Fish River Region, Namibia
The Fish River Region lies in the far south of Namibia, stretching from the border with South Africa up to the small town of Aus in the southwest and Keetmanshoop in the southeast. It is known for its wide open spaces and stunning landscapes. The most famous attraction is the Fish River Canyon — 161 kilometers long, up to 27 kilometers wide, and 550 meters deep — making it the second largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the U.S.
Climate of the Region
The area has an extreme climate that leaves a strong impression on visitors. Winter nights can be freezing cold, while summer days can be intensely hot. It's also one of the driest places in Namibia, with very little rainfall — just 50 to 150 mm a year — and very low humidity.
Plants and Wildlife
The region is home to two main types of desert vegetation: the Succulent Karoo and the Nama Karoo. Some areas even blend into the Namib Desert. Despite the tough conditions, many plants thrive here, including the striking quiver trees, aloes, and euphorbias.
Wildlife in the area has also adapted well. You might spot giraffes, mountain zebras, oryx, kudus, springboks, ostriches, leopards, and even the wild desert horses of the Namib.
Things to See in the Fish River Region
This section gives a quick overview of the main sights and activities in the Fish River area. At the heart of the region is the massive Fish River Canyon, the main natural feature. Other highlights include the wild desert horses, the unusual and beautiful Quiver Tree Forest, and the scenic Gondwana Canyon Park.
Accommodation in the Fish River region
Fish River Lodge
Perched directly on the western rim of Fish River Canyon, this lodge offers 20 chalets with panoramic views. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, and pool. Activities encompass guided canyon hikes, scenic drives, and mountain biking.
Canyon Village
Located approximately 20 km from the canyon within Gondwana Canyon Park, Canyon Village features 42 Cape Dutch-style cottages. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, and pool. Guests can enjoy guided hikes, sunrise walks, and horseback rides.
Canyon Roadhouse
Situated about 14 km from the canyon, Canyon Roadhouse offers 24 rooms adorned with vintage car-themed decor. The property includes a restaurant, bar, pool, and 10 campsites. Activities include hiking trails and sundowner drives.
Canyon Lodge
Mowani Mountain Camp sits near Twyfelfontein and is famous for its dramatic setting among giant granite boulders. It features twelve luxury tents and one private suite. Visitors can explore nearby rock art sites, take nature drives to spot wildlife, enjoy sundowners with mountain views, and experience the quiet beauty of the desert.
Hobas Camp
Situated near the canyon’s northern viewpoint, Hobas Camp provides 14 campsites and 6 en-suite rooms. The camp includes a restaurant in a heritage train trolley, a kiosk, and a swimming pool. It's the starting point for the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail.
Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort
Situated at the southern end of the canyon, Ai-Ais Resort features 7 bush/family chalets, 16 riverview double rooms, 20 mountain view double rooms, and camping facilities. Amenities include thermal hot springs, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Activities include guided walks and bird watching.
Quivertree Forest Rest Camp
Near Keetmanshoop, this camp provides spacious campsites, some with shade, and reasonable ablutions. It offers direct access to the Quiver Tree Forest.
Eagle's Nest Chalets
Located near Aus, these chalets offer secluded accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Alte Kalköfen Lodge
Located between Keetmanshoop and Aus, this lodge offers 9 rooms and 3 campsites. Guests can enjoy a beautifully restored farmhouse set in a scenic Namibian desert garden.
Mesosaurus Fossil Camp
Situated 42 km northeast of Keetmanshoop, this camp provides 4 rooms and 6 campsites. Activities include guided fossil tours and exploring the Quiver Tree Forest.
Desert Horse Inn
Part of the Klein-Aus Vista collection, this inn is surrounded by the rocky Aus hills and serves as an attractive base for exploring southwestern Namibia.
Geisterschlucht Cabin
Hidden in a secluded valley near Aus, this rustic cabin exudes mystery and offers a unique lodging experience
Vogelstrausskluft Lodge
Located near the upper Fish River Canyon, Vogelstrausskluft Lodge features thatched stone buildings with a restaurant, lounge, curio shop, patio, and pool. Activities include scenic drives and nature walks.
Maritz Country Lodge
Located 4 km south of Keetmanshoop, this lodge offers 15 modern bungalows equipped with air-conditioners, TV, coffee and tea facilities, and campsites with ablution facilities. It's closely situated to major tourist destinations in southern Namibia.
Canyon Mountain Camp
is nestled in rocky terrain near the canyon. It has 8 double rooms for self-catering guests, no restaurant onsite, but guests can use Canyon Lodge’s dining facilities. Activities are not specified.
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