Fish River Lodge

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Overlooking the ancient rift, the lodge stands sentinel on the edge of this geological wonder. The views take priority indoors and outdoors; whether taking a dip in the rim pool, relaxing in your chalet or meandering along the rim trails at your own pace.

The lodge's interior exudes a serene and peaceful atmosphere, characterised by colours and furnishings that create a distinct ambiance. Drinks are served on the deck on calm evenings when the sun goes down or in front of two crackling fires during winter.

Our restaurant offers buffet breakfasts, healthy lunches and three-course dinners prepared with Namibian flair. The lodge can cater for your dietary requirements, however as we are in a remote location we request that you advise us on booking in order to plan and prepare accordingly. Homemade cake accompanies afternoon tea.
We offer numerous adventure activities, both guided and unguided including canyon drives, hiking and cycling. Please see our Activities tab for more information.

19 Chalets (2 family, 7 doubles and 10 twins)

The Canyon Nature Park

Covering an area of 45 000 ha, the Park is a vast and rugged landscape of flat-topped rocky mountains and dry plains. A myriad of washes and side ravines have carved deep furrows down to the main canyon.

The lodge offers a comfortable and unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the canyon with friendly and attentive Namibian service.

Spanning a vast area, Canyon Nature Park encompasses an expansive and untamed landscape. Within this vast expanse lies a sanctuary for the Kokerboom, scientifically known as Aloe Dichotoma, alongside a diverse array of plant and animal species. The rugged terrain is adorned with a multitude of washes and side ravines, sculpting deep furrows into the canyon's sides, adding to the dramatic beauty of the surroundings.

Two farms, the Soutkuil and Vergeleë, border the /Ai/Ais Game and Richtersveld National Park. With several privately-owned farms to the northeast and southwest that no longer actively engage in agriculture commercially, you are surrounded by protected areas, including Namibia’s first trans-boundary conservation collaboration. The focus of this joint venture is a broad-based approach to conservation, sustainable natural resource management and socio-economic development.

The closest towns include Keetmanshoop, Rosh Pinah and Aus, where you should fill up with fuel before your journey to Fish River Lodge. Below you will find a list of the towns and their distances from the lodge. There are a number of fascinating things to see while in this area, so do your research to make the best of your holiday.

Eco Friendly

We are committed to regularly reassessing our practices to minimise our impact on the surrounding environment. As part of this commitment, we actively participate in the Namibian Eco Awards Programme, an initiative designed to ensure that we operate in a manner that has the least possible impact on the delicate and arid ecosystem.

Sustainability guides our development practices; be they structural or environmental, which includes water-saving measure and solar-powered energy.

For more detailed information about our eco-friendly initiatives and our participation in the Eco Award Programme, we encourage you to visit www.ecoawards-namibia.org

Local Flora and Fauna

This southern corner of Namibia is largely undeveloped, and the spectacular landscape evokes a real sense of undiscovered wilderness. True silence in our over-crowded world is a rare privilege.

Please see some interesting facts on the area below:

Rainfall in the Canyon Nature Park is predominantly during the summer months but can occur in winter.
Over 100 endemic succulents are found in the park, as well as an additional 1,600 other plant species. The largest is the Aloe Dichotoma, locally known as the Kokerboom or Quiver Tree. Some of these have been recorded at over 300 years old.

Wildlife sightings have included Hartmann’s Mountain zebra, springbok, kudu, oryx, steenbok, klipspringer, Chacma baboon, leopard, caracal, brown hyena, cheetah and honey badger. Occasionally you might even see a Cape clawless otter at the rock pools.

Although the river only flows in summer, the permanent rock pools are home to Small- and Largemouth yellowfish, Sharptooth catfish and water monitors.
There are over 240 species of birds that make the canyon and its immediate surroundings home, including the Black Eagle, Olive Thrush, Cape Robin-chat, White Pelican, Fish Eagle, Grey Heron and African Black duck. There are a host more not noted, so ensure you have your bird atlas and binoculars at the ready.

Geology

The Fish River Canyon is divided into two parts: the upper and lower. The upper consists of hard gneiss bedrock, which inhibits the ever-constant erosion, and can be referred to as a tectonic trough, the result of the shifting of the plates 350 million years ago.

