Accommodation

Fish River Canyon

Anticipation builds up as you turn off the main gravel road toward Canyon Lodge. The soft colours of apricot sand merging with the pale green of euphorbias is a prelude to the loveliness of the lodge surrounds. As you turn a final bend, the lodge comes into view. Nestled between rounded granite boulders, Canyon Lodges quaint century-old farmhouse reception, verdant garden and cool pond invite and welcome you into the enchanted enclave.

Take a guided drive to the Fish River Canyon to be inspired by new perspectives, join a 3-4 day Canyon Trail for an experience of a lifetime, follow the 4x4 Wildebeest Drive to view the plains animals, watch sunrise amidst the quiver trees, hike in the rocky hills or savour the sunset either from the adjacent koppie or on the sunset drive. Away from the world, there is a gentle rhythm of peace to find here, reaffirming the goodness of life. For those just wanting a break from the road, lounge at the pool, take a snooze in the coolness of your thatch-and-stone chalet or dip into a book on the terrace. The awe-inspiring canyon wakens our senses to the raw and powerful beauty of Nature.

Offering character and charm, without the glitz, the lodges down-to-earth attractiveness and homeliness is perfect for the rugged Fish River Canyon surrounds. Twenty kilometres from the chasms carved by millions-of-years of Earth history, earth cataclysms, whispers of wind, raging torrents of water and sparkling streamlets, this Fish River Canyon lodge is a hideaway not to be missed.

Fill up on smiles at this extraordinary and out-of-the-ordinary lodge. Resembling a roadhouse of old with a large red roof, the lodge is a veritable treasure-house and a must-do stop when visiting the canyon. The outside area hints of the wonderland interior with its rusty old Chevys and Fords from a bygone era, adorned with corky quiver trees and desert flora. Park your vehicle and step inside.

As if you have entered an Aladdins cave, the large doors open onto an International truck serving as the reception desk, a pompstasie (filling station) bar and an assortment of classic vehicles and transport paraphernalia assembled with an innovative and creative flair - and a good deal of humour! Restaurant tables are placed in between and the cabs of several cars serve as zany fireplaces in the chilly winter months.

Canyon Roadhouse has more than just a fascinating interior. Large attractive rooms, positioned around courtyards, make the Roadhouse a comfortable - and convenient - base when visiting the Fish River Canyon, just 14 kilometres away. The canyon resort has a swimming pool, a campsite, a terrace to enjoy Roadhouse specialities like Amarula Cheesecake (and the best cappuccino for miles around) and a walking trail through the hills.

Sunset is best appreciated from the hill above the lodge looking out onto the flat-topped Holoog Mountain and the Gondwana Canyon Park. Take a guided excursion to the canyon viewpoints, hike the 3-4 day superlative canyon trail or drive the 4x4 Wildebeest Route towards Canyon Lodge and Village to view zebra and wildebeest on the grassy plains. Be sure to include this quirky lodge - constructed with flair, creativity, mischief and a zest for life - into all travel plans!

The 42 rooms of Canyon Village lie at the foot of a sweeping rock face in Gondwana Canyon Park, in the middle of a vast rocky landscape.

Although the lodge is modern, a traditional feel comes from a series of beautifully painted murals that depict various scenes from the history and culture of the Bondelswart Nama, the earlier inhabitants of this area.

Well-appointed cottages in the Cape Dutch style afford views of the vast canyon scenery. The thatched main building is built right into the massive granite boulders and houses a restaurant and cosy bar.

Relish the peace and quiet and enjoy the views at the pool with a view.

Canyon Village has 2 sister lodges, the nearby Canyon Lodge and the eccentric Canyon Roadhouse.

/Ai-Ais lies at the southern end of the Fish River conservation area in the namibian portion of the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. /Ai-/Ais means "burning water" in one of the local languages and refers to the sulphurous hot springs found in this area.

The water from the springs bear natural curative ingredients and is especially therapeutic for people suffering from rheumatism. The resort prides itself on its main attraction: the spa facility. The thermal baths amnd heated swimming pools offer respite and relaxation after a long day of driving, or after completing a hike in the Fish River canyon.