Fish River Canyon & Kalahari Safaris
Stand on the edge of Africa's largest canyon, watch the sun set over 500 metres of ancient rock and break the journey with a night on the red dunes of the Kalahari. Lodge rates are shown so you only need to check availability.
Africa's largest canyon, in the far south of Namibia
The Fish River Canyon is around 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and in places about 550 metres deep. It was carved over hundreds of millions of years by the Fish River, Namibia's longest interior river, and is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Southern Africa.
Most travellers see the canyon from the lookout points on its eastern rim near Hobas, ideally at sunrise or sunset when the rock turns deep red and gold. The lodges below sit about 20 km east of the canyon in the private Gondwana Canyon Park, a wide open landscape of granite boulders, quiver trees and huge night skies.
What to do at the Fish River Canyon
- Guided canyon drive to the main lookout points, with refreshments and park fees included
- Sunrise hikes, morning nature walks and a free trail past Archway Rock
- Sundowner drives and walks in Gondwana Canyon Park
- Scorpion and stargazing night walks under the dark southern sky
- The famous multi-day Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail for fit, experienced hikers (May to mid-September)
- The Ai-Ais hot springs at the southern end of the canyon
Getting there made easy
You do not need to self-drive. A daily shared shuttle runs from Windhoek to the Kalahari (about 3½ hours), and from the Kalahari on to the Fish River Canyon (about 5 hours), so the drive south is broken with a night on the red Kalahari dunes.
Prefer to drive yourself? The canyon is roughly 650 to 700 km south of Windhoek on good roads. We can book your lodges and activities and help you plan a self-drive route that continues to Lüderitz, the Namib or Sossusvlei.
See the PackagesFish River Canyon Lodges & Rates
Three lodges in Gondwana Canyon Park, about 20 km east of the canyon on the C37. Rates are per person per night sharing, bed and breakfast, in N$ (equal to rand).
Canyon Lodge
Thirty natural stone chalets built in among giant granite boulders, with a restaurant in a restored old farmhouse and a pool with views over the plains. The most characterful place to stay at the canyon.
- 30 chalets: 28 twin and 2 family chalets (2 adults + 2 children or 4 adults)
- N$2,976 per person sharing, bed & breakfast
- Single: N$3,720 • Dinner: N$572 per person
- Morning walks, sunrise hikes and canyon drives leave from the lodge
Canyon Roadhouse
A road-trip legend: an old-style filling station turned lodge, with vintage cars and memorabilia in the restaurant and bar. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere and a campsite for overlanders.
- 24 rooms and 12 campsites
- N$2,512 per person sharing, bed & breakfast
- Single: N$3,140 • Dinner: N$572 • Camping: N$341 per person
- Activities run from Canyon Lodge and Canyon Village; own transport needed to get there
Canyon Village
Spacious, colourful village-style rooms with a large restaurant, set in the open landscape of Gondwana Canyon Park. 42 rooms including family and triple rooms, and 3 rooms suited to guests with restricted mobility.
N$1,995 pp sharing B&B • Single N$2,494 • Dinner N$415
Check availability →Which canyon lodge should I choose?
Canyon Lodge is our favourite for couples and anyone who wants character and views, and the guided activities leave from the door.
Canyon Village is the best value and works well for families and groups.
Canyon Roadhouse is perfect for self-drivers and road-trippers who want a fun, sociable stop. The shared shuttle stops at Canyon Lodge and Canyon Roadhouse.
Fish River Canyon Lodge Rates
Per person per night in N$ (equal to rand), bed and breakfast.
| Lodge | Sharing (B&B) | Single (B&B) | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Lodge | N$2,976 | N$3,720 | N$572 |
| Canyon Roadhouse | N$2,512 | N$3,140 | N$572 |
| Canyon Village | N$1,995 | N$2,494 | N$415 |
| Canyon Roadhouse campsite | N$341 per person per night | ||
Fish River Canyon Activities & Prices
Guided activities from the lodges in Gondwana Canyon Park. Prices are per person in N$ and subject to availability on the day.
Guided Canyon Drive
Morning or afternoon drive to two of the main lookout points on the canyon rim. Refreshments, a snack and park fees are included.
Sundowner Drive
Watch the sun set over the boulders and plains of Gondwana Canyon Park with a drink in hand. This drive stays in the park, not at the canyon.
