The Canon Village is reached from the C37, very close to the Fish River canyon itself. It has a beautiful location – sitting in the middle of a vast rocky landscape, and at the base of a number bare rock hills. This area is at its most spectacular in the early morning and evening light – when the landscape glows a deep red. The main area of Canon Village houses a reasonably large restaurant, curio shop, coffee house and reception with the lodge's kitchen right in the centre. The lodge is modern, however it maintains a traditional feel by allowing a glimpse into the area's history with beautifully painted murals. These are dotted across the walls and depict various scenes from when the Nama people used to inhabit the region.
When we last visited, our first impression on entering the main area was how carefully considered the layout was. To the left of Canon Village's main area is the curio shop and reception with the bar next-door. Unexpectedly, the coffee house sits right in the centre of the restaurant. Here, the team makes tea and coffee using state of the art equipment, you can enjoy a cup throughout the day whilst sampling their home baked biscuits.
The dining tables in the restaurant are set out around the coffee shop, whilst the buffet area is situated through an arch way. The buffet area is adjacent to the restaurant, as you chose your food don't fail to notice the spectacular back wall. This is built around natural bare-rock boulders like those that make up the surrounding hills outside. Here you can sample their array of delicious dishes made out of fresh produce from their self sufficiency centre. The food is beautifully presented and there is plenty to choose from, including a variety of hot dishes as well as fresh salads.
Past the buffet area, the public guest toilets are then discreetly tucked out of sight, obscured by a huge rounded boulder. This boulder almost merges entirely with the wall behind – if you didn't know they were there they would go completely unnoticed!
Canon Village has 42 rooms, all of which are comfortable though they are quite basic. They are furnished with all of the essential pieces, such as a bed, a small table and chair and a wooden wardrobe. Each is perfectly functional and well-designed, though they are simple.
The main areas of Canon Village are cool and airy, with the occasional bird flying in and out through the open windows. When we last visited Canon Village, we where so warmly received by all the staff, that on our last day we wanted to put off our departure as long as possible. It's the sort of place you visit and want to encourage other people to do likewise.
Central facilities: The Canon Village does not have a designated lounge area for the guests, what they do have is a lovely large, shaded outside area. This is furnished with long tables and benches and is a good place to sit and simply enjoy your surroundings.
There is also a lovely bar area in the far corner just off from the restaurant. Here there are comfortable bar stools to sit on, and occasionally a CD player plays local Namibian music to set just the right mood.
The restaurant is relatively large, however we found it managed to maintain a level of intimacy. The tables are evenly spaced out to give individual diners a feeling of privacy during their meals. The staff in the restaurant were also very friendly and helpful. Although attentive, they were also non intrusive so guests could dine with ease.
The swimming pool area is set relatively far away from the rooms and main area. This means that guests can have fun, chat and splash about without disturbing other guests who might be relaxing in their rooms. There is a 'honesty' bar at the pool area where you can conveniently quench your thirst with a cold refreshing beverage without having to walk all the way back to the main area.
The curio shop is stocked with a choice of wonderful range of gifts and souvenirs such as colorful sarongs. Though they also stock necessities such as sunscreen should you run out.
To one side of the main area is an outside beer garden 'lapa'. This is an open-sided area under thatch, which is built around some boulders. Here the Canon Village hosts barbeque dinners every Tuesday for guests.
Canon Village is one of the only lodges that we know in Namibia which has its own in-house coffee shop. This is built in the middle of the restaurant, and it is open throughout the day and into the evening. As long as there are guests around, the coffee shop will be open for a refreshing cup of tea /coffee – served with a smile by the staff. There is also a jar of home baked biscuits and a freshly-baked cake on offer.
Directions: The turnoff to the Canon Village is situated on the C37, about 12km south of the turn-off to Hobas and the main viewpoint for the Canyon. From here it is about 2km east to get 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: The food at the Canon Village was delicious and varied with a nice selection for all the meals. Breakfast is a buffet, with a variety of fresh fruit, cereals, cold meats and yoghurts on offer. The dairy is special treat fresh - being produced at the Canon Village's sister lodge Canon Lodge. You can also order a cooked breakfast from the kitchen.
Lunch can be ordered from an a la carte menu which has a variety of international cuisine. Snacks such as salads, sandwiches and chips are available as well as full meals.
For dinner, there are usually a couple of choices for starter and desert – this is served by a waiter or waitress to you at your table. Whilst the main course is a buffet with a number of options available. When we were there all of the food was very tasty. The starter was a choice between vegetable fritters on layered melon and shredded lettuce, or brown lentil soup. Whilst the main course was a choice of fresh vegetables, good game meat from their own butchers and fresh salads.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No not usuaully, unless a guest is unwell
Drinks included: No drinks are not included, they are at an additional cost.
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