Fish River Lodge

This activity caters for visitors who do not overnight at the Fish River Lodge or not satisfied with only a fly over either. Arrive at Canyon Nature Park airstrip from where your guide will transfer you to the lodge for a wholesome breakfast. After breakfast and a short briefing you will venture further out on the plateau towards the main lookout point where there is opportunity for photography and a detailed explanation of the geology and interesting facts about the area. The duration of this activity is between 45 minutes to an hour. Guests not in a hurry to leave are welcome to book lunch on the patio, accompanied by infinite vistas dropping down from the edge of eternity. After your visit you will be transferred back to the airstrip where your plane awaits you. • Departure time varies according to flight arrival and departing time • Pre-booking is essential • Guests chartering in by plane are requested to coordinate their arrival and pick up times with our Reservations office beforehand.

This is the only access route by vehicle into the Fish River Canyon. As you journey into the depths of the canyon, you will witness first-hand the millions of years of geological upheaval when the earth’s continents separated and tectonic movement resulted in the formation of the canyon. Petrified rippled mud and glacial deposits, dramatic fault lines, rough limestone and shiny quartzite are but a few of the features you will see along the way. Guides will point out evidence of rhino that once navigated the gorges and pairs of territorial klipspringers as they feast on succulents. The drive ends at the permanent rock pools. Lunch is served before heading back to the Lodge. The duration of the excursion is approximately 7 hours. Departure time from the Lodge – between 06h00 and 07h00 after an early breakfast | Minimum 2 guests per excursion, maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

Six fat tyre bikes are available for hire to guests. Guided rides are dependent on availability of guides. Morning Excursion The 22 km guided cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon and with a loop back down washes and rocky outcrops interspersed with quiver trees. Duration: ± 3.5 hours Helmets, water and snack packs are provided. Sundowner Excursion This 10 km cycling excursion takes you along the rim of the canyon to a designated sundowner spot where you will be rewarded with refreshments and snacks as you watch the sun set. You cycle back to the Lodge in time for dinner. Helmets, water, drink and snack are provided.

Canyon Mountain Bike Trail (New)

Experience the wide-open spaces and the thrill of being at the edge of the canyon with a group of friends. Cycling up a remote valley you will feel the spirit of the rhino that once roamed here freely for hundreds of years. Cyclists overnight on the edge of the canyon at the fully serviced Camp Edge and Camp Eternity, where meals, hot showers and comfortable camp beds are provided. The 3-day Canyon Mountain Bike Trail includes: A host at each Camp for a minimum 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail The 3-day Trail does not include mountain bikes. Cyclists should bring their own mountain bikes. Canyon Mountain Biking Trails can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com

These easy unguided walks along the rim of the canyon are best taken early in the morning and late afternoon when the canyon’s shadows and colours are at their most dramatic. Have a closer look at the plants and the birdlife and marvel at the vastness of the landscape and the skies. There are few places left in the world where you can truly be alone and have clean air to breathe and time to reflect. Alone on the rim of the canyon – seize the moment! Guided walks are also available on request depending on availability of guides.

The guided route through harsh terrain descends steeply into the canyon via ‘jelly legs gorge’ and up again to the rim. There are no demarcated tracks adding a sense of true adventure to the experience. Whilst this hike requires significant levels of fitness – there is no need to carry heavy backpacks; a canvas bag with your personal belongings will be delivered each day to either Camp Eternity or Camp Edge where you will overnight. You will pass intriguing desert-adapted quiver trees standing solitary against a fascinating 500 million year old geological fault. Or you might want to stop and watch a herd of the rare Hartman’s zebra as they disappear into a side canyon. On hot days you can cool off in permanent rock pools and swim between the rock faces while a Pied Kingfisher watches from a ledge above. Camp Eternity and Camp Edge are as evocative as their names suggest. Carefully designed stone gabion shelters merge with the landscape. Meals are served under a trillion stars and when you retire to the comfort of your tent, nature’s elements – either harsh or heavenly – are close by and keep you company through the night. The Canyon Rim to River Hike includes: An experienced guide for a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests per group Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus drinks on the trail Night 1 at Fish River Lodge, Nights 2 and 3 at Camp Eternity and /or Camp Edge The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.comThe Canyon Rim to River Hike includes:

The late afternoon drive will take you along the top of the plateau with stops at two different viewpoints for you to take photographs and experience the canyon at its most dramatic. Our guide will also explain the geology, flora and fauna along the way before you catch a glimpse of the meandering Fish River below at the last stop. Drinks and snacks will be served. Departure: 17h00 in winter, 18h00 in summer | Minimum 2 guests per excursion – maximum 9 per vehicle | 50% discount for children under 12.

Full Day Canyon Day Hike Our guide will help you navigate ‘jelly legs’ gorge from the rim to the upper part of the canyon below. After traversing the rock strewn slopes there is a further descent to permanent rock-pools in the river. A refreshing swim through the craggy gorge gets you well and truly into the heart of the canyon. A picnic lunch is served before hiking back up to the Lodge. This is a strenuous hike and requires a high level of fitness. Departure time for this hike of 8-10 hours varies according to the season. Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential. Half-Day Canyon Hike The Half-Day hike takes hikers from the viewpoint into the canyon to a second view point and back up again. Departure time for this hike of 4-5 hours varies according to the season. Trainers or hiking boots and a daypack are essential. The Rim to River Hike and the Canyon Day Hike can only be booked through res2@journeysnamibia.com or fishriver@journeysnamibia.com