Fish River Lodge Newsletter September 2011

Winter at the Fish River Canyon this year has produced an abundance of beautiful desert flowers. After three times the average rainfall during the summer months and further winter rain, the lodge grounds and canyon are scattered with the delicate lilac of the Purple Four Leaf, the bright yellow of the Devils Thorn and the pink, white and yellow of the prolific Ice Plant. These and many more can be seen during the guided or self guided walks along the rim of the canyon, from Fish River Lodge.

The Fish River is still flowing in early September; a result of the high rainfall along its 650km journey from the Naukluft Mountains, plus water released from the Hardap and Naute dams earlier in the year. The full river has provided a great hiking season within Canyon Nature Park this year. Seven groups enjoyed the fully guided and fully catered Five Night Hike and over seventy guests completed the one day or half day guided hikes within the 45,000 hectare private nature reserve, in which the lodge is situated.

Now that the weather is warming up, swimming in the Fish River before a Champaign lunch is a delightful highlight during the magical canyon drive, performed daily from the lodge. During such drives, sightings of the endangered Hartman Zebra, Kudu, Oryx, Springbok and Klipspringer are common as well as a variety of birds such as the Black Eagle, Fish Eagle, Kingfisher, Lovebirds, Wild Ostrich and wading birds. There has also been the occasional glimpse of leopard prowling the canyon floor.

However, the main attraction at Fish River Lodge is not the flowers or wildlife but the magnificent geological phenomenon that is the Fish River Canyon. Experienced and friendly guides take guests on a journey through time, to unveil the 600 million year old history that is preserved in the second largest canyon in the world. Guests arriving at the lodge for the first time are regularly overwhelmed by this timeless spectacle before them.  A quote from the lodge architect, in a recent article in the prestigious South African magazine Visi, describes the experience aptly; “... as you move through the front door, the view of the canyon literally explodes in your face”.

Watching the sunrise over the second largest canyon in the world from the comfort and tranquillity of the Fish River Lodge is a life changing experience. Find out more by visiting www.fishriverlodge-namibi.com or contacting reservations@fishriverlodge.com.na to make a booking.