Helmeringhausen
* Aus
* Lüderitz
* Noordoewer (Namibia / South Africa border)
* Ariamsvlei (Namibia / South Africa border)

Mariental
Mariental to Ai Ais is approx. 432 km
* From Mariental drive south on the B1 to Keetmanshoop (approx. 220 km)
* From Keetmanshoop take the B4 to the Seeheim (approx. 43 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the C10 turn off (approx. 72 km)
* Turn right into the C10 and continue to Ai Ais (approx. 22 km)
The B1 and B4 are tar roads. The rest of the route is on gravel road.
En-route attraction: Access via Hobas to several Fish River Canyon viewpoints.

Keetmanshoop via Seeheim
Keetmanshoop via Seeheim to Ai Ais is approx. 212 km
* From Keetmanshoop take the B4 to the Seeheim (approx. 43 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the C10 turn off (approx. 72 km)
* Turn right into the C10 and continue to Ai Ais (approx. 22 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.
En-route attraction: Access via Hobas to several Fish River Canyon viewpoints.

Lüderitz
Lüderitz to Ai Ais is approx. 462 km
* From Lüderitz take the B4 via Aus and Goageb to Seeheim (approx. 293 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the C10 turn off (approx. 72 km)
* Turn right into the C10 and continue to Ai Ais (approx. 22 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.
En-route attraction: Kolmanskoop and access via Hobas to several Fish River Canyon viewpoints.

Aus
Aus to Ai Ais is approx. 337 km
* From Aus drive east on the B4 to Seeheim (approx. 168 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the C10 turn off (approx. 72 km)
* Turn right into the C10 and continue to Ai Ais (approx. 22 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.
En-route attraction: Access via Hobas to several Fish River Canyon viewpoints.

Helmeringhausen
Helmeringhausen to Ai Ais is approx. 346 km
* From Helmeringhausen take the C14 south to Goageb (approx. 114 km)
* From Goageb drive east on the B4 to Seeheim (approx. 63 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the C10 turn off (approx. 72 km)
* Turn right into the C10 and continue to Ai Ais (approx. 22 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.
En-route attraction: Access via Hobas to several Fish River Canyon viewpoints.

Grünau
Grünau to Ai Ais is approx. 103 km
* From Grünau drive south west on the B1 to the C10 turn off (approx. 30 km)
* Turn right into the C10 and follow it to Ai Ais (approx. 73 km)
The B1 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Ariamsvlei
Ariamsvlei to Ai Ais is approx. 268 km
* From Ariamsvlei drive west on the B3 to Karasburg (approx. 125 km)
* From Karasburg drive west on the C10 to the B1 turn off (approx. 64 km)
* Turn right into the B1 and drive to the C10 turn off (approx. 6 km)
* Turn left into the C10 and follow it to Ai Ais (approx. 73 km)
The B3 and B1 are tar roads. The restof the route is on gravel road.

Noordoewer
Noordoewer to Ai Ais is approx. 215 km
* From Noordoewer drive north on the B1 to the C10 turn off (approx. 142 km)
* Turn left into the C10 and follow it to Ai Ais ( approx. 73 km)
The B1 is tar road. The restof the route is on gravel road.

Mariental
Mariental to Hobas is approx. 382 km
* From Mariental drive south on the B1 to Keetmanshoop (approx. 220 km)
* From Keetmanshoop take the B4 to the Seeheim (approx. 43 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B1 and B4 are tar roads. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Keetmanshoop via Seeheim
Keetmanshoop via Seeheim to Hobas is approx. 162 km
* From Keetmanshoop take the B4 to the Seeheim (approx. 43 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Lüderitz
Lüderitz to Hobas is approx. 412 km
* From Lüderitz take the B4 via Aus and Goageb to Seeheim (approx. 293 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.
En-route attraction: Kolmanskop

Aus
Aus to Hobas is approx. 287 km
* From Aus drive east on the B4 to Seeheim (approx. 168 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Helmeringhausen
Helmeringhausen to Hobas is approx. 296 km
* From Helmeringhausen take the C14 south to Goageb (approx. 114 km)
* From Goageb drive east on the B4 to Seeheim (approx. 63 km)
* From Seeheim drive south on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 75 km)
* Turn right into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B4 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Grünau
Grünau to Hobas is approx. 98 km
* From Grünau drive northwest on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 54 km)
* Turn left into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
 The entire route is on gravel road.

Ariamsvlei
Ariamsvlei to Hobas is approx. 276 km
* From Ariamsvlei drive west on the B3 to Karasburg (approx. 125 km)
* From Karasburg drive north on the B3 to Grünau (approx. 53 km)
* From Grünau drive northwest on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 54 km)
* Turn left into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B3 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Noordoewer
Noordoewer to Hobas is approx. 270 km
* From Noordoewer drive north on the B1 to Grünau (approx. 172 km)
* From Grünau drive northwest on the C12 to the C37 turn off (approx. 54 km)
* Turn left into the C37 and continue to the D324 turn off (approx. 32 km)
* Turn right into the D324 and continue to Hobas (approx. 12 km)
The B1 is tar road. The rest of the route is on gravel road.

