The first 31 kilometres are on the tarred B4 towards Lüderitz. Then the C12 branches off to the south, a gravel road that passes the Naute Dam and meets the C37 after 81 kilometres. Another 30 kilometres bring you to Hobas, the camp run by the state-owned NWR. From there it is 12 more kilometres on the D601 to the main viewpoint. Fill up in Keetmanshoop before you leave the B4.
About 125 of the 159 kilometres are gravel. One guidebook says the roads to the canyon have deteriorated and recommends a vehicle with high ground clearance. At 80 km/h on tar and 60 km/h on gravel, you need two and a half to three hours.
The 2026 rainy season hit this area hard. On 24 February a cloudburst near Naute washed away a tourist vehicle and left at least five others stuck. At the end of March, Gondwana told guests at its canyon lodges to drive via Grünau and Keetmanshoop, and on 11 April the C12 between Grünau and the canyon was reported passable only by 4x4. Ask your lodge about the C12 before you set off, as of October 2026.
Our tipLeave in the morning. That gives you time at the viewpoint and lets you drive the 12 kilometres back to Hobas in daylight.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- B4, C12, C37, D601
- Distance
- 159 km
- Surface
- about 31 km tar, 125 km gravel
- Driving time
- 2.5 to 3 hours
- Fuel on the way
- Keetmanshoop
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
Places to stay in Fish River Canyon
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Gondwana Canyon Lodge
20 KM East of the
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €177per night on 23 November 2026
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Fish River Lodge
Klein
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €386per night on 7 January 2027
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Gondwana Canyon Village
Gondwana Canon Park, C37
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €194per night on 18 November 2026
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Canyon Roadhouse
C 37
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €226per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoKeetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon?
Keetmanshoop to the main viewpoint at Fish River Canyon is 159 kilometres via the B4, C12, C37 and D601. About 125 kilometres are gravel, so allow two and a half to three hours of actual driving.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Fish River Canyon?
Most of the route from Keetmanshoop to Fish River Canyon is gravel, and one guidebook recommends a vehicle with high ground clearance. After the April 2026 floods the C12 between Grünau and the canyon was reported passable only by 4x4, so check with your lodge first.
Is the B4 between Keetmanshoop and Seeheim tarred?
The B4 is tarred all the way from Keetmanshoop to Lüderitz, including the section towards Seeheim. On the way to Fish River Canyon you drive 31 kilometres on it before the gravel C12 turns off.
Where should I refuel before Fish River Canyon?
Fill up in Keetmanshoop before heading to Fish River Canyon. After that come about 125 kilometres of gravel to the main viewpoint.