In the far south of Namibia, the Fish River rises in the centre of the country, before flowing south into the Orange River, on Namibia's border with South Africa. In between, it has formed the great Fish River Canyon – the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and probably only second to Arizona's Grand Canyon in terms of size. Approaching the Fish River Canyon from the north is like driving across Mars. The vast rocky landscape breaks up into a series of spectacular cliffs, formed by the Fish River as it meanders between boulders over half a kilometre below.

Where to stay near Fish River Canyon

There are several camps and lodges to stay, either in the area surrounding Fish River Canyon, or near the town of Keetmanshoop. These include:

Ai-Ais Restcamp

At the bottom of Fish River Canyon itself, beside natural hot springs stands Ai-Ais Camp. It has simple and basic chalets, as well as a pool, a restaurant and a shop. Ai-Ais was renovated and upgraded in 2009. Note that it is closed from March to October as the area gets too hot. (Read more about Ai-Ais Camp…)

Quivertree Forest Restcamp

Quivertree Forest Restcamp lies about 13km north-west of Keetmanshoop, close to the rock formations of Giant's Playground. It has a variety of accommodation options, including two guest houses and eight igloo bungalows, and is a good base from where to explore the canyon. (Read more about Quivertree Forest Restcamp…)

Canon Roadhouse

25km from Fish River Canyon, Cañon Roadhouse is a comfortable, relaxed roadside retreat with nine simple en-suite rooms. All are set around a cactus-planted courtyard, and their colours carefully blend with the surrounding area. (Read more about Canon Roadhouse…)

Canyon Hotel

The large Canyon Hotel is set in Keetmanshoop, and has been there for many years. It has 70 air-conditioned rooms, complete with en-suite facilities, and is a convenient base for excursions to the Kokerboom Forest and the majestic volcanic crater at Brukkaros. (Read more about Canyon Hotel…)

Canyon Lodge

Near the lip of the canyon stands Cañon Lodge, a comfortable private retreat with 30 separate bungalows, dotted around between spectacular granite kopjies, often including natural stone features in their design. It also has a small farming business, producing cheese, vegetables and fruits. (Read more about Canyon Lodge…)

Canyon Village

Close to the canyon, in the heart of a vast rocky landscape, Cañon Village has 42 semi-detached stone cottages, set around a main thatched dining area including a coffee shop in its centre. The chalets are fairly simple and basic, but entirely functional and decorated by local artists. (Read more about Canyon Village…)

Central Lodge

Central Lodge stands in the heart of Keetmanshoop, and has 19 spacious, bright and airy rooms, an à la carte restaurant, indoor braai facilities and an outdoor swimming pool. All guest rooms are en-suite (some even feature spa-baths) and air-conditioned. (Read more about Central Lodge…)

Grand View Lodge

On the western rim of the canyon lies Grand View Lodge – presenting visitors with 'grand views' over towering cliffs. It has six stone-and-thatch cottages, equipped with furniture made by local craftsman. Activities include guided hikes into Fish River Canyon. (Read more about Grand View Lodge…)

Vogelstrausskluft Lodge

On the northwest side of the canyon, just south of the main tar road to Lüderitz, Vogelstrausskluft is a substantial lodge built on a small hill. Its 24 air-conditioned rooms have comfy chairs, subtle earthy colours, stone-tiled floors as well as private patios, and the guided 4WD excursions down to its own private section of the canyon are excellent. (Read more about Vogelstrausskluft Lodge...)

Fish River Canyon hike

Keen hikers will know that the Fish River Canyon hike is one of Africa's a toughest hikes. This five-day, self-guided hike is possible for groups of three or more people, but only when it's cool (May – Sept). We can arrange for the permits and transport to get you to and from the hike – perhaps building it into a fly-drive itinerary. We can even arrange for a professional guide to accompany you, or a satellite phone to take. However, the responsibility for buying and carrying all your food and equipment remains strictly with you. Once you start the hike, there's no easy way out!

For a slightly less demanding option, ask us about the shorter hikes organised by the Grande View Lodge in the Canyon Nature Park – slightly up-river from the national park, on the western side.

Small group adventures including Fish River Canyon

Wild about Africa specialises in small group safaris to Namibia and Botswana, and has a range of trip ideas – from simple camping adventures and luxury camping safaris, to exclusive safari holidays. Click here if you're interested in joining a small group of fellow travellers on Adventures visiting the Fish River Canyon.


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