About Fish River Lodge
Sleep on the edge of eternity in these chic, minimalist cabins right beside the Fish River Canyon.
On the rim of the world’s second-largest canyon, Fish River Lodge is minimalist with decor but maximalist with views. The lodge’s slogan is “at the edge of eternity”, and there are no prizes for guessing why. This remote lodge has an unrivalled position on the western rim of Fish River Canyon, with pick-your-jaw-off-the-floor views across one of Namibia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Twenty light-filled dove grey-stone chalets, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, vast his-and-hers bathrooms and outdoor showers, are beautifully minimalist and do a good job of never quite upstaging the quiver tree-dotted canyon, the edge of which is, terrifyingly, just steps from the front veranda. Need an extra shot of adrenaline? Two easy hikes track around either side of the canyon rim; you can or bump down to the very bottom during a day drive.
When you can tear your eyes away from the view (best during sunrise and sunset, which drips yolk onto the layers of brown rock), indulge in some of Fish River Lodge’s fantastic food in the spacious leather sofa-studded restaurant-slash-bar. Dishes such as seared oryx steak pair beautifully with the lodge’s selection of local wines – as does conversation with other guests around the firepit or rectangular pool outside.
Our view
For its location on the edge of Fish River Canyon, Fish River Lodge is unrivalled. While the minimalist style of the lodge may not be to everyone's taste, the views are spectacular, there are photo opportunities aplenty, and the chance to explore the canyon itself is an added bonus.
Accommodation
20 chalets
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Fish River Lodge
81 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 10 Dec 2024, 2 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 22 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Jul 2024, 2 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 14 Jul 2024, 2 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 15 May 2024, 2 nights
"Location, location, location !"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 3 May 2024, 2 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Feb 2024, 2 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Poor
Arrived 1 Dec 2023, 2 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Dec 2023, 3 nights
"Fish River Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 24 Oct 2023, 2 nights
"Wow! What a view!"
Overall rating: Excellent






















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 58 pictures and 1 videos of Fish River Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryFish River Lodge: Our full report
Perched on the western rim of Fish River Canyon, Fish River Lodge lies within the Canyon Nature Park, a privately ...
... owned reserve of 450km² which includes a 75km stretch along the canyon's edge. The lodge's dramatic location gives spectacular views across the Fish River Canyon.
Surrounded by a grove of quiver trees, the lodge offers 20 spacious rooms with stone walls, flat roofs and an almost entirely glass front, which gives fantastic views of the canyon and its intriguing rock formations. The rooms all have large, uncluttered en-suite bathrooms with his-and-hers washbasins, and indoor and outdoor showers, which must give one of the best views from any shower in Namibia!
The high ceilings of the rooms have a strip of glass running around the very top, which help the room to feel bright and airy and there is also a corresponding pole to open these out-of-reach windows, if needed. The colour scheme is quite dark and dominated by the concrete features in the room as well as the browns and greys of the walls. However you probably won’t want to spend too much time in the room given the view from the veranda. With a couple of chairs, a stool and table it is perfect for watching the sunset over the sheer cliffs beneath. With it’s unique location on the canyon rim the lodge comes with many advantages however it is also at the mercy of the winds, which can whip across this part of the canyon. For this reason earplugs are provided when you check in and are often needed.
When not exploring the park, you can relax in the stylish communal area of the lodge. This is in the middle of 10 rooms to either side and consists of a dining area to one end and a bar and a comfortable seating area at the other, surrounding an impressive fireplace. The manager’s office is placed between the two, which doubles up as a small curio shop. However, no doubt you will be drawn outside and a veranda runs the length of the main area to make the most of this space. The un-heated pool is well worth a refreshing dip in the heat of the day. Dinner is often served inside however on warmer evenings it will be served outside, by candlelight with the impressively bright stars glistening over the shadows of the canyon.
Activities offered from Fish River Lodge include an evening scenic drive to watch the sunset over a glass of champagne, and a full-day canyon drive. This guided excursion starts at 7am, involves descending a very bumpy route into the canyon by 4WD to have a picnic lunch by the permanent rock pools on the Fish River and back to the lodge around 2pm. Although this is quite a lot of time in the car, during our last visit in April 2018 we thoroughly enjoy this activity and the drive down to the canyon was especially exhilarating at times- certainly not one for those with vertigo.
It is also possible to do a similar route on foot, hiking from the sundowner spot, near the lodge, the 10km down to the canyon floor. On our trip a few of the hikers hitched a lift back to the lodge, not fancying the walk back, but please note that this is dependent on space in the vehicle. A ‘half day’ version of this walk is also on offer, where you only walk half the way and do not get down to the canyon floor.