Ai-Ais Airstrip (FYAA)
* South 27 degrees 58 00’
* East 17 degrees 38 00’
* Length: 900 meters
* Elevation 1,500 feet
* Direction: 01/19 & 07/25
* Surface: Firm Sand

Fish River Lodge
20 double / twin chalets on the western rim of the Fish River Canyon, within the 45,000 ha Canyon Nature Park. Guided and self guided hiking trails, full day 4x4 excursions into the Canyon and a 5 day Canyon hiking package.

The Fish River Canyon Hiking trail is approximately 90 km long and takes about 5 days depending on the fitness of the hiker. There are a number of conditions attached to the hike, noted under ‘Hiking Rules’.

There are a few additional points of which the hiker should be aware.
* Hikers must be fit and a medical certificate must be provided.
* Reservations should be done in advance as this is a very popular trail.
* Although there are hikers who have completed the hike in as little as 3 days, it is recommended to plan for 5 days.
* There are no set overnight stops along the route. Hikers are able set up camp where they want.
* The sun sets quickly due to the steep sides and depth of the Canyon, so hikers should find a place to spend the night before the sun starts to set.
* A tent is not absolutely necessary, although a rain jacket is recommended just in case.
* There are emergency exits at Palm Springs and the Von Trotha Grave.
* Hikers need to arrange their own transport from Ai-Ais to the point where they leave their vehicle.

The hike can be divided into four main parts:

Day 1: The Canyon Descent
The hike begins from the "Hikers viewpoint" about 12 km from Hobas. The descent into the Canyon is regarded as probably the most difficult part, due to the steep sides and loose rock. It is recommended to camp on a sandbank at the bottom of the descent.

Day 2 & 3: Hike to Palm Springs
Most of the hiking to Palm Springs is done on the actual riverbed, were thousands of years of erosion have left large patches of boulders and rocks> These 'difficult patches' require plenty of time. Deep sand makes walking slow and, after a good rainy season, time is needed to find ways around the water pools.

Palm Springs is a sulphur spring with a temperature of 57 C. It is surrounded by several palm trees, which gave rise to the name. Due to the strong, unpleasant smell it is advisable not to camp at Palm Springs but set up camp a few km on.

Day 4: Hike to the Causeway
Beyond Palm Springs, the terrain becomes less difficult, the boulders and obstacles become less
and the canyon becomes wider. Twenty to thirty km can be achieved for the day, especially if taking the recognized short cuts and crossing the river bed to take the inside bends. Close to the Causeway, the grave of can be seen.

Day 5: Hike to Ai-Ais
The final part of the hike takes about 4 to 5 hours. The canyon becomes ever wider and hiking becomes easier.

Fish River Lodge, offers a 5 day guided hiking trip with first & last night at Fish River Lodge and 3 nights camping in the Canyon.

* Due to high temperatures in the canyon (40 degrees Celsius in summer), the hike is only permitted from May to September.
* Reservations must be made well in advance as the trail is extremely popular and numbers are limited.
* The minimum permitted size of a group is 3 and the maximum is 40.
* The minimum age for participants is 12 years, and children must be accompanied by adults.
* Even if the hike has been confirmed, the hike can only proceed if there is enought clean water for drinking on the floor of the canyon. If it has not rained in the space of a year, the trail is closed.
* If there is heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, and the trail will be closed.
* Hikers must enquire before departure if circumstances have forced the trail to be closed.
* Hikers must produce a medical certificate certifying fitness before setting off. This must be not older than 40 days. A standard form is provided on booking confirmation.
* Hikers must make their own arrangements for transport to the starting point, and from Ai-Ais.
* Hikers must bring their own gear, including a two liter water bottle. There is no facility for shopping at Hobas.
* Hikers must find a place to camp before sunset as the high walls of the canyon make sunset brief.
* A tent is optional, however as the area ocassionally receives winter rainfall, a rain coat is advised.
* Emergency exits can be made at ‘Palm Springs’ and at the ‘Von Trotha Grave'.

The Fish River Canyon was formed when the plates of the African continent split, and gradually deepened by the flow of water, over the course of hundreds of millions of years. Today, in the midst of rigged plains and mountains, travellers can look down into its depths and see the geological history of Namibia written in its layers. And for the brave and fit few, there is an opportunity to do one of the most challenging hikes in Africa.

According to San Bushman legends, mighty serpents once roamed the earth. Kouteign Kooru was one of these. Once a group of hunters chased Kouteign Kooru. To escape the hunters Kouteign Kooru fled into the desert and began to burrow, creating giant scars in the earth. This, according to legend, is how the Fish River Canyon was formed.

