Anticipation builds up as you turn off the main gravel road toward Canyon Lodge. The soft colours of apricot sand merging with the pale green of euphorbias is a prelude to the loveliness of the lodge surrounds. As you turn a final bend, the lodge comes into view. Nestled between rounded granite boulders, Canyon Lodge's quaint century-old farmhouse reception, verdant garden and cool pond invite and welcome you into the enchanted enclave.

A high standard of hospitality excellence is provided at Canyon Lodge in a relaxed and understated way. Offering character and charm, without the glitz, the lodge's down-to-earth attractiveness and homeliness is perfect for the rugged Fish River Canyon surrounds. Twenty kilometres from the chasms carved by millions-of-years of Earth history, earth cataclysms, whispers of wind, raging torrents of water and sparkling streamlets, this Fish River Canyon lodge is a hideaway not to be missed.

Fill up on smiles at this extraordinary and out-of-the-ordinary lodge. Resembling a roadhouse of old with a large red roof, the lodge is a veritable treasure-house and a 'must-do' stop when visiting the canyon. The outside area hints of the wonderland interior with its rusty old Chevys and Fords from a bygone era, adorned with corky quiver trees and desert flora. Park your vehicle and step inside.

Canyon Roadhouse has more than just a fascinating interior. Large attractive rooms, positioned around courtyards, make the Roadhouse a comfortable - and convenient - base when visiting the Fish River Canyon, just 14 kilometres away. The canyon resort has a swimming pool, a campsite, a terrace to enjoy Roadhouse specialities like Amarula cheesecake (and the best cappuccino for miles around) and a walking trail through the hills.

Quiver trees, Nama culture, rugged landscape and an impressive sweeping rock formation characterise Canyon Village. Stone-and-thatch chalets are positioned in a horse-shoe design around a celebration of young quiver trees and the sprawling thatched central area, bedecked with bougainvillea, serving as restaurant, bar, lounge and reception. A cart drawn by a team of mules waits outside, conveying luggage to the chalets in a flurry of activity and laughter. 'Take a walk on the South's side' is a suitable motto for this Fish River Canyon lodge.

The history of southern Namibia is depicted in murals on the restaurant's wall and a colourful and lively rendition of life in the golden time of the missions graces the wall in the reception area. An ox-wagon with hundreds of years of history ingrained in its wood stands in the buffet area and a well-preserved horse cart has been placed amongst the boulders in the cosy bar.