Around 120 million years ago, when the continent of Gondwana separated, Africa rose and the gradient of the Fish River increased, enabling it to erode the lower canyon even further. Few environments reveal the earth’s layers as dramatically as the Fish River Canyon.

Towering rock faces of dolomite and granite stand sentinel while the river, the longest in Namibia, curves in the deep ravines below after heavy rainfall. In minutes, washes can turn into turbulent rivers and gushing waterfalls, continuing the eternal process of erosion.

Our qualified guides will share this amazing phenomenon and more information with you on a trip into the 550-meter-deep canyon.

Archaeology

Nomadic San hunter-gatherers roamed the area and have left their mark on the landscape. Archaeological findings relating to the San in southern Namibia have provided fascinating insights into their ancient history and culture. These discoveries, still ongoing, contribute to our understanding of their long presence in the region and sheds light on their way of life.

Rock art and engravings are among the most significant archaeological findings in various locations across southern Namibia. They depict rituals, wildlife and interactions with their surrounding environment. Rock art discovered on a farm south of the Fish River Canyon has been dated from 23,000 and 27,000 B.C., although historical opinion seems to differ somewhat.

More ‘recent’ abandoned stone lammerhuisies (shepherd ‘hut’s), cattle kraals and farmhouses provide a glimpse of the harsh reality of farming in the 1950’s in this arid environment.

Guests are requested to adhere to the protocols when they visit any archaeological site in Canyon Nature Park.

Research Opportunities

Canyon Nature Park collaborates with local and international research institutions to increase knowledge and understanding of the area. Students from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Windhoek, have conducted research on the Aloe Dichotoma (Kokerboom) as well as water consumption at the lodge.

A pioneering project is currently underway, involving the installation of 45 live cameras spread across a vast 300-kilometer radius. Anticipation is running high as these cameras hold the potential to capture and unveil extraordinary revelations. Despite the challenging desert environment, the area has already yielded intriguing sightings of various species, sparking curiosity about the frequency and permanence of their presence. Surprisingly, seventeen mammal species, including the magnificent cheetah, have been identified, defying expectations for this region. Each animal sighting within the park is meticulously documented in an event book and added to a comprehensive national database, further enriching our understanding of the remarkable wildlife thriving in this area.

Fly In

Flying into the Fish River Lodge from Windhoek is a comfortable alternative to the 7-hour drive of 764 kilometres. Guests will experience a bird’s eye view of the Fish River, the canyon and its maze of side ravines and gullies. Please direct enquiries regarding flights to Journey’s Namibia.

Surrounding Area

Namibia’s south is one of the least populated in the country, with massive tracts of arid deserted land, parks, and protected areas devoid of human habitation. Bordered in the west by the oldest desert in the world, the Namib encompasses much of the coastline, made up of shifting sand dunes and bisected by ancient dry riverbeds that seldom have surface water.

In the southeast, you will find the Kalahari Desert, that merges with the Namib, making this region dry, hot, and with little visible wildlife. On closer inspection, however, you will find a great deal of desert adapted animals that make this area home, both large and small.

Where is the Fish River Lodge Located?
The lodge is located directly on the western rim of the canyon. On passing through Keetmanshoop, you take the tarred B4 road towards Lüderitz, and after 72 kilometres, you turn south onto the D463 gravel road. This is regularly maintained and should be in good condition barring extreme rainfall. Continue on the D463 for a further 85 kilometres, until you see the signposts directing you to the Fish River Lodge and Canyon Nature Park. Once you have made the turn, it is a further 19 kilometres to the lodge.

Please note that if you take the C12 Fish River Canyon Road, it will take you to the eastern side of the canyon, causing lengthy delays and additional driving time to return to your destination.


Can I drive to the Fish River Lodge in a sedan, or do I need a 4×4?
Yes, you can drive to the lodge in a high clearance sedan car, but please be advised that the last 20 kilometres should be driven slowly to avoid harm to your vehicle. It is advised that you check with the lodge in advance as to the condition of the roads to avoid problems enroute.