The Fish River Canyon was formed when the plates of the African continent split, and gradually deepened by the flow of water, over the course of hundreds of millions of years. Today, in the midst of rigged plains and mountains, travellers can look down into its depths and see the geological history of Namibia written in its layers. And for the brave and fit few, there is an opportunity to do one of the most challenging hikes in Africa.

The San people have a number of legends of monstrous serpents, including The Great Black Serpent, painted on cave walls along the Orange River, and the Horned Serpent. Kouteign Kooru was the most ferocious of the serpents. It was said to be larger than the hippopotamus, and it lived in the river among the reeds. When trapped, it whipped its body around in the water, splashing and creating such a spray that rainbows formed around its body.

Once a group of hunters chased Kouteign Kooru. To escape the hunters Kouteign Kooru fled into the desert and began to burrow, creating scars in the earth. This, according to legend, is how the Fish River Canyon was formed.

During summer the weather at the Fish River Canyon is extremely hot, and the high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and even be life threatening. Hikes are only permitted during winter, and even then the temperature on the floor of the canyon can rise to 40 C. Travellers should find somewhere cool during midday, and children, the elderly and infirm should be monitored for heat exhaustion if spending much time outside. Wear shoes while walking in the area as the heat can transfer through the soles of the feet. Carry a bottle of water, and drink from it.

During winter the area can be very cold and can receive winter rains and on occations even snow. Travellers should be adviced to carry plenty of warm clothing and a rain jacket when travelling through southern Namibia during winter.

Ai Ais, the Fish River Canyon and the Richtersveld Park were combined in 2003 into the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Namibia's first cross border conservation area.

The park spans 6 045 km² of arid, desert environment, bisected by the Orange River, which forms the border between Namibia and South Africa. By combining Ai Ais, the Fish River Canyon and the Richtersveld Park into a single cross border conservation area, a unique and impressive biodiversity, geological and cultural heritage is protected. It also opens the doors to tourism development.

Succulent Karoo Biome
The park protects the Succulent Karoo Biome, which has the largest number of succulent plants in the world for a region of its size, making it a world biodiversity hot spot. The size of the succulents range from the tiny "stone plant" to the tree sized quiver tree, all of which are adapted to surviving in the arid environment. In addition to the succulent plants, the Succulent Karoo is also home to several bulb and tuber plants which flower after good rains, transforming the area with a unique and impressive display of colour. Wildlife is sparse and most species are small and nocurnal, but include springbok, Klipspringers, oryx, Bat-eared foxes, suricates, and the common barking gecko.

Geology
The /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park features many distinct periods of geological history dating back 2 000 million years. The most striking geological feature is without doubt the Fish River Canyon.

Cultural Heritage
In 1884, Namibia's present day borders were drawn up in Berlin, effectively cutting the Nama peoples' area in half and splitting them into 2 countries. During the apartheid years in South Africa, the Nama language was discouraged, but traditions such as the Nama Stap dance, and ways of making shelters from reed mats remained. In Namibia the Nama language thrived, and it's soft clicks were taught in schools. But many traditions, including dance patterns of the Nama Stap were forgotten. With the creation of the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, the border fences have been removed and there is growing co-operation between the Namas on both sides of the border.

Tourism Development Potential
Tourism projects already in place and being planned include:
* guided tours by vehicle and on foot
* self guided hiking trails, such as the Fish River Canyon hike
* specialist botanical, geological, ornithological, photographic and cultural tours,
* river rafting and canoeing on the Orange River.
* mountain biking, horse and camel trails
* several information centres

About 1,8 billion years ago, sandstone and shale were deposited in the area which is now the Fish River Canyon. Between 1,3 and 1 billion years ago, movements in the earth folded and compressed these deposits forming gneisses and granites. At this time, the area was actually a very high mountain range.

About 800 million years ago, magma, molten rock, forced its way to near the surface. When it cooled it formed coarse grained rock known as dolerite. The mountain range was eroded for millions of years, until the area was flat. About 750 to 600 million years ago, a shallow sea covered the area. During this time, sediments and pebbles which can still be seen were washed into the area.

Approximately 500 million years ago, stresses in the earth caused cracks to appear running north to south. This was the early Fish River Valley. About 350 million years ago, the cracks widened to form a rift valley. Then, 200 million years ago, during the time of the continent Gondwana, an ice age occurred. Glaciers, moving southwards, deepened the valley even further.

Today, the Fish River, a tributary of the Orange River, continues to carve the valley slowly and gently.

In June 1905, during the Nama Uprising, Lieutenant Thilo von Trotha, a nephew of Lothar von Trotha, was sent to make peace with Nama leaders Cornelius and Christiaan. On 14 June 1905, Lieutenant von Rosenthal and 30 cavalrymen entered the area via the Auchoba valley in pursuit of cattle stolen from the German post at Kanibes. The Nama who were negotiating with Von Trotha noticed Von Rosenthal’s force and, believing that the negotiations were a trap, shot Thilo von Trotha. He was buried on the spot.