For those less inclined to spend the whole day on foot but like the idea of stretching your legs, there are also a few short walks available from the lodge. On our last visit here we did a short walk (about 45 minutes there and 45 minutes back) along the canyon rim, and found it to be very enjoyable with lots of photo opportunities. These are well marked and perfectly easy to do self-guided, however if you would like to learn a little more about the surroundings, then you can take a guide with you for around N$385. However, guests hoping to visit the view points on the eastern side of the canyon rim will find these a very long drive from Fish River Lodge – if you wish to visit these it is better to stay at one of Canyon Village, Canyon Lodge or Canyon Roadhouse.
For the serious walker Fish River Lodge offers guided camping expeditions into the canyon for between 1 and 4 nights. The lodge will provide all of the equipment, including your own own private guide and chef and normally you will spend a night at either end in the comfort of the lodge. Your guide will point out the most interesting features of the canyon and the plants and animals found there. However because of the high temperatures that the canyon can experience and the potential for flash flooding these treks only take place during winter time (April-September). What better way to recover from a lengthy walk or bumpy drive than to have a massage, which are also on offer at the lodge, varying in cost and length.
As well as the spectacular scenery, it is also possible to spot wildlife in the park, although as you may expect it is quite dispersed. You might expect to see mountain zebra, kudu, oryx, springbok, steenbok, klipspringer and baboon and many species of bird, including raptors like black eagles and fish eagles and the Ludwig’s bustard.
Geographics
- Location
- Fish River Canyon, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–3 nights, or up to 5 nights if hiking into the canyon
- Directions
- Fish River Lodge is located on the rim of the western side of the Fish River Canyon and around 90km south of the B4 which runs between Keetmanshoop and Aus.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- We found the food at Fish River Lodge to be generally of a good standard.
Breakfast is served between 6-9am and is a buffet of cereals, bread, jams, juice, tea and coffee was served, with hot dishes made to order. If you let staff know hot flasks are also delivered to the your room in the morning to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee from your room, maybe as the sun peeks above the horizon.
The lunch menu consisted of a choice of light meals such as salads, frittatas and light pasta dishes.
Tea, coffee and cake are served at between 3-5pm.
Dinner is a three-course set menu. On our last visit in April 2018 we enjoyed a starter of a smoked salmon and cream cheese crepe, following by a grilled Oryx steak served with a brown onion sauce and basmati rice, butter sweet corn and stir fried green beans. The desert was a poached pear in a red wine butterscotch sauce. .
Fish River Lodge have a slightly odd set-up of numbering the tables and telling you where to sit,. You also tip the waiters separately here (unlike most lodges where they are included in the main staff tips) so you can expect exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic waiting staff! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Not available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are charged extra.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- If you’re after solitude, jaw-dropping views and activities that can fuel your sense of adventure – or spa treatments to pamper yourself on your Namibian honeymoon – look no further than Fish River Lodge, perched right on the edge of Fish River Canyon.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Namibia
- Photography holidays
- Fish River Lodge’s catch phrase, “on the edge of eternity”, alludes to its spectacular location on the rim of Africa’s largest canyon. With such a natural wonder literally on its doorstep this is truly one of the most photogenic locations in Namibia.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
- Walking
- For those after more serious walking in Namibia, Fish River Lodge offers a 74km guided canyon hike during between Apr– Oct. With an experienced guide and chef, the first night is spent at the lodge, with 3 nights camping and 4 days hiking.
- See ideas for Walking in Namibia
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Fish River Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions to stay at the lodge but only those aged 16 or over are able to participate in hiking activities.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Cots can be organised by pre-arrangement and there is a family room which consists of a double and up to two single beds.
- Generally recommended for children
- No
- Notes
- Expert Africa does not recommend Fish River Lodge for children under 12. It is located very close to the edge of Fish River Canyon, with no fences or barriers between the lodge and the edge, and it thus presents a serious safety risk.
The lodge also has a very quiet adult atmosphere.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Fish River Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Fish River Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

44% success

38% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There is good cellphone reception at Fish River Lodge, and WiFi in the main area (although not a great connection).
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Plumbed, hot and cold running water, although not between 11pm and 5am as the pump is solar powered and there is not enough pressure at these times.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- The nearest hospital is in Keetmanshoop, which is most quickly reached by plane. A first-aid box is available at the lodge.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge is remote so there are no guards or gate, but there are safes in the rooms.
- Fire safety
- A fire extinguisher is located in every room.
Activities
4WD Safari
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available for an extra charge. It is quite expensive due to the limited water availability.
- Money
- No currency exchange facilities are available. There are safes in every room.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments whilst South African rand and Namibian dollars are accepted currencies for cash payments.
