Why the Canyon Collection deserves a spot on your travel map

If you live in the Northern Cape, you already know how special this corner of southern Africa is. Endless landscapes, rugged backgrounds, and those wide-open skies. 

But just across the border, in southern Namibia, lies a natural wonder even many locals haven’t properly experienced, the Fish River Canyon. 

It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, stare, and feel small in the best possible way. And with the Gondwana Canyon Collection’s accommodations right on the doorstep, once you’ve crossed into Namibia, it’s a stress-free drive through open country. 

Photo credits: Abdul Kamara

A quick, easy road trip from the Northern Cape 

The beauty of living in towns like Upington, Springbok, Keimoes, Pofadder or Vioolsdrift is that you’re perfectly placed for spontaneous trips into Namibia’s south. The roads from Vioolsdrift border post are well-kept, and you’ll find yourself winding past the vineyards of Aussenkehr before the land opens into the foothills of tall, rocky hills. Within half a day’s drive, you could be unpacking, drink in hand, with the promise of a canyon sunset and starlit skies waiting for you. 

What the canyon collection offers 

Among Gondwana Collection Namibia’s many remarkable lodges scattered across the country, The Canyon Collection offers a handful of unforgettable stays settled around the Fish River Canyon. Each property carries its own character, making it easy to find the right fit for your kind of escape. 

If you’re after something playful and full of character, Canyon Roadhouse is a must. It’s famous for its quirky decor, with classic cars parked inside the restaurant and vintage petrol pumps setting the scene for hearty meals and good conversation. A little further along, Canyon Lodge offers something quieter and timeless, elegant stone chalets tucked into granite boulders, surrounded by the kind of vast, open landscapes you only find in Namibia’s south. It’s no wonder this lodge was rated the top property for guests' satisfaction in Namibia on KAYAK, the global travel search engine that compares hundreds of travel sites to help travellers find the best stays at the best prices. 

Photo credits: Markus Frank

For a laid-back family-friendly option, Canyon Village feels like a small welcoming settlement beneath towering cliffs. Cosy stone cottages, winding pathways, and endless starry skies make it perfect for slow mornings and easy evenings. Whichever stay you choose, the Canyon Collection blends Gondwana Collection's warm hospitality with the raw, infiltered beauty of Namibia’s south. 

Photo credits: Markus Frank

Why it’s worth crossing the border 

You don’t have to fly across the country or book a week’s leave. In a single day, you can leave your home in the Northern Cape, cross into Namibia, and arrive at one of Africa’s most breathtaking landmarks. 

It’s not just the size of the canyon (though it is the second largest in the world), it’s the silence, the refreshing desert air, the history in the stones and valleys. 

When to go 

While the canyon is accessible year-round, many locals prefer the cooler months between March and August. It’s comfortable for walking, game drives and day trips, with mild daytime temperatures and fresh, clear evenings. Roads are typically in good shape after rainy season, and dry air makes for crisp, wide-open views across the canyon.  

Photo credits: Abdul Kamara

A quick escape, a world away 

If you’ve been looking for a reason to break from routine to trade Wi-Fi signals for clear skies, let this be it. A quick trip into Namibia’s Fish River Canyon region, with a stay at the Gondwana Canyon Collection, is the kind of trip you’ll remember long after the dust’s settled. 

Because sometimes, the best adventures aren’t found on faraway maps, they’re waiting just across the border. 

Book your stay through Gondwana Collection Namibia.