Fish river lodge

Fish River Lodge is the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon. Staying on the edge of the world's 2nd largest canyon offers guests views to die for from sunrise to sunset. Located in Canyon Nature Park, the setting is enhanced by 45,000ha of ancient kokerboom trees and 60kms of river frontage. The lodge is a partner in the Association for the Greater Fish River Complex, an organization that aims to co-manage the Greater Fish River Canyon Complex, for greater landscape and biodiversity conservation, as well as social economic developments. For serious walkers & hikers the lodge offers several overnight guided hikes in the Fish River Canyon accompanied with a private guide and chef.

The main lodge area is tastefully furnished with locally handcrafted tables, and there is a blend of old and new furnishings with many of the accessories having been made by indigenous San and Nama communities. There is a huge 4m 'songololo' (millipede) leather couch, which takes pride of place on the eastern wing of the building, overlooking the canyon, to stretch out and relax on.

Home-cooked food is served in front of crackling fires in the winter, and sundowners and romantic candlelit dinners can be enjoyed on the deck, as the full moon rises. There is also a curio shop, selling a variety of local Namibian arts and crafts. The charcoal lap pool in front of the indoor/outdoor bar area, overlooks the Canyon, and is ideal for cooling off on warmer days. A craft shop and library are also available. Electricity is supplied through a combination of generator and solar energy and there are power points around the lodge including the rooms, to charge cell-phones and camera batteries.

From the comfort of your bed at Fish River Lodge, you can enjoy spectacular views of the canyon, from sunrise to sunset. Accommodation is in 20 comfortable and spacious en-suite chalets, set apart for maximum privacy and with breathtaking views to the east, directly over the Canyon and beyond. They are built from dry-packed stone walls, with large windows allowing in maximum light. Furnishings are simple but comfortable and each chalet has a fan, separate shower, double basins and toilet. The outdoor showers overlook a small rock garden, again with fantastic views, and are a great spot to cool down 'under the stars' after a dusty day's activities or drive. The outside sleeping areas, ideal for those breezy, cross-wind, summer nights, can be used to count the stars, (instead of sheep) as one drifts off to sleep.

Activities for the more energetic at Fish River Lodge include 1-5 day walks into and along the rim of the Canyon. There are morning and afternoon scenic drives and sundowner trails, where you can watch the sun set, whilst sipping a glass of champagne. Their qualified guides will lead a hiking trip down into the heart of the Canyon, where lunch is served at a permanent waterhole on the Fish River.

A fully trained professional masseuse is available to sooth away those aches and pains, providing a number of Swedish and Indian massages.

Photographers of all levels will ample opportunity to view black eagles gliding the thermal updrafts as well as the desert-adapted plants that seem to thrive in this unique eco-system. Rare mountain zebra, the elusive klipspringer, oryx and kudu roam the remote valleys and side canyons, whilst Cape clawless otter, fish eagle and other water-loving species inhabit the permanent pools along the river.

Archeology for the expert or the curious is a must, and there is much to discover and learn, especially with the ancient pictoglyph sites and Stone Age tools of the area.

Guests can fly straight in to their private airstrip, (a 10min drive from the lodge) and transfers to and from the lodge can be organized.

Fish River Lodge - On the Edge of Eternity!

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A knowledgeable guide will accompany guests down into the heart of the canyon in an open safari vehicle. There are some breath-catching moments as the driver navigates some challenging parts of the track. All the while guests will experience first hand the dramatic geological features of the canyon including petrified ripples of ancient flood plains, shiny quartzite, fine shale and dramatic fault lines. Guests can enjoy a swim in the permanent rock pools and a picnic lunch before returning to the lodge arriving mid afternoon. Departure time from the lodge – After an early breakfast between 06h00 – 07h00. | Minimum 2 guests per excursion - Max 9 per vehicle. Children under 12 are discounted at 50% of adult rate. AL ADVENTURES

Morning / Afternoon Cycling

For the more energetic guest, a guided fat-bike cycling tour of 22km is available. The track meanders along the edge of the canyon before swinging back through quiver trees and other indigenous flora. Helmets, water bottles and a snack pack are provided. The duration is around 3hrs and 30min, depending on fitness levels.A shorter 10km cycling tour to the popular sundowner spot is also available. Helmets and water are provided as well as a cold drink and snacks before guests return to the lodge.

Canyon Rim Walks

A Self-guided walk is available on either side of the lodge, commencing beyond the chalets. The easy paths follow the rim of the canyon offering spectacular scenery. Guided walks are also available on request for guests who would like to know more about the flora, fauna and geological features of the canyon.It is recommended to do this walk either early morning or late afternoon.

