(6 rooms, 18 dorm beds, campsite) PO Box 1840, Keetmanshoop; tel: 063 693007, 063 266018; fax: 063 693006; email: frlodge@iafrica.com.na; web: www.fishrivercanyon.ws

About 33km south of Naute Dam on the C12 is a signpost to Fish River Lodge (recently renamed Canyon Adventures Guest Farm), which lies a further 23km west of the road. Its land includes a 32km stretch of the Fish River Canyon, as well as 12km of the adjacent Löwen River Canyon.

It is accessible by car, although visitors to the campsite in the canyon will need a 4WD. Owner Louis used to have the Chapel Inn in Keetmanshoop, but that is now closed and his energies are concentrated on the guest farm here.

Accommodation at the lodge is geared to the middle market, with two triple and four double rooms, while for backpackers there are dormitory beds in the adjoining Stable. Dinner is available on request at N$70. There is also a campsite, Koelkrans, in the canyon itself, with six two-bedded, self-catering huts; no linen is provided.

One of the highlights of a stay here is the possibility to hike in the canyon without some of the restrictions that apply inside the national park's conservation area further south. Hiking remains restricted to April–September, since temperatures in the canyon soar in the summer months, but visitors may spend anything from one to five days hiking, making this an attractive option for those with less time to spare. Hikers will still need to be fully equipped, with sufficient food and water for the duration of their hike. The five-day, 85km hiking trail costs N$380 per person, which includes two nights' dormitory accommodation, and transport to the start of the trail 16km away.

Visitors without their own vehicle may arrange to be collected from Keetmanshoop at a cost of N$400 per person. The lodge also offers 4WD tours of the canyon at N$75 per person for a half day, and they have a 65km 4WD trail, for which a map is available.

There are two three-day (two-night) special packages available for backpackers from Keetmanshoop. The first, with self-catering accommodation in the Stable, costs N$700 per person, while those seeking farmhouse accommodation stay on a full-board basis at N$1,200 per person. Prices for both are based on a minimum of two people, and include transport to and from Keetmanshoop.

Rates: single N$280, double N$450, including breakfast. Dorm bed N$70 per person (summer only, no breakfast). Koelkrans huts/camping N$200 per vehicle and N$10 per person.