Celebrate the spectacular Gondwana Canyon Park

It started with a single overgrazed sheep farm and a dream to restore the wilderness, and grew into the 116 000 hectare Gondwana Canyon Park, one of southern Africa’s largest private reserves.

A conservation success story

When a group of conservation-minded friends purchased the piece of land bordering the eastern section of the Fish River Canyon in the late 1990s, the cycle of land-use had run its course. Years of drought had intensified the difficulty of farming in this marginal area, which had proved unsustainable in the long term. The land was barren and bereft of wildlife and the ecological balance had been severely damaged.

Over the next ten years, the wilderness was given a second chance. Fences were dismantled and the vestiges of sheep-farming removed. Gradually, additional farmland was purchased and formal conservation management practices, implemented by highly qualified game wardens, were implemented. The wilderness dream materialised and the land became one of the largest privately protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa today.

Giving back to nature

Research was carried out to establish which animals formerly occurred in the area. Gemsbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, plains zebra and giraffe were re-introduced to ensure a well-balanced recovery of the area.

Rewilding the land

The land has been given a new chance for life. The flora has regenerated and the wildlife has flourished, repopulating the Greater Fish River Canyon Complex. The sounds of the wild can once again be heard.

Welcome ecotourist

Ecotourism has been a crucial contributor to the Gondwana Canyon Park’s success. As visitors share in the appreciation of the natural beauty and uniqueness of the Fish River Canyon, they simultaneously play a critical role in the ongoing preservation and protection of this vast and important wilderness area.

Novel Lodges

Canyon Lodge nestled into granite boulders, with a quaint century-old farmhouse as its reception area and restaurant;

Canyon Village in its dramatic position in an amphitheatre of rock, resonating with the spirit of the south;

Canyon Roadhouse (& campsite) with its quirky collection of old automobiles – a place to fill up on smiles for the next leg of the journey;

Ambles & hikes

A series of trails radiating from the lodges give guests a chance to stretch legs, breathe the clean air of the canyon surrounds, feel the earth underfoot and gain a feel for the land.

Sunrise, sunset

Join a sunrise excursion to the quiver trees for one of the greatest shows on earth, follow a 4x4 track to view the plains animals and partake in a nature drive into the Gondwana Canyon Park to celebrate the sunset, life and a special piece of land.

Fascinating facts

When the Gondwana Canyon Park was initiated, hardly any game remained in the area. A small pocket of mountain zebra, gemsbok, several ostrich, springbok and a few small predators were recorded. Over the last fifteen years, the game has increased to such an extent that herds of gemsbok, hartebeest and wildebeest have been sighted in the adjacent state park for the first time since its inception.

Canyon Lodge has retained the original century-old farmhouse as its restaurant and reception area. On the roof an old bedstead, dated 1913, informs guests that a bachelor once resided on the premises.

Breathtaking canyon views

Stretching across 650 kilometers, the Fish River proudly holds the title of Namibia's longest river. Originating in the Naukluft Mountains, it embarked on a remarkable journey eons ago, aiming to reach the Orange River in the southern part of the country. However, mountains obstructed its path, leading to the creation of the largest canyon in Africa through over 120 million years of patient sculpting. A must-see spectacle, the Fish River Canyon invites you to marvel at its grandeur from Hobas viewpoint, only 20km east of the Gondwana Canyon Park.

Travellers tips

Climb the small koppie next to Canyon Lodge for an exceptional view.

Spend time enjoying the quirky roadside paraphernalia and old American automobiles at the Roadhouse.

Take a stroll from the Roadhouse Campsite in the late afternoon for a view of the flat-topped Holoog Mountain crowned in sunset-gold.

Fill up with fuel at the Roadhouse fuel station before continuing onwards.

Revel in the ancient heartbeat of the land.

Ron Swilling

Do you feel like exploring Gondwana Canyon Park?

Contact the Gondwana Travel Centre to plan your trip.

travel@gcnam.com