Fish River Lodge

Beyond the slightly barracks-like exterior, the main area is comfortably furnished with modern pieces combined with hand-crafted tables and accessories made by indigenous San and Nama communities. The seating area is dominated by the unique four-metre songololo (millipede) couch, the perfect place to relax and gaze at the view. Meals are fresh and creative; sundowners and candlelit dinners are served on the deck as the full moon rises. There's a curio shop, a pool, a library and convenient power points.

Twenty spacious stone-walled chalets are strung along the canyon's rim, with enormous windows offering dramatic daytime views and, at night, the sky dense with stars. Each chalet has comfortable beds facing the canyon, an en-suite bathroom with double basins and shower, and an outdoor shower that overlooks a small rock garden and, again, those splendid views. Fancy sleeping beneath the stars? Outdoor sleeping areas are great for catching the breezes when the summer heat strikes.

Explore the canyon by safari vehicle or on foot. The lodge offers several overnight guided hikes of varying lengths, accompanied by a chef. Take a morning or afternoon game drive to enjoy the canyon scenery and sip champagne while watching the sun set. Record your memories on a photographic safari, or explore the area's archaeology and history by visiting sites with Stone Age tools and rock art. For a change of pace, head out on fat bikes and discover a rugged world of natural beauty. At day's end, soothe your aching muscles with a massage administered by a professional masseuse.