Read 6 traveller reviews of Canyon Lodge

The Canon Lodge is situated just 2km from its sister lodge, the Canon Village 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.

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.

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.

The lodge has 30 individual Bungalows dotted amongst huge granite boulders with stone pathways leading to the each one. In addition to these, Canon Lodge has a further 7 Standard Rooms (4 double rooms and 3 singles). These are built to the side and are a short distance from the main lodge area, and are slightly cheaper then the bungalows.

When we where 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.

Click on a link for more details of:
Bungalow at Canyon Lodge

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 30

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 2-3 days is perfect

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.

Geographics

Location: Fish River Canyon, Namibia

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

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: Yes on request

Drinks included: No drinks are not requested, they are at an extra charge to be paid direct at the lodge.

Children

Attitude towards children: Yes, all children are welcome.

Age restrictions: No age restriction, kids 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

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.

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