Canon Roadhouse: Our full report

Canon Roadhouse stands 25km from the Fish River Canyon, slightly further than its two sister lodges, the Canyon Village and the Canyon Lodge. Though a little smaller, it has plenty of character, with very similar standards of service and hospitality.

Canon Roadhouse has 24 rooms, built around a couple of small courtyard gardens featuring desert-adapted plants such as the mopane aloe, Euphorbia gregaria and small quiver trees. Simply furnished, yet cool, light and comfortable, all the standard rooms have twin beds beneath a large mosquito net, a small table and chair, and a low armchair. Air conditioning, a free-standing electric fan, and tea- and coffee-making facilities are useful extras. Rooms are en suite, with a flush toilet, hot/cold shower and a washbasin with a mirror above it.

There are also two spacious family rooms accommodating up to two adults and two children. Furnished and equipped in similar style to the standard rooms, these have another single bed, and the option of a fourth bed on request.

Canyon Roadhouse does not have a separate lounge area, but there's plenty of seating in the imaginative and very quirky restaurant, which is filled with old cars, trucks and car parts. Look around and you'll spot some wonderful finds from yesteryear, such as a beaten copper kettle on an old gas-burning stove.

Sit indoors or outside on the patio, depending on the weather, or head for a stool at the nearby bar. There is also a small internet corner, with a computer for guests' use, and a shop with a wide selection of African curios.

The swimming pool at Cañon Roadhouse is a short walk from the main lodge, up a few steps. From its slightly raised vantage point above the surrounding natural bush, you can swim or relax on a sunlounger while taking in the scenery.

Canyon Roadhouse has its own small vegetable and herb garden, which supply the kitchen. Like the rest of the lodges in the Gondwana Collection, the lodge is also conscious of reducing waste, recycling its water to water the garden.

During your stay at Canyon Roadhouse, you can explore the surrounding area in your own vehicle. Conveniently the lodge has a small fuel station where guests can fill up. If you prefer, there are various organised activities, including morning or afternoon nature drives with one of the lodge's guides. Sundowner drives and self-guided walking trails are also available, and horseriding can be organised at the nearby Canon Lodge.

Our view

Although it's location a little way from Fish River Canyon might send potential guests to its closer sister properties Canyon Village and Canyon Lodge, Canon Roadhouse still a good choice. It is a quirky, informal and relaxed lodge with attentive staff, where time seems to stand still. It has the feel of a small farm settlement; sitting on the front patio you would almost expect a horsedrawn carriage to pull up or someone on horseback to pass by. It was only the computer in the internet corner that brought us back into the 21st century.

Geographics

Location: Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights

Directions: Canon Roadhouse is situated 15km along the C37 (the main gravel road leading to Hobas and the Fish River Canyon) and is clearly signposted in bold white paint on a rusted old pick-up truck. Guests arriving by air will land at Canon Lodge airstrip, just 8km away.

Key personnel

Owner: Lodge Management Company

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in Canon Roadhouse's restaurant, using fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden.

The breakfast buffet incorporates a choice of cereals, fruits and a full English breakfast. Fruit juices, coffee and tea are also available.

Lunch and dinner are both informal affairs, served from a varied à la carte menu. When we were last there in June 2011 the lunch menu included fresh salads and sandwiches, while at dinner the menu featured an array of international-style cuisine.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are at an extra charge, to be paid at the lodge.

Special interests

Photographic:

See more ideas for Photographic in Namibia

Walking: Canon Roadhouse offers a short hiking trail with views over the mountains. You can also drive out to the Fish River Canyon and do short walks around the area, or even (between May and September only) arrange longer guided hikes lasting 4–5 days inside the Fish River Canyon itself – perhaps using the Roadhouse as your base at the start and end of your trip.

See more ideas for Walking in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Cañon Roadhouse

Equipment: Canon Roadhouse does not have cots or highchairs for children.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: Children must be kept under parental supervision at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Canon Roadhouse has an internet corner in the main area where you can also make telephone calls via the internet using phone cards, which are sold at the lodge. There is no cellphone reception here.

TV & radio: There is no TV or radio

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Keetmanshoop, but in an emergency guests will be flown to Windhoek. A plane is based permanently at Canon Roadhouse's nearby sister lodge, the Canon Lodge.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There are no security guards on duty, and the lodge manager advised us that they do not deem it necessary.

Fire safety: There are no fire extinguishers in the rooms, but we were told that they are located near the office and main lodge area.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry service is possible for an extra charge.

Money: Canon Roadhouse cannot exchange foreign currencies, and they exchange only South African rand travellers' cheques.