How to Get to the Fish River Canyon Without Driving
The Fish River Canyon is Africa’s largest canyon: about 160 km long, up to 27 km wide and around 550 metres deep. It’s also in the far south of Namibia, a long way from Windhoek, and many visitors don’t want to drive hundreds of kilometres of desert roads themselves. The good news: you don’t have to. Here are the easiest ways to reach the Fish River Canyon without driving.
Your options for getting to the Fish River Canyon
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared shuttle | Daily shuttle from Windhoek, with a night in the Kalahari on the way | Travellers who don’t want to drive; the easiest option |
| Fly in | Light aircraft to the Karios Airstrip near the canyon lodges | Short on time; a bigger budget |
| Self-drive | Hire a car in Windhoek and drive south yourself | Confident drivers who want full flexibility |
How the shared shuttle works
The shuttle is the simplest way to see the canyon. It leaves Windhoek daily and breaks the long journey in two:
- Windhoek to the Kalahari: about 3½ hours to Kalahari Anib Lodge, among the red dunes, where you spend the night.
- Kalahari to the canyon: about 5 hours further south to the lodges in the Gondwana Canyon Park, about 20 km east of the canyon.
- The return: the shuttle takes you back to Windhoek via the Kalahari.
You relax and watch the scenery change from city to red dunes to rocky plains while someone else handles the gravel roads. See the shuttle-based 4, 7 and 10-day packages on our Fish River Canyon page.
Why stop in the Kalahari?
The Kalahari lodges sit roughly halfway between Windhoek and the canyon, so the stop breaks up what would otherwise be a very long day. It’s a highlight in itself: red dunes, sunset over the plains and a sky full of stars at night.
Flying to the Fish River Canyon
If you’re short on time, you can fly by light aircraft to the Karios Airstrip near the canyon lodges. It’s the fastest option and gives you incredible views of the desert from the air, but it costs more than the shuttle. Light aircraft have strict luggage limits, so pack in a soft bag.
Do you need a car once you’re there?
Not if you stay at Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village: the guided canyon drive, sundowner drives, walks and night walks all leave from these lodges. Guests at Canyon Roadhouse need their own transport to join activities, so if you’re arriving by shuttle, Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village is the better choice. Read our comparison of the three canyon lodges.
Getting to other places from the canyon
Our lodges can arrange transfers to the start of the hiking trail, to the Ai-Ais hot springs at the southern end of the canyon, and to the Karios Airstrip. On the longer packages, the shuttle continues to Sossusvlei for the dunes and Deadvlei, and to Swakopmund on the coast.
Is the shuttle right for you?
- Yes, if you’d rather not drive long distances on gravel, you’re travelling solo, or you want a relaxed, organised trip.
- Maybe not, if you want to stop wherever you like along the way. Then self-drive may suit you better: read is Namibia safe for self-drive?
Book Your Fish River Canyon Trip
Our packages include the shuttle from Windhoek, your Kalahari and canyon lodges and a guided drive to the canyon lookouts. No payment is needed to check availability.
See the Packages Check Availability WhatsApp UsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Fish River Canyon without a car?
Yes. A daily shared shuttle runs from Windhoek to the canyon lodges, with a night in the Kalahari on the way. Guided drives and walks leave from Canyon Lodge and Canyon Village, so you don't need a car once you're there.
How long does it take to get from Windhoek to the Fish River Canyon?
By shuttle, it takes two days: about 3.5 hours from Windhoek to the Kalahari on the first day, then about 5 hours to the canyon lodges on the second. You can also fly to the Karios Airstrip near the lodges.
Is there an airport near the Fish River Canyon?
Yes. Light aircraft fly to the Karios Airstrip near the lodges in the Gondwana Canyon Park. It's the fastest way to reach the canyon, but it costs more than the shuttle.
Where does the shuttle stop at the Fish River Canyon?
The shared shuttle stops at Canyon Lodge and Canyon Roadhouse in the Gondwana Canyon Park, about 20 km east of the canyon.
Which lodge is best if I don't have a car?
Canyon Lodge or Canyon Village, because the guided canyon drive and other activities leave from there. Canyon Roadhouse guests need their own transport to join activities.
How many days do I need for the Fish River Canyon?
Plan two nights at the canyon, which gives you a full day for the guided canyon drive and walks. With the shuttle and a Kalahari stop, the shortest trip from Windhoek is 4 days.