The Canon Lodge is situated just 2km from its sister lodge, the Canon Village, and was the first lodge in the Gondwana Canon Park. It is a charming, rustic lodge which has a similar old farmhouse feel to the Canon Roadhouse.
Canon lodge has 30 Bungalows dotted amongst huge granite boulders with stone pathways leading to the each one.
The Canon Lodge's main area houses the reception, the indoor restaurant and the bar area. This is built using mostly natural stone, so though the interior is cool, it is also a bit dark. Fireplaces are dotted throughout for those colder winter nights.
The lodge has a large verandah outside the front of its main building where you will find a long table and benches. It is reminiscent of old farmhouses and you can literally imagine the family lazing here in the afternoon with a cold glass of something refreshing.
Much further from the main area, down a long pathway past the bungalows, in a peaceful and isolated spot, is the stunning turquoise swimming pool, with beautiful views. Here there's also an honesty bar and towels for guests to use.
When we were last at the Canon Lodge, what surprised us most was their immaculate front garden. This was bursting with colour, with beautifully kept green lawns. Quite an achievement considering that the lodge sits in the heart of a dry desert environment.
Activities available at Canon Lodge are similar to those at Canon Village, and include a sunrise walk, a morning hike (6km), a drive to fish River Canyon, horseback riding and a sundowner driver or walk. It is also possible to drive yourself to Fish River Canyon's nearest two viewpoints to take a look.
In conclusion… Canon Lodge's cosy farmhouse atmosphere and well designed rooms among the rocks make a lovely place to stay for exploring Fish River Canyon. Being close to the canyon itself, it is easy for guests to drive themselves to the canyon or participate in one of the lodge's guided trips.
Central facilities: On entering the Canon Lodge's main area, to your left is the reception area which also serves as their curio shop. The shop is stocked with a variety of locally made items.
Canon Lodge has a large indoor restaurant, where guests are seated at individual tables. In the far corner of the restaurant is the self-service tea and coffee station for guests to help themselves at any time.
Leading from the indoor restaurant, an outdoor restaurant sits on a stone verandah. This is a great place to sit and enjoy views of the surrounding area. The outdoor restaurant is comprised of individual tables set out under shady, tall camelthorn trees.
The bar area is right next to the restaurant, through a open arch way and is fully stocked with local as well as imported liquors.
There is a small entertainment area just off the restaurant, facing out onto the front garden. Here there is a pool table for staff and guests alike.
The swimming pool is set slightly away from the lodge and is built higher up so that you have views of the surrounding bush. There are a number of comfortable loungers around the pool and plenty of shade under thatch. There is also an honesty bar for those wanting a refreshing beverage.
Directions: To reach the Canon Village, take the well-signposted turning east from the C37 (what was the old D324) – and continue for about 14km to the lodge.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Lodge Management Company
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Canon Lodge's breakfast is served buffet-style – you can help yourself to fresh fruit, yoghurt from their own dairy, cold meats, cheese and cereals. There is also an option for a cooked breakfast as well as home-baked breads.
Lunch and dinner is a selection from their a la carte menu, with international-style cuisine available. There are sandwiches and salads for those who want a lighter snack as well as full meals such as chicken schnitzel and chips.
When we last visited the Canon Lodge, the meals were simple but delicious. Many of the ingredients consisted of fresh products from their self sufficiency centre.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: £10-15
Drinks included: No drinks are not requested, they are at an extra charge to be paid direct at the lodge.
Special interests
Riding: The Canon Lodge has 15 horses which can cater for most levels of riders. When we last visited the Canon Lodge we went on an hour long guided sunrise ride. Several of us were inexperienced riders, but everyone felt at ease and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for riding in Namibia
Children
Attitude towards children: Yes, all children are welcome.
Age restrictions: No age restriction, children of all ages welcome.
Activities: Children staying at the Canon Lodge can participate in a number of activities, ranging from horse-riding (young children are lead by a member of staff) to scenic nature drives. Children can also go on educational trips to the self-sufficiency centre, where they can visit the farm animals and help out in the vegetable garden.
Equipment: The Canon Lodge does have a cot and a highchair for loan to guests on request.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children must be supervised at all times by their parents.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is a central telephone in the main reception area for guests' use and flexi-call cards (pre-paid phone credit) can be purchased at the lodge. There is no mobile reception at the Canon Lodge or internet access at the lodge.
Guests can also make use of the fax machine in the main reception area.
TV & radio: There is no television or radio at the lodge
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Keetmanshoop, or in case of any emergency guests can be airlifted to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Canon Lodge does not have a security guard on duty. However, there is a night bell at the entrance to the reception area - this will alert the manager on duty.
Fire safety: There are no fire extinguishers in the bungalows, however we were advised that they have a number of fire extinguishers in the main lodge area.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Yes, the lodge does offer laundry facilities but at an extra charge.
Money: Canon Lodge does not have facilities to exchange foreign currencies and the only travellers' cheques that they exchange are South African Rand.
Accepted payment: The lodge accepts Visa, Amex, Mastercard credit card payments, as well as South African Rand travellers' cheques.
Canyon Lodge review
Canyon Lodge is beautifully situated and its location is impressive and the facillities overall are of a good quality. The location of the swimming pool looking out over the desert is spectacular. How...
Canyon Lodge review
We received a very friendly welcome upon arrival, with a welcome drink and comprehensive introduction to the facilities. Our room was small, but comfortable.
The swimming pool at the resort is s...
Canyon Lodge review
The lady who was managing was absolutely on top of everything ad very charming with it. I thought this place had improved since I was last here - better service and better food.
Bed linen and towe...
We want you to understand more about Canyon Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Lodge homepage This is a sparse homepage for the Canyon Lodge - but it is the best there is! The lodge is part of the 'Gondwana Desert Collection' group of hotels.
