FISH RIVER LODGE – FISH RIVER CANYON – SOUTHERN NAMIBIA

The Fish River Lodge is the only lodge situated directly on the edge of Namibia’s Fish River Canyon and has wonderful views over the canyon from sunrise to sunset. The Lodge is uniquely designed with dry-packed stone walls and large picture windows to really enjoy and appreciate 300 million years of geological history.

The lodge has twenty spacious chalets positioned along the rim of the canyon with sufficient distance from each other ensuring privacy and quietness. The lodge is perfect for guests wishing to take time off from the world just to relax. For the more energetic and adventurous there are a host of outdoor activities to enjoy.

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 offering spectacular scenery combined with 75km river frontage made up of permanent water holes and rock pools attracting Hartmans zebra, kudu, oryx, springbok and many other smaller wildlife species and endemic birdlife.

LOCATION

Fish River Lodge is located on the rim of Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia.

Access is either by self-drive which takes around 7 hours from Windhoek or you can fly by light aircraft which takes around 2 hours. On arrival you will be met and transferred the 3km to the lodge.

LODGE

The unique landscape has provided the inspiration for the contemporary design of the Lodge. Dry stone walls, tall windows and wrap around decks allow views of the canyon to take priority.

The lodge has just 20 chalets – 6 double, 3 family and 11 twin rooms. 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 to sleep out under the stars and a platform outside each chalet allows for outdoor yoga.

A rim pool provides cool comfort in the hot summer months also overlooks the canyon, whilst crackling fireplaces in the main lodge offer warmth and cosiness in winter.

Good home-cooked food with stylish touches is served on handcrafted tables next to crackling fires in winter or outside on the deck in summer. Drinks are served indoors and outdoors on a deck overlooking the swimming pool and the canyon.

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 your guide will point out 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. 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.

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 birdlife and enjoy the vastness of the landscape and the skies. Guided walks are also available on request depending on availability of guides.

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. Your guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served.

Full Day Canyon Day Hike – your guide will help you navigate ‘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. Enjoy a refreshing swim through the craggy gorge before a picnic lunch is served and hike back up to the Lodge. This is a strenuous hike and requires a high level of fitness with hiking boots and daypack.

Half-Day Canyon Hike – the Half-Day hike takes you from the viewpoint into the canyon to a second view point and back up again. Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential.

Canyon Rim to River Hike – the guided route through harsh terrain descends steeply into the canyon via ‘jelly legs gorge’ and up again to the rim. There are no demarcated tracks adding a sense of true adventure to the experience. Whilst this hike requires significant levels of fitness – there is no need to carry heavy backpacks; a canvas bag with your personal belongings will be delivered each day to either Camp Eternity or Camp Edge where you will overnight. The Canyon Rim to River Hike includes: An experienced guide for a minimum of 2 guests, breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail, night 1 at Fish River Lodge, Nights 2 and 3 at Camp Eternity and /or Camp Edge.

Canyon Fat Bikes – six fat tyre bikes are available for hire to guests. Guided rides are dependent on availability of guides.

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.

FISH RIVER LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN OF ALL AGES BUT THE LODGE IS VERY CLOSE TO THE RIM OF THE CANYON WHICH DOES PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 16 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN HIKING ACTIVITIES