Along with its long and almost impossible to pronounce name the 260km² Vogelstrausskluft (Ostrich Valley) Reserve was formed in 2001 with the view to re-naturalise three former sheep and goat farms in the Fish River Canyon area. The Lodge was built close to the site of the old farmhouse. It overlooks an ancient dry riverbed, and spectacular sunsets can be viewed in this arid, yet fascinating part of Southern Namibia. It offers value for money accommodation near the Fish River Canyon.

The thatched lodge is built on the rise of a small hill, overlooking a grassy valley. The main building houses the restaurant, lounge, curio shop, library, patio and the swimming pool is centrally situated. The thatch and stone finishing blends naturally into the surrounding environment.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility around the pool and patio area. It overlooks one of the waterholes, and attracts a variety of antelope, ostrich and mountain zebra. Have breakfast, afternoon tea or a sundowner here.

The restaurant offers excellent, traditional African cuisine. It is also open for day visitors as well as residents. A breakfast buffet, lunch on request, or 5 course dinner buffet are served daily.

The rooms of the Vogelstrausskluft Lodge are decorated in true Namibian style, using natural materials and earthen colours. All 24 rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, (hot and cold) with a tea/coffee station. Valuables can be locked in the safe at reception. There are 5 thatched blocks with 4 rooms in each, and 4 individual suites with sunken baths.

Power is supplied by a generator, from the hours of 4pm-10am. Solar energy is used in the interim period.

Activities include a 16km Lodge to Canyon drive, Canyon rim rides with champagne and snacks, a full day Canyon excursion right into the Canyon floor, and an afternoon sundowner game drive to a local ranch. Guests can stay on for a bush dinner at the ranch if they wish.

Vogelstrausskluft Lodge is an ideal location to visit the Fish River Canyon and its deep gorge, surrounding plateaus, rim and plains.

A helicopter will be based at the lodge from May for rides over and around the Canyon.

Accommodation in Namibia

Nature- & Game drives

Daily in the morning and evening hours we offer guided Gamedrives over the Plateau to the top of the Canyon Rim. Kudu, Oryx, Springboks, Ostriches and various other animals and plants can be spotted most of the times - and with luck even Shakals or Rooikat (Caracals). Arriving at the view point you will experience a spectacular 360° view. On most days you will see more than 250km: Over the breathtaking Fish River Canyon to the Klein Karasberge on the one side - over the Plateau up to the mountain range that marks the border to the Namib Desert on the other. Duration: approx. 2 Hours, daily at 9:00 and 16:00

Fish-River-Canyon Experience

This full day excursion with a 4x4-vehicle takes you to the rough landscape of the Canyon Plains and down into the Fish River Canyon.

Guided Hikes

Desert life happens in small scales and therefore you have to look closer. Before and after the big heat of the day, when life awakens and the light paints the most beautiful colours, we therefore offer guided hikes into the vicinity of the Lodge, into the Old Valley or the edge of the Plateau.

Helicopter Rides

Helicopter rides over the Fish River Canyon are planned for the near future

Directions:

Situated 90kms south-west of Keetmanshoop on the D463. After Seeheim, drive another 25kms and then take the Feldshahorn turn off (D463) to the south. The lodge is another 22kms further along this road.