Is it far from major cities and how long does it take to get there?
In the grand scale of Namibia's vastness, the distance to reach this destination can be considered significant. Moreover, as it lies off the beaten path of major tourist routes, the journey may feel even more distant. Particularly, if one chooses to take the road leading to the eastern edge of the canyon, it entails a lengthy drive to rectify the route. Departing from Windhoek, the centrally located capital city, the approximate travel time by car is around seven hours. Keetmanshoop, a town inhabited by approximately 20,000 residents, is about two and a half hours away from the destination.

Is the Lodge really on the rim of the Canyon?
Yes, we are the only lodge directly on the rim, with 75 kilometres of river frontage and access down into this ancient rift. The lodge and chalets are between 5 and 8 meters from the edge of the Canyon.

Is the Lodge suitable for small children?
Children can always be accommodated with strict parental supervision as we are directly on the edge with only a small distance between the buildings and the canyon.

How old is the lodge?
The current lodge was constructed in 2008/9 and officially opened in July of 2009. In the early months of 2023, an extensive interior upgrade was completed.

How do we get supplies to the lodge?
Our supplies are sourced from the Keetmanshoop, the closest town. We do cater for dietary requirements with advance notification given the distance to our suppliers.

How fit do you need to be to take part in the hikes?
Strolls along the rim trails are suitable for all levels of fitness, and you can choose when to return to the lodge. The Rim to River hikes and fat bike mountain trails do require a higher level of fitness.

Can we do an excursion to the hot springs at AiAis?
This drive would take approximately five and a half hours and is about 340 kilometres away from Fish River Lodge.

Are there camping facilities in the Canyon Nature Park?
There are no camping facilities at Fish River Lodge or within the Canyon Nature Park. Camps Eternity and Edge are only available to the hikers and cyclists of the Rim to River trails, and booking of these is essential.

Can visitors drive into the Canyon in their own vehicle?
Unfortunately not, as these excursions are only available with qualified guides in order to preserve the environment and fragile ecosystem.

What is the weather like?
During the summer seasons, temperatures fluctuate between 30 and 40°C, while in winter they range from 0 to 20°C. This is variable and can change as the weather in this area can be unpredictable. Warm air rising from the canyon often clashes with the cooler air above, resulting in strong winds year-round. Although we strive to ensure your comfort during your stay, it’s important to note that our location is in a challenging environment.

Are there facilities for research at the Canyon Nature Park?
We gladly welcome researchers and university student looking to further their studies or investigate the history we have surrounding us. Should you want more information on this, please contact Journey’s Namibia to enquire about facilities that can be made available to you.

  • Day Hike into Canyon – These guided hike descend from the rim into the canyon and are seasonal.
  • Canyon Sundowner Drive – End the day in one of Namibia’s most scenic spots with a drink in hand while the sun sets over the canyon.
  • Canyon Rim Walks – Explore the demarcated trails along the rim of the canyon with views across the vast canyon landscape.
  • Canyon Rim to River Hike – A 3-day and 2-day guided and supported hike in one of the world’s top hiking destinations, the Fish River Canyon

Please note that departure times differ between summer and winter. It is always advisable to check with reception what you might need to take along.

Should you embark on a self-guided walk, reception should also be informed that you are leaving, and again on your return.

Travel 2 Namibia Accommodation Information

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

DEPOSIT: 100%
MINIMUM STAY: 1 night
RATES INFO:

DBB includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner & VAT.

Drinks, lunch, guest laundry, daily activities, gratuities and fully comprehensive personal travel insurance is not included in the price.

CHILDREN:
Children 0 – 5 years accommodated free of charge, sharing with adults
Children 6 – 16 years charged 50% of the adult rate per night (sharing with adults)
Children 17 years and over charged full adult rate
All lodges accept children of all ages
Children under 12 years charged 50% of activities

Travel 2 Namibia Product Pricing

RATES

Fish River Lodge Rates

Green Season Low Season High Season
DBB per person Sharing N$ 2941 N$ 3632 N$ 3887
DBB Single N$ 3726 N$ 4612 N$ 4919
  • GREEN SEASON: 07 January 2024 to 31 March 2024
  • LOW SEASON: 01 April to 30 June & 16 November to 14 December 2024
  • HIGH SEASON: 01 July to 15 November & 15 December to 6 January 2025
Travel 2 Namibia Accommodation Location

LOCATION

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