| Ai-Ais Hot Springs | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Location | Namibia |
| Area | 5,900 km² [1] |
| Established | 16 March 1971[2] |
| Governing body | Ministry of Environment and Tourism |
Ai-Ais Hot Springs meaning 'burning water' in the local Nama language, refers to the sulphurous thermal hot water springs found in the area. Pronounced "eye-ice", the natural hot-spring oasis is situated at the base of the mountain peaks at the southern end of Fish River Canyon, in the Karas Region of southern Namibia and forms part of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
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Local legend goes that the hot springs were discovered in 1850 by a nomadic Nama shepherd rounding up stray sheep.[2][3] The springs originate deep under the riverbed and form an oasis in the extremely arid area.[4]
During the Nama uprising of 1903–07 the hot spring was used by German military forces as a base camp. In 1915, the area was also used as a base by South African troops who were recovering from wounds during the South-West Africa Campaign.[2] In 1962, the spring was leased to a local entrepreneur and were subsequently proclaimed a national monument. In 1969, the springs became a conservation area and on 16 March 1971, the camp was officially opened.[2] The thermal water has an average temperature of about 60 °C.[5] The water is piped to a series of indoor pools and jacuzzis.[4]
Severe floods in 1972, 1974 and 1988 caused the camp to temporarily close. With the exception of one building—which was situated on higher ground—the 1972 flood totally destroyed the camp.[3] The Fish River Canyon Conservation area was enlarged in 1987 by the addition of state land west of the canyon. Significant renovations to the Ai-Ais camp were carried out in 1987–88.
An international treaty, signed in 2003, incorporated the Ai–Ais Hot Springs and Richtersveld National Park in South Africa, resulting in the establishment of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park.[6][7]
The springs are located approximately 200 km south of Keetmanshoop or about 120 km west of Karasburg.
The springs are a popular holiday destination for Namibian, South African and international holiday-makers. The thermal waters are rich in sulphur, chloride and fluoride, and are reputedly good for anyone suffering from rheumatism.[3] The resort waters are also home to a number of species of fish, including yellowfish and barbel.[4] Ai-Ais is closed over the summer from November to mid-March.