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Fish River Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Fish River Lodge.
Excursions from Fish River Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Fish River Lodge. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Fish River Canyon day trip
Half-full day (starting early morning)
An exhilarating descent down into the canyon, marvelling at the stunning geographical features of this vast canyon, followed by lunch and a dip in the natural rock pools – this day trip is exciting and enlightening!
More about Fish River Canyon tripOther lodges in Fish River Canyon
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Canyon Lodge
Just 20km from Fish River Canyon, Canyon Lodge was the first lodge in the area, with individual chalets built amongst huge granite boulders.

Canyon Roadhouse
Relatively close to Fish River Canyon, Canyon Roadhouse combines the feel of an old farm with an extraordinary array motor memorabilia.

Canyon Village
Close to Fish River Canyon, the reasonably priced Canyon Village features interior walls covered in murals by Namibian artists depicting the history of the area.

Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa
The government-run Ai-Ais Restcamp is situated on a site of natural hot springs, down at the bottom of the Fish River Canyon.
When to go to Fish River Canyon
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Fish River Lodge in Fish River Canyon
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Namibia in January
January is at the heart of Namibia’s rainy season. However, as you’d expect from a country dominated by desert and semi-desert environments, the rains are often (but not always) weak and usually quite localised. Some days will be clear, the strong sun raising temperatures to around 30ºC/86ºF; on others humidity and clouds build, sometimes culminating in spectacular thunderstorms. In extreme cases, these generate flash-floods which race down the beds of ephemeral rivers.
Across the country, the greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert areas. Many birds are in full breeding plumage and migrant species are here in force. In the north, where the rains are more reliable, the abundant water and food allows wildlife to disperse, making it trickier to spot.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry, or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional, highly localised thunderstorms
- Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
- Wildlife dispersed & harder to see, especially in Etosha & the Caprivi
- Very few tourists (apart from the New Year) so rates mostly low
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in January
Namibia in February
February is the wettest month, but as Namibia is dominated by deserts, the rains are often weak and patchy. The variation in weather across Namibia is significant, too; the central highlands and Caprivi can see some heavy rain. More typically, some February days are clear with a hot, strong sun; others are cooler as cloudy skies build and, sometimes, culminate in short, spectacular thunderstorms. Occasionally these generate flash-floods, bringing ephemeral rivers to life and making travel more challenging.
Across the country, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it hard to spot the wildlife.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Occasional localised thunderstorms meander over the landscape
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists, so rates usually at their lowest
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Namibia in March
March usually sees Namibia’s main rains tailing off, although actual precipitation varies hugely across the country and can be unpredictable from day to day. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun driving temperatures up. On others, clouds will build, and the late afternoon may see a short, spectacular thunderstorm. Such deluges reduce in both frequency and volume as the month progresses.
Across the country, landscapes are often vivid: a “green and pleasant land”. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the north, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals.
- Variable weather: clear, hot & dry or cloudy & humid with some rain
- Afternoon thunderstorms less common as March progresses
- Animals looking sleek and well-fed, after 3–4 months of plenty
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi is dispersed & harder to see
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Namibia in April
Typically, April is dominated by dry weather; there’s an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures are now below their peak and continue to fall. Even so, days remain pleasant and warm, but there might be a slight chill in the air at night. The rains usually leave many parts of the country verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition – often with fast-growing young in attendance.
With the dust washed out of the atmosphere, photographers make the most of clear air, spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazers will have clearer night skies as the month progresses. In the game parks of Northern Namibia, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can prove trickier than later in the year.
- Becoming drier &, especially at night, also cooler
- Few visitors, except around Easter, so rates remain low
- Wildlife in Etosha & Caprivi remains relatively hard to see
- Migrant birds have started to leave
- Fresh, clean air and often green, verdant landscapes
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Namibia in May
By May, Namibia is usually drying out fast as the rains have ended. If they’ve been good, then the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources. Over much of the country the air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography.
Typical days are warm, with crisp, clear mornings and clear blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, and temperatures may dip below 10ºC (50ºF) overnight. Many lodges still charge “low season” prices, although with Namibia’s increasing popularity in recent years, some have started to introduce higher “shoulder season” rates.
May’s good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of our favourite months in Namibia.
- Lovely weather: dry, warm days & cool nights
- The country is drying out although many landscapes remain green
- Fantastic air clarity – ideal for keen photographers
- Visitor numbers are often still low, mirrored by lodge rates
- Wildlife is starting to congregate more around remaining water
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Namibia in June
Namibia is dry again. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely: warm and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in the desert. Most swimming pools in Namibia are always outdoors, making them too cold for all except the very dedicated.
Take a warm hat and gloves for game drives, where dawn and dusk will feel particularly chilly. In the north, especially Etosha, wildlife viewing is now into its dry-season pattern, focusing around the waterholes – though the park is still not busy.
Photographers come for superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke in the air. Historically, June rates have been low. However, with Namibia’s increasing popularity many lodges now count it amongst their “high-season” months, and request higher prices.
- Clear, bright days with blue skies; cold nights, mornings & evenings
- Great air quality, especially welcome for photographers
- “Shoulder season” for some lodges: lodge rates moderate
- Wildlife gravitates to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
- Some greenery in the landscape, depending on the last rains
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Namibia in July
Reliably warm daytime temperatures (upwards of 20ºC/70ºF) and good wildlife sightings make this a popular month to visit Namibia. Rain would be very unusual indeed and clear skies make for great photographs. Once the sun sets, though, temperatures cool rapidly bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in the desert. Be prepared: dress in layers and expect early-morning and late-afternoon drives, and anywhere coastal, to be cold.
As the land dries and vegetation shrivels, game congregates beside drinking water: Etosha’s waterholes are busy with animals. Across the country, lodges charge “high season” rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays (from the latter half of July to late August).
- Dry days, warm in the sun, with crisp, cold nights
- Cloudless skies: July is usually superb for stargazing
- The beginning of European school holidays so more families travelling
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Namibia in August
August is the height of Namibia’s “winter”. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun in the day, but nights down to freezing in the desert. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes (including hats and gloves) for chilly starts and evenings. Only the hardiest even contemplate using outdoor pools.
It’s 3–4 months since any rain, so the land is dust-dry and much vegetation is golden brown. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh. Wildlife congregates around available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings.
Namibia is never really “busy” by the standards of Europe or the USA, but August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Book early (over a year in advance) if you want to stay at the best lodges.
- Dry days, warm in the sun; cold mornings, evenings & nights
- Cloudless skies in the day; spectacular stars at night
- Busy by Namibian standards: family rooms in particular demand
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges fully booked far in advance
- A fantastic time of year for wildlife watching, particularly in Etosha
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Namibia in September
September is a month of blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of. As the month progresses, the days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums hit around the low 30s Celsius, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable. The contrast makes the nights seem very cold. The air is becoming dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from fires – so becoming hazy for photographic purists.
In the national parks, animals congregate around remaining water sources – making September one of the best months for game viewing. Hence it’s one of Namibia’s most popular months for visitors: a “high season” month that is often the time of choice for safari aficionados.
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Warm days & cold nights, with temperatures rising during the month
- Many plants have faded from green to golden brown
- Air can be hazy – with dust & sometimes smoke
- High season rates; many lodges & camps are full 9 months in advance.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Namibia in October
Namibia is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40ºC/100ºF, though with humidity close to zero, even this rarely feels oppressive.
In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in Etosha. The place feels like a desert as spectacular herds of thirsty animals gather around the available water. October is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings.
- Probably the most spectacular month for wildlife-viewing in Etosha
- Hot and dry: much of the country feels like a desert
- The air can be hazy with dust & smoke
- It’s peak time to visit, so expect high season rates
- Lodges & camps are full, especially early in October
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Namibia in November
November is always a bit unpredictable: sometimes dry and hot; sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless and clouds appear in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly local – being completely absent from desert areas, for example. Places that do get good rain will flush green, with a tangible feeling of new life softening the landscapes. Many mammals give birth to their young.
Once any rains come, wildlife dissipates in search of food, and game viewing in Etosha becomes harder. Conversely, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species in breeding plumage.
- A very interesting, variable month, depending on the rains
- With rains come an amazing explosion of both vegetation & new life
- Wildlife viewing better in Damaraland than Etosha if it has rained
- Shoulder season: mid-range rates offer great value
- Away from the Namib, showers are more likely later in the month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Namibia in December
December is the first “proper” month of Namibia’s rainy season, and one of its hottest. Clear mornings give way to building clouds and, with luck, the occasional short, spectacular thunderstorm: refreshing and cleansing. These are often highly localised and generally warmly welcomed: most Namibians love rain!
Rains clear the air of dust. Even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirstland in green and providing food for the young animals which abound. Animals disperse widely, which can make game viewing challenging. Many birds are breeding and so sporting their most colourful plumage.
Christmas and the New Year fall within local “summer holidays” – so places to stay can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around coastal towns, where temperatures are cooler.
- Hot and humid; sometimes refreshed by cooling showers
- Landscapes flushed green if/where there has been rain
- A tangible life and energy amidst this often green & pleasant land
- Very photogenic: blooming deserts amidst crystal-clear air
- Best time for birdwatchers; larger animals harder to spot
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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