Where is Fish River Lodge located?
The Lodge is located on the western rim of the Canyon. From Keetmanshoop you take the B4 tar road to Lüderitz and turn off south on to the D463, which is a good gravel road. Fish River Lodge / Canyon Nature Park are well signposted to the left. From the D463 it is a further 20 km drive to the lodge. Please note: Turning off at the C12 Fish River Canyon road would take you to the eastern side of the canyon.
Can I drive to Fish River Lodge in a sedan car or do I need a 4×4?
Yes, you can drive to the Lodge in a sedan car. The last 20 km should be driven slowly. If you are not sure of the conditions of the road in the rainy season in summer, please phone the lodge beforehand for an update. Pick-ups from certain points can be arranged.
Is it far from major cities and how long does it take to get there?
Given Namibia’s size, everything is reasonably far. Fish River Lodge is not located on a major tourist route, so some guests feel it is a bit further. The journey from Windhoek will take about 7 hours by car. On the last 20 km off the D463 gravel road you will pass the old farmhouse before you reach the Lodge.
Is the Lodge really on the rim of the Canyon?
Yes. Fish River Lodge is the only lodge directly on the rim of the canyon, with 70 km of river frontage and access down to the Fish River by vehicle. The Lodge and all the chalets are between 5 m and 8 m from the edge.
Is the Lodge suitable for small children?
There are modest wire rope barriers in front of each chalet and on the deck of the lodge. Since the rim of the canyon is less than 10 m away, small children will need parental supervision at all times.
How old is the lodge?
The new Lodge was opened in July 2009 at a new location on the rim. The original lodge was built in the 1990s and is now used for guide and staff accommodation.
How do we get supplies to the lodge?
We get our supplies from the closest town, Keetmanshoop, which is about 180 km away. We try our utmost to ensure that fresh ingredients are available for our guests.
How fit do you need to be to do the hikes?
Strolls along the rim are on flat pathways suitable for all fitness levels. Our hikes of one, two or three days, however, require more serious levels of fitness, particularly for the descent into and ascent out of the canyon.
Can we do an excursion to the hot spring, Ais Ais and Hobas?
This is too much for one day as both are situated on the eastern side of the canyon.
Are there any camping facilities at Canyon Nature Park and can visitors drive down to into the canyon in their own 4×4 vehicle?
There are no camping facilities at the Lodge. Access to Canyon Nature Park and the canyon drives are only for guests accompanied by our guides. Eternity Camp and Edge Camp are available to hikers and cyclists on the Rim to River Hiking and Canyon Mountain Biking Trails. Booking is essential.
What is the weather like?
Temperatures range from 30 °C - 40 °C in summer to between 0 °C and 20 °C in winter. The weather can be variable when hot air rising from the canyon collides with cooler air above, which sometimes causes strong winds. Strike it lucky and you can have balmy evenings with a myriad of stars twinkling over the canyon. As much as we would like to make your stay the most comfortable we can – we are located in a harsh environment. The Lodge is off the main electricity grid and depends on solar power. We are therefore unable to provide air conditioning, fridges and kettles in the chalets, but fans are available.
Are there facilities for research at Canyon Nature Park?
We gladly welcome researchers and university students. We suggest you contact Journeys Namibia to inquire about facilities that could be made available.