On Foot in the Park
Guided morning walk of about 6 km (N$285), sunrise hike (N$535), a free trail between Canyon Village and Canyon Lodge past Archway Rock, and a free sundowner walk up the local mountain.
Activity Prices
| Activity | Details | Price pp |
|---|---|---|
| Morning or Afternoon Canyon Drive (guided) | Two main canyon lookout points, refreshments, snack & park fees included | N$1,600 |
| Sundowner Drive (guided) | In Gondwana Canyon Park, not to the canyon | N$870 |
| Sunrise Hike (guided) | Early start to watch the sunrise over the park | N$535 |
| Morning Walk (guided) | About 6 km in Gondwana Canyon Park, not to the canyon | N$285 |
| Scorpion & Star Gazing Night Walk | Short guided walk after dinner with UV torches | N$290 |
| Village to Lodge trail & Sundowner Walk | Self-guided, past Archway Rock and up the local mountain | Free |
Transfers from the Lodges
| Transfer | Distance | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Karios Airstrip (fly-in guests) | 6 km | N$190 per person |
| Hiker's Point at Hobas (start of the hiking trail) | 25 km | N$1,440 per vehicle, max 6 guests |
| Ai-Ais hot springs | 60 km | N$2,880 per vehicle |
Break the Journey in the Kalahari
The Kalahari lodges lie about 30 km north-east of Mariental on the C20, roughly halfway between Windhoek and the Fish River Canyon. Red dunes, camel thorn trees and spectacular sunsets make it far more than an overnight stop.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
A welcoming lodge among the red dunes and grasslands, with standard and comfort rooms, family rooms and sunset drives onto the dunes. The shuttle from Windhoek stops here.
- Standard room: N$2,572 pp sharing B&B (single N$3,215)
- Comfort room: N$3,207 pp sharing B&B (single N$4,009)
- Dinner buffet: N$572 per person
- Bushmen Wisdom Experience, sunrise or sundowner drive and dune walk: N$935 each
- Family morning drive N$755 • Scorpion & star night walk N$290 • Hiking trails free
Reverie Kalahari Pod
One single pod in the dunes for just two guests: three dome-shaped spaces with a lounge and kitchen, an en-suite bedroom, a private plunge pool, a firepit and an outdoor "dream area" for sleeping under the stars. There are no staff on site, so the Kalahari is all yours.
- N$30,250 per night for two, fully inclusive of all meals and drinks
- Private chef for dinner on request at no extra cost
- Bushmen Wisdom Experience, sunrise or sundowner drive, dune walk and hiking included
- Air conditioning and Wi-Fi • Adults only (no children under 14)
Fish River Canyon Safari Packages
No car needed: travel by daily shared shuttle from Windhoek with a night in the Kalahari on the way. Prices are per person sharing in N$ and include dinner, bed and breakfast at every lodge (bed and breakfast in Swakopmund, where guests enjoy the town's restaurants). Choose your trip, send us your dates and we confirm availability.
4 Day Kalahari & Fish River Canyon Safari
Day 1: Windhoek to the Kalahari
Shared shuttle from Windhoek (about 3½ hours) to Kalahari Anib Lodge among the red dunes. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon
A relaxed morning in the Kalahari, then the shuttle south to Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village, arriving in the early evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: A day at the canyon
A slow morning at the lodge, by the pool or on the free walking trails. In the afternoon, a guided drive to the main lookout points to watch the sun set over the Fish River Canyon. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Back to Windhoek
After breakfast, the shuttle takes you back north via the Kalahari to Windhoek.
From N$13,110 per person sharing
Includes:
- Shared shuttle Windhoek – Kalahari – Fish River Canyon – Windhoek
- 1 night Kalahari Anib Lodge, dinner, bed & breakfast
- 2 nights Canyon Village or Canyon Lodge, dinner, bed & breakfast
- Guided sunset drive to the Fish River Canyon lookout points
Not included: lunches, drinks, other activities and flights to Windhoek.
Check Availability7 Day Fish River Canyon & Sossusvlei Safari
Day 1: Windhoek to the Kalahari
Shared shuttle from Windhoek (about 3½ hours) to Kalahari Anib Lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon
A relaxed morning in the Kalahari, then the shuttle south to the canyon, arriving in the early evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: A day at the canyon
Relax at the lodge, then a guided afternoon drive to the canyon lookout points for sunset. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Sossusvlei
Shuttle north to the Kalahari, then on to Sossusvlei at 13:00, arriving at around 17:00. Dinner and overnight in the Namib Desert.
