4-Day Kalahari & Fish River Canyon Safari: What to Expect, Day by Day
Only have a few days but want to see Africa’s largest canyon? Our 4 Day Kalahari & Fish River Canyon Safari takes you from Windhoek through the red dunes of the Kalahari to the rim of the Fish River Canyon and back, with no driving on your part. Here’s what to expect, day by day.
Day 1: Windhoek to the Kalahari
The shared shuttle collects you in Windhoek and heads south, about 3½ hours, to Kalahari Anib Lodge among the red dunes. Settle in, watch the sun set over the Kalahari and enjoy dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Kalahari Anib Lodge.
Day 2: The Kalahari to the Fish River Canyon
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the Kalahari, then board the shuttle south, about 5 hours, through the wide plains of southern Namibia. You arrive at Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village in the Gondwana Canyon Park in the early evening, in time for dinner. Overnight at the canyon.
Day 3: The Fish River Canyon
Take a slow morning at the lodge. You might join a walk in the park, relax at the lodge or simply enjoy the boulder landscape. In the afternoon, your guide takes you on a guided drive to the main lookout points on the canyon rim, timed for sunset, when the layered rock glows gold and orange. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Back to Windhoek
After breakfast, the shuttle returns to Windhoek via the Kalahari, arriving later in the day.
What’s included
- The shared shuttle: Windhoek to the Kalahari, the canyon, and back to Windhoek
- 1 night at Kalahari Anib Lodge
- 2 nights at Canyon Village or Canyon Lodge
- Dinner, bed and breakfast at each lodge
- A guided sunset drive to the canyon lookout points
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Other activities, such as the sunrise hike or night walk
- Flights to Windhoek
Optional activities to add
With a free morning on Day 3, you can add a sunrise hike, a morning walk of about 6 km, or a scorpion and star-gazing night walk with UV torches after dinner. Ask us when you book. Not sure which lodge to choose? Read our Canyon Lodge vs Canyon Roadhouse vs Canyon Village comparison.
When is the best time to go?
April to October brings warm, clear days and cool nights, the most comfortable time for the canyon rim. From November to March it can be extremely hot, so activities are planned for the early morning and late afternoon. Bring a warm layer for evenings in winter.
Want more time?
The 4-day safari can be extended. The 7-day safari adds Sossusvlei, with a guided excursion to the dunes and Deadvlei, and the 10-day safari adds Swakopmund on the coast, with a catamaran cruise and a Sandwich Harbour 4x4 trip. All three are on our Fish River Canyon packages page. Read our Sossusvlei travel guide for more.
What to pack
- A warm jacket for cool evenings and early mornings
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A camera and a power bank
- A soft bag that’s easy to load on the shuttle
Book the 4-Day Kalahari & Fish River Canyon Safari
Check availability for your dates. No payment is needed until availability and your final price are confirmed.
See the 4-Day Package Check Availability WhatsApp UsFrequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 4-day Kalahari and Fish River Canyon safari?
The shared shuttle from Windhoek and back, 1 night at Kalahari Anib Lodge, 2 nights at Canyon Village or Canyon Lodge, dinner, bed and breakfast at each lodge, and a guided sunset drive to the canyon lookout points.
Is 4 days enough for the Fish River Canyon?
Yes, for a first visit. You get two nights at the canyon, a guided sunset drive to the lookouts and a free morning for a walk or hike, plus a night in the Kalahari on the way.
Do I need to drive on the 4-day safari?
No. The shared shuttle takes you from Windhoek to the Kalahari, on to the canyon and back, and the guided drive to the lookouts is included.
Where does the 4-day safari start and end?
It starts and ends in Windhoek. Flights to Windhoek are not included.
What is not included?
Lunches, drinks, other activities such as the sunrise hike or night walk, and flights to Windhoek.
Can I add Sossusvlei to the trip?
Yes. The 7-day safari adds Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, and the 10-day safari adds Sossusvlei and Swakopmund.