Scenic Sundowner Drive

The afternoon scenic drive will take guests along the plateau stopping at two different viewpoints over the Canyon. The guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna of this fascinating landscape. Guests are offered a sundowner drink with snacks whilst they enjoy the setting sun and the lengthening shadows over the canyon. Departure time from the lodge varies from 17:00 pm in winter to 17:30 pm in summer, so please leave plenty of time when arriving at the lodge by car as this enchanting excursion is not to be missed. | Minimum 2 guests per excursion - Max 9 per vehicle. Children under 12 are discounted at 50% of adult rate.

Canyon Day Hike (Full Day or Half Day)

Only from April to September Hikers depart after breakfast with a guide and descend rapidly into the canyon, traversing a rock-strewn plain before the final scramble to permanent rock pools in the Fish River. Lunch and drinks are provided before ascending back up to the lodge. There is also the option of a safari vehicle that will drive guests back to the lodge. Departure time will vary according to the season for this 8 – 10 hour guided expedition. | Trainers/hiking boots & backpacks are essential.

2/3 Day Rim to River Hike, Fully Guided. NEW

The new Rim to River Hike is the most exciting hiking trail to be introduced to Namibia’s adventure traveller in 2020 with two nights overnighting at Camp Eternity and Camp Edge. Hikers are totally immersed for two to three days into this sensory and physical journey as they experience the five hundred million-year geological wonder - the Fish River Canyon.

Ai-Ais Resort

Ai-Ais Resort

Fairly basic accommodation at the famous hot-springs near the southern end of the Fish River Canyon.

Canyon Lodge

Canyon Lodge

Few moments are as breath-taking and inspiring as gazing into the depths of the majestic Fish River Canyon. Nestled into the rugged boulders of the Fish River landscape, a short twenty kilometres from the iconic Fish River Canyon viewpoint, lies the Canyon Lodge. With the main guest areas housed in a century-old farmhouse and each cabin embracing the raw rock formations as part of their architecture, this is a place to feel the ancestral heartbeat and be transformed. Enjoy guided excursions into the breath-taking Gondwana Canyon Park, or embark on a self-guided trail by foot. The Canyon Lodge offers an opportunity for an authentic Fish River Canyon Experience.

Canyon Roadhouse

Canyon Roadhouse

Travel can be exciting, adventurous, introspective, and even stressful. But we believe that there should always be time to slow down and have fun. To celebrate the lighter moments. Canyon Roadhouse is a creative and playful base from which to explore the Fish River area. From our quirky collections of car-inspired memorabilia to great value lodging and light-hearted hospitality – we aim to refresh, revitalise and re-fuel our guests with smiles. Beyond accommodation, this is also a great pit-stop for guests to check in for lunch or refreshments en route to their destinations. Discover the moments awaiting at this property. And guests should be sure not to miss out on our famous Amarula Cheesecake.

Canyon Village

Canyon Village

The heart of a village, in the heart of the Canyon Quiver trees, Nama culture, rugged landscape and an impressive sweeping rock formation characterise Canyon Village. This property serves as a doorway into the insights and traditions of the Nama. With a unique mode of luggage transfers in the form of donkey-cart and the folk tales of the indigenous people muraled on the walls of the various interiors; guests will experience the homely hospitality own to this culture. Chalets are scattered along the landscape in a village-like array, offering privacy and whimsy to all who overnight in this lodge. Canyon land. Nama charm. And a wealth of rich storytelling.

Hobas Campsite

Hobas Campsite

Campsite close to the main viewpoint over the Fish River Canyon

Traveller Reviews

These are honest reviews, both good and bad, from our travellers who visited this property.

Graham, Ben

6 Nov 2012

Magnificent place, magnificent staff etc. Can get a bit windy, and noisy at night. I mean very noisy!

Bergstrom, Julee

13 Apr 2018

Brilliant setting and wonderful accommodation. Really enjoyed this stay. Would love to return to this.

Shah, Reena

16 Jun 2013

This was one of the best lodges we have stayed in, the view was spectacular and the service excellent.

Bonnet, Jean-charles

21 May 2013

Nice staff, good guide - Dude a good driver in the canyon and the view from the lodge is unforgettable

Noe, Michel

4 Mar 2014

Very beautiful location and atmosphere, very good activities Mosquito net on the bed would be welcome...

Trebble, Grant

16 Jul 2017

Absolutely lovely venue but no clue how to cater for a vegan - for those rates it should not be the case.

Ulrike

29 Aug 2013

Stunning, Food, service, rooms, location..........everything was perfect...........just too cold at night

Humphries, Liam

24 May 2015

It was good to go there but do tell people to stay longer our trip was a bit rushed by including fish river.

