Reviews of Canyon Lodge

"The Manager was away for three weeks and it showed. This is a strange Lodge, in some ways it is excellent - for example the cooking - but in others it is quite dreadful.

The negative part first. After a long flight from London and then a two hour transfer from Windhoek we were pretty exhausted but were given a nice friendly welcome when we arrived and then were shown to our rooms. Our room was the furthest from the house and was dark and unwelcoming. The duvet covers looked tired and washed out. As we entered the bathroom the first thing we saw was cigarette ash left in piles around the toilet area and, on closing the bathroom door a pile of dirt facing us in an area which cannot have been cleaned for months.

I informed the Manageress about the problem but she couldnt do anything about it until the cleaning staff came back mid afternoon so we had to hang around and wait to have our room cleaned - not a good start to the holiday. The problem was further compounded by the fact that there wasnt any soap in the shower and when we asked for some we were told we would have to buy it! The lack of cleanliness saga continued with cigarette butts dropped along the pathway to the rooms and then, to finish it all , when we were leaving and doing a 'final check' under the bed we found a pair of someone else's dirty pants which must have been missed by the cleaners.......

On a positive note the situation is lovely and Niko our guide took us out for a lovely sunrise drive and walk which was magical. He was full of information and stories and looked after us very well during our trip. The kitchen staff produced wonderful food (especially the homemade bread which was delicious) and we had a nice braai.

Canon Lodge is expensive for what it is. Nothing is included in the price which makes this quite an expensive place to stay - compared with Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp this lodge was a dump.

It was a shame that we had such a dirty, tired room - nowhere else in Namibia did we come across such a problem. Infact everywhere else it was quite the opposite. This lodge needs to lift its standards." See all these reviews: 3n in Namibia

"The best feature here now is the new pool area with great views across to the mountains, also there is a fridge full of cold drinks in the small shady section (honesty list for this).

It was particularly hot on this visit and the room has fans which were a godsend at night. Friendly and helpful staff especially for luggage as we were in room 23 ,the furthest from reception." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

"We stayed in Std Rooms ("S" rooms), which were simple but clean and more then adequate to serve as a base to visit the Canyon region. Staff at the lodge main building were helpfull and friendly. Morning sunrise walk and afternoon scenic drive enjoyable.

We drove ourselves to the Canyon : fantastic scenery all the way. Pitty Ais-Ais was closed and we could not drive to the base of the Canyon." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"Canon Lodge is like an oasis in the middle of the Gondwana Reserve. We were lucky enough to have no. 13 and had spectacular views of the surrounding area and the wonderful sunsets. They are just finishing a new swimming pool in a lovely setting overlooking the plains.

The optional drive to the Canyon was worth doing. A very good guide.

The resturant and food was very good. Especially their own produce, all very fresh and well prepared." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"We were really impressed with helpful, cheerful and friendly service. Surprised by the beautiful gardens in such a hostile desert climate." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"Wonderful location, good standard of service.

No flights over the canyon were available at the time of our visit, which was a bit of a disappointment, but otherwise a lovely stay." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia

"very much liked the room designs. Rock Hyrax's were fun to watch." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"Because we had booked very late (having expected to be at Fish River Lodge) our rooms were almost at the end of the resort (nos 27 and 30 of 30). It was therefore a very long walk to and from the central facilities and a long haul with luggage.

The rooms were fine but not much space outside - rather cramped little pathways and no real terrace to sit out and look at the strange rock formations or watch the sunsets which were very impressive

We took the trip to the Canyon as a foursome which was OK, but rather expensive for what was on offer - the trip in an old vehicle and about an hour there, then a drive back.

Breakfasts were something of a trial as the staff did not seem to appreciate how much some people ate. Many items ran out very quickly and refilling did not seem to be a priority. As an example, the fresh fruit salad had all gone within a few minutes of service starting one morning and it took almost half an hour before a small bowl of tinned tomatoes replaced the salad! Not much good with Corn Flakes.

We took a walk around the site and found a substantial development project underway which looks as though it will significantly increase the size of the place and the numbers of people staying - we hope the central facilities are to be expanded accordingly." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"Great fun. The 'hobbit house' we had amongst the granite boulders was lovely.

The food in the restaurant was good too, and the staff very helpful. The star was Fritz, the chief guide (and main mover behind the organisation of the place). His knowledge was prodigious, and he was really good company. He gave us a first rate tour of the Fish River Canyon, with an in-depth account of the geological history that I (as a professional geologist) couldn't fault.

He persuaded us it was safe to drive down to the Orange River, which turned out to be one of the best drives of the holiday, albeit the most lonely (we didn't see another person or car until we got to the road along the Orange River, and only saw 6 other vehicles in 260km)." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Wonderful location - we got the room/bungalow that was in all the postcard pictures so impressive views! Staff very pleasant and helpful and made the stay great.

Took the opportunity to be taken to the Canyon by John, one of the guides and it was great to talk to him about the geology and fauna which was very informative. Food good." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia