Fish River Lodge: On the Edge of the World
Lily Pond Approved
The deck of a suite at the Fish River Lodge, overlooking the Fish River Canyon.
The Fish River Lodge is a contemporary lodge in Namibia on the edge of a cliff of the Fish River Canyon, with expansive views of the canyon below. The lodge and surrounding areas are focused on eco-conscious practices to ensure minimal impact on the sensitive, arid environment. With 20 chalets, the Fish River Lodge offers the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts to experience the second largest canyon in the world.
The Rooms
There are 6 doubles, 3 family and 11 twin chalets at the lodge. Each chalet boasts tall windows to admire the canyon view from bed and a wrap-around deck for admiring the view while you drink your morning coffee. At the main building, there is an infinity pool that is an oasis from the heat in the summer months and offers incredible views. In the winter the big fireplaces inside the main building are a cozy indoor retreat.
Nature & Activities
A Kokerboom at sunset with the Fish River Canyon in the background.
The local flora and fauna are also part of the appeal of the Fish River Canyon. The Kokerboom is a succulent tree that is largely associated with the region, and they create the perfect silhouette in beautiful sunset pictures. Visitors may also spot the rare zebra, oryx antelope, and ostriches. Adventure activities that are both guided and unguided are available and are suited to a variety of fitness levels. Hiking and biking paths where one can meander along the rim of the canyon or trek down into the canyon below are guest favorites and are easily accessible from the lodge.
Getting There
Windhoek is the closest major airport to the lodge, which is located on the Western Rim of the Fish River Canyon. Windhoek’s international airport is a 2-hour flight from Johannesburg, South Africa. From the town of Keetmanshoop in Namibia, you take a tar road to Lüderitz and then turn onto the D463, which is a gravel road, for a little over 12 miles. The journey from Windhoek to the lodge will take about 7 hours by car. But it is a drive well worth it because it is the only lodge directly on the rim of the canyon – with all chalets between 16 and 26 feet from the edge. Guests typically stay 2 or 3 nights.
Inside the main building, where food is served and fires crackle in the winter.
When to Visit
It really depends on what kind of weather you want. Temperatures in the summer range from 86 to 104 Fahrenheit in the summer and 32 to 68 Fahrenheit in the winter. Because the lodge is located off the main electricity grid and depends on solar power, there is no air conditioning, fridges, or kettles in the chalets, but fans are available. If you want to experience swimming in the caverns or the infinity pool on the edge of the cliff, or have the best stargazing opportunities then the summer season is the perfect time for you to visit.
If this is a destination that sounds exciting to you, reach out to us to learn more!
Written by Michaela Barrett for Lily Pond Luxury.
