Reviews of Fish River Lodge

"This was the third place we stayed on our trip and we stayed two nights. Of all the lodges this was the one I most wanted to stay in. We even rearrange the dates we went so we could get in here and I think it was well worth it. Make sure you stop off at Mariental Bakkery for savoury pies and pasties enroute. You can also fill up your petrol tank as there are a number of fuel stations there too.

The drive south of Mariental was a lot more challenging as we got our first taste of none paved roads. Even after reading about the difficult driveway to the lodge, I don’t think we were prepared for the length of time it would take us. Once there we received a friendly welcome and a drink. The panoramic view is spectacular from the main building as you enter from the car park. The lodge was bigger than our previous two lodges, so there were a lot more people around. However the individual cabins all feel private and everyone gets that same panoramic view of the canyon.

We did the walk to the lookout point to the right, which was not too far or difficult and got some good photos looking back at the lodge. The night sky was fantastic, we even saw the Milky Way! The sky was so clear.

The rooms are comfortable with single beds and an inside and outside shower, although we were unable to use the outside shower as the previous person had taken the key with them and there was no spare. There is even an outside yoga platform and you can borrow a mat from reception. Staff were all friendly and efficient and the manager was very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and road conditions.

We did the organised drive to the bottom of the canyon where I swam in the water pool. We thought this trip was really good and well worth the cost and effort. We saw mountain Zebra and Gemsbok on our travels and you are also able to do some walking if you want to. I had read that not that many people go to Fish River Canyon but I would say it is a must and stay on this side of the canyon as you feel you have an exclusive experience as there are no other lodges on this side. This lodge is well worth the effort of getting there. Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"Food, service and accommodation at the Fish River Lodge were impeccable.

Rooms are large and artfully decorated. Large porch overlooks the Fish River Canyon. The lodge itself has outstanding views of the canyon with a pool lots of room to sit outside. Be prepared for windy conditions, weather is variable, and we were provided with earplugs for nighttime use. We only needed them one night.

We also enjoyed the two day hiking package, which was outstanding. Our guide, Andy, was knowledgeable and tailored our daily hikes according to our preference for distance and difficulty. Camps were unique with roomy tents, comfortable cots with sheets and duvets. Bucket showers were welcome as was hot water in the morning to wash up.

Food was excellent, on a par with what we enjoyed at the Lodge. We were amazed that they were able to provide the same quality, but from a camp kitchen. Breakfast and dinner were prepared in camp and we carried our bag lunch and water with us each day." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"Very welcoming. Food good. Chalet very comfortable. Gecko on ceiling.

The drive into the canyon was well worth doing." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"Very good" See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 5n in South Africa

"An amazing location on edge of canyon. Great room with exceptional view.

The welcome and service were very good. Food was outstanding. We had a sunset trip to east side of camp on arrival day with Bob who was very informative and gave us an understanding of geology and our bearings. Day trip to bottom of canyon again with Bob was like a white knuckle ride at times but great fun.

Lunch by rock pool was relaxing if a little too cold to swim." See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia

"Felt impersonal after the other places we had stayed in." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia; 7n in Botswana

"The walk into and out of the canyon is quite strenuous.

Not for the unfit." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"A long drive south, but the canyon is amazing. Stunning views of the canyon from the lodge and all rooms.

The lodge do a drive into the canyon which was excellent, and there are two well marked walking trails along the rim east and west to get the best views of the canyon.

Visiting in early September we needed plenty of clothes to keep warm in the evening, both in our room and in the lodge itself!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"Fabulous location on the rim of the Canyon and well worth the long and challenging drive.

The day trip down in to the Canyon with Engelbrecht was one of the outstanding highlights of the trip." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"Situated right on the edge of the canyon, the chalets and main building had the most incredible views of the canyon stretching out in front of us. Our chalet had a small terrace with chairs which enabled us to watch the light changing. In fact we did witness a tremendous thunderstorm which produced the most magnificent skies. Heavy rain overnight quickly soaked away into the sandy soil and didn't pose a problem when walking into breakfast next morning.

Facing the canyon did mean the wind came straight in at our chalet door which was not that close fitting (and was difficult to lock) - fortunately the heavy curtains did help. We had been given ear plugs to wear as the noise was certainly noticeable but we didn't feel the need to use them and did manage to get to sleep well in the very comfortable beds.

Our chalet had tea and coffee making facilities but no kettle, a thermos jug needed to be filled with hot water from the kitchen if one wanted refreshments. It would have been better to have a kettle so we could have enjoyed early morning cuppas.

The bathroom area was very large with an enormous mirror and great lighting, a safe and a small hanging space for clothes. Twin wash basins and separate WC but strangely no door on the WC. There was an outdoor shower but in May it was not warm enough to want to try it. The indoor shower worked well but one had to remember the hot water was solar heated and would cool off overnight. There was no running water between 11pm and 5am as the pumps were switched off for some reason. This could have been a big issue if one had needed to use the WC overnight with an upset stomach! We noticed on entering the bathroom the unpleasant smell of sewage - this seemed to disappear overnight - maybe because we had used the sinks and shower and flushed the system through or maybe because we had a lot of rain overnight.

In the evenings there was an open fire in the lounge/bar area and also in the restaurant - but we needed to wear jumpers to dinner as it was cold in the evenings. It was also cold in our chalet; there was no heating that we could see so this would not be an ideal place to stay in the middle of their winter. In our opinion the door and window fittings need to be replaced in both the chalet and main building. They looked like metal crittall windows and had not worn well - in fact a door handle broke off in Mr L's hand

It was not warm enough to use the pool which was beautifully located with views to the canyon.

We thoroughly enjoyed the drive into the Canyon which had been included in our holiday itinerary. The best off road driving we have ever experienced." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia