Reviews of Fish River Lodge

"Fantastic position - what a view from one's room! And what amazing rooms.... Just being there is really what it's all about. Walks are limited - albeit with superb views at the end of each.( More information about the still evident old farm site would make Walk 1 more interesting...)

Food delicious- with the best breakfast we had anywhere... Wonderful cocktails. Charming staff.

The sky at night is incredibly clear... star- gazing definitely another area of potential interest. And we would have loved to have had a film/ video of the geology etc of the canyon- something interesting to do after dinner. ( Apart from Hoanib, none of the other camps offered any such thing- a pity)

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Whilst staying here these travellers took part in the day drive in to the canyon and commented:

The rugged drive to the canyon is fairly hair raising and fun- the driver/guide impressively intrepid! BUT once at the canyon, with the river in full flood, it was very limited... it was simply a look at the water, a snack out of a paper bag, then the same very rocky route back. We were back by 1.30.

I think they could have made much more of the whole thing- with a bit of an effort at a more special lunch- perhaps set up at the hiking camp base where there was some shade.... overall I think they get a C for effort!

Rather disappointing." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"good stay in lovely rooms with lovely views.
pool was nice
food and service good
very disappointed we couldn't book the canyon drive for the following day as there were no space left. we were not the only ones who issed out either!!!!
they shouldn't offer this if they don't have enough vehicles or staff for everyone to do this.... why else would you be going there if not to see the canyon !!!!!!! only other thing you could do was a self guided walk on the rim....... not what we went there for...very disappointing!" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"Had an excellent day trip down to the bottom of the canyon with Bob our guide which was a great day." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia

"Fish River Canyon is an outstanding place to see. The hotel is right on the edge of a cliff.

However during our stay it was incredibly windy and all the doors and windows of our room rattled very noisily.

This place needs a bit of refurb, but it was good none the less." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"Beyond stunning views of the canyon and of Quiver trees, which added to the magic. Rooms are perched right over the canyon and sensitively erected to be private. There is both an indoor and outdoor shower although best to use the outdoor one during midday before the wind comes up.

Many of the rooms were quite a walk from the dining area. I enjoyed the long walk but had to wear running shoes as the path is very stony. Food is variable but the staff try hard and are very friendly. We took the 6-7 hour jeep ride down to the canyon but later I wished I had hiked down as it took only a little longer. The group that hiked down then joined our group and returned with us up to the lodge by jeep. The jeep ride involved incredibly steep sections, but was fun, although the last 45 minutes or so of our return became tedious.

There are also 2 walks that one can do on one’s own which leave from the lodge. You walk along the rim in either direction and then back again. If you are planning to do only one of them do the one to the right as you face the canyon. It is the shorter one but the longer one involves a detour around another set of dwellings. We were told that the shorter one would take 1.5 hours but it took us only an hour and we were going quite slowly.

With regard to room choice, rooms stretch out on each side of the main buildings and one might think the furthest 2 chalets are the most private but they are not. Walkers leave from them and their patios were quite exposed so choose a room nearer the main building if you want privacy." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 4n in South Africa

"The location was quite spectacular and very splendid: worth the difficulties of reaching the lodge. The chalets were architecturally interesting, if rather minimalist. The food was fine, if not outstanding, served in a magnificent dining room. The views were quite fantastic.

We booked a full-day hike and enjoyed the descent into the canyon very much. We were however very annoyed to be told at the bottom that we would not be allowed to continue and had to return by jeep. Of course, one cannot challenge the decision of local guides (even if, as experienced walkers, we thought the decision wrong) but we had not been told that there was a risk of being thrown off the walk at the bottom, and we had paid the full amount.

We left Fish River Lodge feeling very bitter about the experience. So our Average covers an extremely mixed experience." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa

"This hotel is in a terrific location with views over the canyon and the rooms are quite spacious. We'd recommend the sundowner drive but have reservations about the drive down into the canyon. It was a bit lengthy and bumpy and we didn't feel like we were at the bottom of a canyon when we got there as it is so wide. The driver was very informative though.

The drive from the main road is a bit tortuous in places and best done in a 4WD.

Could have done with a hot water bottle in the bed (as supplied at Hoodia and Erongo)! We travelled in July, the rooms face south so don't get the sun on them and it gets quite chilly at night." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"We truly enjoyed our stay at Fish River Canyon Lodge. Fantastic drive up to the lodge which is set in a spectacular location overlooking the canyon (with magnificent views from the room as well as the pool and sitting area).

Excellent throughout, we particularly enjoyed the full day drive in the Canyon, which included a swim in a natural rock pool." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia

"The first view of Fish River Canyon from the Lodge is quite literally breath-taking, more than adequate recompense for a long and somewhat grueling drive in on the access road.

Extremely comfortable cabins of modern design perch atop the west rim of the Canyon. Incredible views in all directions. Very attractive common areas with fine, attentive service. The day-trip drive into the Canyon (with a swim in the Fish River) was well worth the time and effort, and our guide (Paul) was excellent. Extremely windy at times, especially in the late afternoon.

An excellent place!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia

"This lodge is in the most amazing situation, perched right on the edge of the canyon, it is rather a trek off the road to get there, but well worth the effort, and nothing can prepare you for the view!

The lodge is well run and organised, the bungalows are a modern design, but somehow fit in better than thatched rustic, and cope with rather a windy location. There is nothing else within sight on this side of the canyon, which make the walks along the rim particularly memorable. The food and wine were good quality, and well cooked.
We went on a sunset drive, which gave us views further down the canyon, though not a place for wildlife really" See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia