Boulder’s Paradise at Canyon Lodge Namibia
Canyon Lodge (formerly known as Canon Lodge) played a large role in motivating our self-drive trip from Cape Town to Namibia. Just 25 kms away from the Fish River Canyon, one of Namibia’s most visited locations, Canyon Lodge made the perfect location for our first night in Namibia.
Top Features of Canyon Lodge
- Close proximity to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world.
- Beautiful and unique accommodation set amongst the boulders.
- Exquisite landscapes and colours as the light fades.
- Average N$2 700 per night (w/o a Gondwana Card).
26 KMs to Fish River Canyon
Thanks to the road sign boards along the D324, Canyon Lodge was easy enough to find. In Namibia the B roads are tar, C roads are gravel and D roads are in poor condition.
Passing Canyon Village on the left, Google Maps showed we needed to cross a river which was slightly worrying considering we had already had a severe flat tyre on our way through. Luckily, we were able to access the hotel in our Corsa, not the best vehicle to explore Namibia but memories were certainly made!
Canyon Lodge feels like the set of a surreal Western-meets-Old-World drama. Picture Westworld colliding with a quaint German village. The main house, built over a century ago by German brothers who settled in this remote corner of Namibia, exudes an air of timeless charm and stability in the wild outdoors.
Despite its remote setting, the lodge ensures a comfortable stay with cozy beds, clean facilities, and attentive service.
Boulder Haven
Venturing to the back of the property is where Namibia’s true uniqueness reveals itself in full splendour. Winding along vibrant, lawn edged pathways we found ourselves in a hidden valley that amazed.
Nestled between enormous boulders are the guest accommodations. The cabins; set for either couples or families, are masterfully crafted from stone and wood. They seem to grow organically from the landscape, perfectly balancing rustic charm with modern comfort.
While the twin beds might be a touch snug for larger frames, they more than made up for it in comfort. Crisp, clean linens and plush pillows invited deep, restful sleep. The mosquito nets, essential in this environment, did double duty by keeping out various nocturnal visitors as well as the basket of repellents provided by the hotel.
This seamless blend of wild nature and thoughtful design is quintessentially Namibian, showcasing the country’s ability to offer comfort without compromising its rugged beauty.
Remote Working
It’s worth noting that Canyon Lodge offers a true digital detox. Cell reception is non-existent in the rooms, regardless of your provider (South African or Namibian).
While this enforced disconnection can be refreshing, it does pose challenges for the digitally dependent traveler. The lodge offers a lifeline in the form of 50MB of free Wi-Fi daily in the restaurant area, though speeds can vary with occupancy. However, this would not be enough to execute any major work. We’re recommendation: take the day off.
Pro tip: For the best connection, snag a seat by the window near the serving counter and porch after meal times.
Thoughtful Touches
A short stroll from the rooms reveals one of the lodge’s crowning jewels – a beautiful pool area complete with a sunset bar. It’s the perfect spot to cool off under the relentless Namibian sun or toast the day’s adventures as the sky ignites in a spectacular display of oranges and reds.
While the private deck of the cabin does offer a tempting spot for sunset viewing, we’d advise caution – the twilight mosquito onslaught is real.
WHAT’S FOR SUPPER?
The hotel includes 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner) which is a Godsend because there is NO WHERE else to get food. Not for the surrounding 50 km’s anyway.
The food is excellent and offers Namibian-European cuisine (think goulash, but made with gemsbok (oryx)) or springbok fillets and kudu chops. There is also a lot of fresh and vegetables – honestly a privilege in these desolate landscapes. I enjoyed my food and was very impressed with the spread considering the location of the restaurant.
Last Thoughts
Canyon Lodge isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s an experience that encapsulates the spirit of Namibia. From its historical façade to its boulder-strewn backyard, every aspect invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Namibian wilderness.
While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort, it compensates with an authenticity and charm that’s increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world. Disconnecting from the digital world here is a bonus, allowing guests to immerse fully in the serene desert surroundings.