Day 5: Rest in the desert
A free day to enjoy the lodge and the desert views, with a guided sundowner drive in the evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Early start for the guided Sossusvlei excursion: climb the red dunes and walk among the ancient trees of Deadvlei. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Back to Windhoek
After breakfast, the shuttle takes you back to Windhoek.
From N$36,420 per person sharing
Includes:
- Shared shuttle Windhoek – Kalahari – Fish River Canyon – Sossusvlei – Windhoek
- 1 night Kalahari Anib Lodge, dinner, bed & breakfast
- 2 nights Canyon Village or Canyon Lodge, dinner, bed & breakfast
- 3 nights The Desert Grace at Sossusvlei, dinner, bed & breakfast
- Guided sunset drive to the Fish River Canyon
- Guided sundowner drive and guided Sossusvlei excursion
Not included: lunches, drinks, other activities and flights to Windhoek. Prefer a mid-range stay at Sossusvlei? Ask us for the Namib Desert Lodge price.
Check Availability10 Day Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei & Swakopmund Safari
Day 1: Windhoek to the Kalahari
Shared shuttle from Windhoek (about 3½ hours) to Kalahari Anib Lodge. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon
A relaxed morning in the Kalahari, then the shuttle south to the canyon, arriving in the early evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: A day at the canyon
Relax at the lodge, then a guided afternoon drive to the canyon lookout points for sunset. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Fish River Canyon to Sossusvlei
Shuttle north to the Kalahari, then on to Sossusvlei at 13:00, arriving at around 17:00. Dinner and overnight in the Namib Desert.
Day 5: Rest in the desert
A free day at the lodge, with a guided sundowner drive in the evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
Early start for the guided Sossusvlei excursion to the red dunes and Deadvlei. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Sossusvlei to Swakopmund
A relaxed morning in the desert, then the shuttle to the coast at 13:00. Check in at The Delight in the heart of Swakopmund. Bed and breakfast.
Day 8: Catamaran cruise & Sandwich Harbour
Cruise Walvis Bay lagoon by catamaran to see dolphins, seals and pelicans, then head by 4x4 to Sandwich Harbour, where the giant dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. Bed and breakfast.
Day 9: A free day in Swakopmund
Relax in the seaside town: cafés, the beach and the jetty, or add an optional activity like quad biking or the Living Desert tour. Bed and breakfast.
Day 10: Back to Windhoek
After breakfast, the shuttle takes you back to Windhoek.
From N$48,530 per person sharing
Includes:
- Shared shuttle Windhoek – Kalahari – Fish River Canyon – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Windhoek
- 1 night Kalahari Anib Lodge, dinner, bed & breakfast
- 2 nights Canyon Village or Canyon Lodge, dinner, bed & breakfast
- 3 nights The Desert Grace at Sossusvlei, dinner, bed & breakfast
- 3 nights The Delight Swakopmund, bed & breakfast
- Guided sunset drive to the Fish River Canyon
- Guided sundowner drive and guided Sossusvlei excursion
- Catamaran cruise and Sandwich Harbour 4x4 excursion
Not included: lunches, dinners in Swakopmund, drinks, other activities and flights to Windhoek.
Check AvailabilityBest Time to Visit the Fish River Canyon
Best months
April to October brings warm, clear days and cool nights, the most comfortable time to explore the canyon rim and the trails.
Summer heat
From November to March the canyon floor can be extremely hot. Lookout visits and drives are still great early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
The hiking trail
The multi-day canyon hiking trail is only open in the cooler months, from about May to mid-September, and needs a permit and a medical certificate. Book well ahead.
How long to stay
Two nights at the canyon is ideal: one full day for the canyon drive and walks, and time to enjoy a sunrise or sunset over the rim.
Planning a bigger trip? Combine the canyon with the dunes on our Namibia safari tours, add a night under the stars with our stargazing guide, or see our luxury Namibia safaris.
Fish River Canyon Questions
Check Availability for Your Fish River Canyon Trip
Choose your lodge or trip, tell us your dates and we confirm availability and your final price before you pay.