2019-07-01_Caravan_and_Outdoor_Life

38 |Caravan& OutdoorLifeMagazine July^2019

language. Legend goes that a
local Nama shepherd found
the hot springs in the mid-
1800s when looking for some
of his lost flock.
It’s a beautiful spot, and
I have had wonderful stays
at Ai-Ais over the years,
but this time it seemed a
bit run down. I bought a
bag of ice and five litres of
water for N$170. I thought
it a bit steep, and had to
accept that the printer wasn’t
working when I asked for a

slip! The shop shelves were

also short of stock.

We only stopped for a

lunch break before heading

to our campsite for the

night... one which I knew

was right up there with the

best in Namibia.

I also knew that a

stunning drive lay ahead,

through the mountains

and valleys of the Fish

River Mountains, to the

quirky and eccentric

Canyon Roadhouse.

Turning off the D601

only some 15 km west of

the Fish River Canyon is

like entering a time warp.

On your left as you drive

down to the red-roofed

building, you’ll notice a red

drilling rig. Dotted around

the front of the roadhouse

are a Chev, an old Ford, and

even an old Merc truck. The

entrance to the roadhouse

reception is through an old

international truck.

Inside, everything about

this treasure trove of old

cars, motorbikes and even

a complete mechanical

workshop - with an engine

hanging from a block and

tackle over the worn old

workbench - reveals the

sense of humour of the

hidden hand that created

this masterpiece.

Sit yourself down

in heaven and enjoy a

cappuccino with the

roadhouse special:

Amarula cheesecake.