Fish River Lodge – Fish River Canyon
‘Africa’s Largest Canyon on your doorstep’
Fish River Lodge is the only lodge situated directly on the edge of Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, with breathtaking views over the canyon from sunrise to sunset.
Twenty spacious chalets are positioned along the rim with sufficient distance from each other to ensure privacy and quiet at all times.
The Lodge is uniquely designed with dry-packed stone walls and large windows through which to contemplate 300 million years of geological history.
Did you know:
– That the Fish River Canyon is the world’s second largest and Africa’s largest.
– Fish River Lodge is situated in Canyon Nature Park and offers 45 000 hectare of wilderness in which to discover rare plants and illusive animals.
– This is the incredible hiking country with trails into the heart of the canyon, strolls along the edge of the gorge or guided drives. With 75-km river frontage you are never far from permanent water holes and the Fish Eagle’s call.
• Scenic Drive & Sundowner – January – December
Enjoy a drink and snacks whilst watching the sky turn from subtle pink and blue in the east to burnt orange in the west. This stunning location offers panoramic views of the canyon and meandering Fish River.
The tour starts from 4pm, depending on the time of year, so please leave plenty of time when arriving at the lodge by car so you don’t miss this enchanting excursion.
• Day Canyon Drive – April-October
Experience an amazing variety of geological features as you journey into the depths of the second largest canyon in the world. See rough limestone, shiny quartzites, fine shales and dramatic fault lines as the 510 million year old story unfolds.
Catch your breath as you take in the dramatic views of the river before descending into the base of the canyon to lunch by the permanent rock pools.
Kudu, Oryx, Klipspringer and the elusive mountain Zebra are often seen and your experienced guide will identify the resilient flora in this harsh environment.
Winter (April to October) leave at 8am back by 3/4pm – Summer (November to March) leave at 6am back by 12/1pm
• Day Canyon Hike – April-October
For the very fit a day hike into the canyon may also be available (subject to demand) covering a distance of approximately 30km. Trainers or hiking boots are essential. A half day hike is also available.
• Five Night Canyon Hike – April – September
The five night canyon hike from the Fish River Lodge is an invigorating 74km journey of discovery within 45,000 hectares of private park land in the magnificent Fish River Canyon; Namibia’s most impressive geological feature. First and last nights are spent at the lodge with three nights camping in the canyon and four days hiking. All five nights are fully inclusive. Other hiking/camping options are available, please contact the reservations office with specific requirements to personalize your canyon experience.
Our experienced guides will reveal the resilient flora and fauna of this harsh landscape. Your private chef will be waiting every evening at your prepared camp with drinks and a bush dinner and fortify you with a wholesome breakfast every morning. Carrying just your own water and clothing for the day, you can freely enjoy the rich diversity of the canyon.
Directions to Fish River Lodge
Fish River Lodge is situated on the rim of the Fish River Canyon so please expect a long but interesting drive. Traversing this wild and rugged landscape will provide an introduction to the extreme beauty you will experience once you arrive at the lodge.
The lodge access road is off the D463, a gravel road linking the B4 in the north and the C13 in the west. The journey time from the B4 to the lodge will be approximately 2 hours and this is the recommended route. The D463 from the C13 is a 4×4 route only and will take approximately 2.5 hours. The D463 feels like it lasts forever, but please keep going until you get to the Canyon Nature Park and Fish River Lodge signs. You will pass through several closed gates; please reclose them after you. The access road to the lodge when you turn off the D463 is an adventurous 19km through river beds and across open plains edged with mountains, where you may glimpse Kudu and Ostrich in the dry river beds. After 5km on this track you will pass through two farm houses; follow the small signs to the lodge which is a further 14km. Please do not take the C12 towards the Fish River Canyon as you will end up on the eastern side of the canyon and there are no roads across it!
Please leave plenty of time for your journey so you can enjoy the drive and arrive in daylight to get the maximum benefit from your stay on the edge of eternity.
Approximate Distances & Driving Times
Windhoek via the B1, B4 and D463: 680km (8 hours)
Mariental via the B1, B4 and D463: 430km (5 hours)
Keetmanshoop via the B4 and D463: 180km (3 hours)
Rosh Pinah via the C13 and D463: 190km (3 hours) *4×4 only
Luderitz via the B4 and D463: 375km (4 hours)
Ai-Ais via C12, B4 and D463: 300km (4 hours)
Noordoewer via B1, B4 and D463: 480km (6 hours)
Noordoewer via C13 and D463: 350km (6 hours) * 4×4 only. C13 is usually closed between January and May, please check.
Sossusvlei via C27, C14, B4 and D463: 565km (7 hours)
Petrol stations
Keetmanshoop, Helmeringhausen, Noordoewer, Rosh Pinah, Ai-Ais, Aus, Luderitz.
Please note; there is no fuel at Goageb even though your map may say there is!
You are advised to keep your vehicle topped up with fuel whenever you have the opportunity.
