Information
The Fish River Lodge is the only lodge situated directly on the edge of Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, with breath taking views over the canyon from sunrise to sunset. The Lodge is uniquely designed with dry-packed stone walls and large windows through which to contemplate 300 million years of geological history.
The 45 000 hectare Canyon Nature Park is a natural sanctuary for Karoo succulent flora and endemic wildlife. Incredible hiking trails meander down into the heart of the canyon affording guests spectacular scenery combined with 75 km river frontage made up of permanent water holes and rock pools that attract Hartmans Zebra, Kudu, Oryx, Springbok and many other smaller wildlife species and endemic bird-life. The landscape around the western side of the canyon is vast, empty and ancient. Perfect for both solitude and adventure. Explore the canyon and surrounds by foot, safari vehicle or mountain bike and experience the drama of this 500 million year old geological wonder.
The Fish River Canyon is one of the world’s top hiking destinations. With access down to the Fish River and meandering paths on the rim of the canyon, we offer a host of adventure activities, guided and unguided. These include mountain biking, slack packing or Sundowner drives that allow you to experience the beauty, the vastness and the serenity of the Fish River Canyon.
Rooms
Double Room
Each chalet has a separate shower, dressing facility, double basins, toilet and fan whilst an additional outdoor shower offers a chance to cool down under the stars on warm nights. An outdoor ‘bed’ is available to guests who would like…
Twin Room
Each chalet has a separate shower, dressing facility, double basins, toilet and fan whilst an additional outdoor shower offers a chance to cool down under the stars on warm nights. An outdoor ‘bed’ is available to guests who would like…
We do offer family rooms on request, please inquire directly with us.
Facilities
The main Lodge caters for indoor and outdoor living, given the extremes of weather that can be experienced throughout the year. Good home-cooked food with stylish touches is served on handcrafted tables from reclaimed wood next to crackling fires in winter or outside on the deck in summer.
Catering for specific dietary requirements and children meals are possible by prior notice. Drinks can be enjoyed in the indoor or outdoor bar area overlooking the swimming pool.
Activities
Canyon Drive (Full day)
This is the only access route by vehicle into the Fish River Canyon. As you journey into the depths of the canyon, you will witness first-hand the millions of years of geological upheaval when the earth’s continents separated and tectonic movement resulted in the formation of the canyon. Petrified rippled mud and glacial deposits, dramatic fault lines, rough limestone and shiny quartzite are but a few of the features you will see along the way. Guides will point out evidence of rhino that once navigated the gorges and pairs of territorial klipspringers as they feast on succulents. The drive ends at the permanent rock pools. Lunch is served before heading back to the Lodge. The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours.
Departure time from the lodge – between 06h00 and 07h00 after an early breakfast | Minimum 2 guests per excursion, maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.
Canyon Rim Walks
These easy unguided walks along the rim of the canyon are best taken early in the morning and late afternoon when the canyon’s shadows and colours are at their most dramatic. Have a closer look at the plants and the bird-life and marvel at the vastness of the landscape and the skies. There are few places left in the world where you can truly be alone and have clean air to breathe and time to reflect. Alone on the rim of the canyon – seize the moment!
Guided walks are also available on request. The guide will share extensive knowledge with you.
Canyon Sundowner Drive
The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you will catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served.
Departure: 17h00 in winter, 18h00 in summer | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.
Canyon Day Hike (Full or Half-Day)
Full Day Canyon Day Hike
Our guide will help you navigate the ‘jelly legs’ gorge from the rim to the upper part of the canyon below. After traversing the rock strewn slopes there is a further descent to permanent rock-pools in the river. A refreshing swim through the craggy gorge gets you well and truly into the heart of the canyon. A picnic lunch is served before returning to the Lodge.
Departure time for this hike of 8-10 hours varies according to the season.
Trainers or hiking boots & backpacks are essential.
Half-Day Canyon Hike
The Half-Day hike takes hikers to a viewpoint along the canyon.
Departure time for this hike of 4-5 hours varies according to the season.
Trainers or hiking boots & backpacks are essential.
Canyon Breakfast – Fly in Trip
This activity caters for visitors who do not overnight at the Fish River Lodge or not satisfied with only a fly over either. Arrive at Canyon Nature Park airstrip from where your guide will transfer you to the lodge for a wholesome breakfast. After breakfast and a short briefing you will venture further out on the plateau towards the main lookout point where there is opportunity for photography and a detailed explanation of the geology and interesting facts about the area. The duration of this activity is between 45 minutes to an hour. Guests not in a hurry to leave are welcome to book lunch on the patio, accompanied by infinite vistas dropping down from the edge of eternity. After your visit you will be transferred back to the airstrip where your plane awaits you.
• Departure time varies according to flight arrival and departing time
• Pre-booking is essential
• Guests chartering in by plane are requested to coordinate their arrival and pick up times with our
Reservations office beforehand.
Canyon Fat Bikes – Six fat tyre bikes are available for guests.
Morning Excursion
The 22 km guided cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon and with a loop back down washes and rocky outcrops interspersed with quiver trees.
Duration: ± 3.5 hours
Helmets, water and snack packs are provided.
Sundowner Excursion
This 10 km cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon to a designated Sundowner spot where you will be rewarded with refreshments and snacks as you watch the sun set. You cycle back to the Lodge in time for dinner.
Helmets, water, drink and snack are provided.
