NAMIBIA - Cañon Lodge, Fish River Canyon

The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is said to be the second largest canyon in the world (the largest is the USA's Grand Canyon). It is breathtaking in its size and beauty and unlike the Grand Canyon, here you will find few roads and even less tourist amenities, no crowds, and a depth of silence that is almost unimaginable in today's world.

The Fish River Canyon probably formed about 500 million years ago from water erosion but mainly through the collapse of the valley bottom as a result of movement in the earth's crust and resulting glacier activity.

The Fish River has its source in the Eastern Naukluft Mountains. In the Richtersfeld it flows into the Orange River, after travelling for more than 400 miles through the desert of Southern Namibia. In its lower part (between Seeheim and Ai-Ais) it crosses a mountain range and so forms the Fish River Canyon. Today nearly all of the Fish River Canyon is preserved by nature conservation parks.

The Canyon drops vertically by approximately 1,600 feet out of a flat arid plateau without any warning. As with most rivers in Namibia the Fish River is generally dry but in the rainy season (January to April) the river can become a raging torrent.

The Fish River Hiking Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Southern Africa. The hike covers 5 days and a distance of 53 miles mainly in the base of the canyon, starting at Hobas and ending at Ai-Ais. There are no established facilities en route and all equipment and camping gear must be transported down. It is a tough trail and it is not uncommon for daily temperatures to soar above 100 degrees F.

ACCOMMODATION:

Canon Lodge is situated on the privately owned Gondwana Canyon Park, approximately 12 miles from the main viewpoint of Fish River Canyon. The Gondwana Canyon Park was created in 1996 and is approx. 100,000 hectares in size. It adjoins the 345,000 hectare government conservation area which encompasses the Fish River Canyon.

Canon Lodge is built out of local rock and thatch. The main area lies in the shelter of a granite hilltop, and the lodge itself has been built amongst enormous boulders, designed to blend in with the natural environment. The heavy stone provides a cool, dark interior and the farmhouse is decorated with interesting farming implements, evoking memories of the pioneering days.

An old farmhouse, originally built in 1908 by three Bavarian brothers, has been restored to serve as the Canon Lodge Restaurant. It has a magnificent view of the canyon landscape, which makes dining in the restaurant a truly memorable experience. The small farming business also produces quality fresh produce for the kitchen - fruit, vegetables and herbs, eggs and bacon and fresh German-style salamis and cold meats.

Spaced amongst the tall weather-beaten granite boulders are 25 simple thatched, wooden bungalows. All units are equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a fan and mosquito nets.

ACTIVITIES:

Activities include unguided morning hikes, canyon and scenic drives, horse-riding and guided sunset walks. Visit the thermal baths at Ai-ais. Take in the superb scenery in this haunting, arid landscape.