Fey, Cash

26 Dec 2014

Spectacular views. Remote and peaceful. Good hiking trials. Loved the outdoor shower concept overlooking the canyon.

Baldi, Michele

17 Jul 2013

Very beautiful; very kind. For our honeymoon they prepared champagne and fruit basket and a paper with them congratulations.

Kar, Shabori

18 Oct 2012

Amazing place, excellent staff, mindblowing views (from the room itself), good food. Would have loved to spend more time there.

Sutcliffe, Paul

22 Dec 2013

Well worth the drive. Staff friendly and views, walking and rooms great. Food a bit limited and not up to quality of other lodges.

Donkin, Margaret

11 May 2015

Wonderful venue but very poor service from staff at the lodge. Seriously in need of strong management. Excursion staff were excellent

Maganza, Florian

24 Aug 2014

On the most unique places we have ever visited on a holiday. The staff was super friendly and attentive (like pretty much everywhere in Namibia).

Bakker, Piet & Beverly

22 Oct 2011

Another very special experience - position of the lodge on the canyon, the food, the service, the interesting architecture and rooms were all tops.

Solda, Matteo

6 Oct 2011

The best lodge we stayed!enchanting view. Well worth the extra driving to get there.The service was very friendly and good.We can`t forget it! 10/10!!!

Hayward, Mark

10 Jan 2016

We still cannot believe how beautiful this place was. The staff was great and our guides were excellent - very informative on the geology and natural history of Namibia.

Gambrill, Mary

17 Oct 2016

What a location! Beautiful lodge although it was so windy we did not use the outside shower! Canyon drive was incredible! Staff so friendly and entertaining. Food was delicious too!

Wilkinson, Colin

18 Jun 2014

Lovely lodge with lots of atmosphere, especially with the fires in the reception/dining room. Showers in the rooms are a real let down. The water is weak and no run off on the floor.

Vermeire, Benoit

22 Jul 2014

Very nice but very windy and cold during the night. The private road of 19 km to reach the lodge is quite long, but the view when we arrive is the most beautifull we have seen in our life.

Lovegrove, Tom

18 Nov 2015

Stunning location, beautiful lodge. The room was lovely and the views were breathtaking. The second accomodation highlight of the holiday. Lovely service and food. We could have happily stayed another night or two

Mitchel, Ian

25 Feb 2018

Good lodge, comfortable spacious room and good central reception area with bar, pool, restaurant. The night we were there they put on a spectacular storm, thunder, fork lightening and torrential rain. 4x4 vehicle is a necessity.

Hoekstra, Joanne

15 Sep 2010

Absolutely beautiful! The service was friendly and good. The only thing is that it is a bit far. The road isn't that bad, but people should be a bit more prepared for how far it is. It was definetly worth the trip! We would go back!

Stansfeld, Peter & Anne

5 Nov 2015

An amazing location with spectacular views over the canyon. Great accommodation & central guest area. Excellent customer service & attention to detail & very friendly staff. The food was very good & gluten free dietary issues accommodated easily.

Dillon,steve

28 Jun 2014

Fantastic position, but access road might have been tricky with a 2WD because some road repairs meant we had to do a bit of `off road` driving. Good activities with good guides (we did a 4 hour walk and were picked up by a vehicle and driven back).

Kessler, James

9 Jan 2016

The biggest surprise - in a good way - of the trip. What a stunning location for a lodge! I was gobsmacked by the view from my bungalow. This is one spot where I wish I had had more time; though it would be best, perhaps, in the winter when one could hike in the canyon.

Beswick, Karen

28 Jul 2014

Another stunning location. As it was quite cool in the evenings, they lit the fires in the main lodge which made for a lovely cosy atmosphere. Rooms quite sparsely furnished, but spacious, with indoor and outdoor showers, a deck and even what they referred to as a yoga platform!

Sampson, Michael

12 Oct 2010

Excellent lodge and service in a very remote and wild location. We arrived late to a helpful greeting. Wonderful, wild views from the very private chalets. Tour to the canyon was a great experience with a very helpful guide. Food was limited, but very well done. Luxury in the wilderness.

Barriere, Caroline

6 Jul 2016

One of the highlights of our trip. We had room #1 and it was perfect. We liked the room, the location of the lodge and the view of the canyon. The staff was friendly and we liked the evening entertaining. We did the day-drive to the bottom of the canyon an it was real thrill! The food was good too.

Directions

Follow the B4 from Keetmanshoop towards Luderitz. Just west of the small town of Seeheim (which is easily missed) turn south onto the D463 (or D462 if travelling from the east). Follow this road south and the Fish River Lodge is well marked from the end of this road.

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