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| //Garas Self-Drive Namibia 2026 |
Setting Out from Canyon Lodge
The day after arriving at Canyon Lodge, we decide to try the //Garas Self-Drive, a marked route of approximately 40 km through Gondwana Canyon Park, which takes around 2–3 hours to complete.
This is not described as a particularly difficult 4x4 route, but rather as a great way to experience the private conservation area independently. The route follows marked tracks through the park and connects Canyon Lodge with Canyon Roadhouse.
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| A4 trail map //Garas Self-Drive Namibia 2026 |
At reception at Canyon Lodge, we are given a simple A4 trail map. The route is not marked on our ever-present companion, Tracks4Africa, but at least the app always shows us where Canyon Lodge is located – just in case we somehow get lost!
We set off, with my wife behind the wheel.
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| wife behind the wheel Namibia 2026 |
A Gentle 4x4 Challenge
We are both relatively experienced 4x4 drivers, but it quickly becomes clear that the route is not technically difficult. The terrain is uneven, with plenty of rocks and, in a few places, somewhat steeper rocky sections where a dry riverbed or small tributary crosses the track.
Still, the challenges are no greater than what any reasonably capable 4x4 vehicle should be able to handle.
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| On the way, //Garas Self-Drive Namibia 2026 |
The route takes us through the characteristic rocky landscape of Gondwana Canyon Park, with its koppies, granite formations, euphorbias and quiver trees.
Grasshoppers and Other Small Creatures
We don't encounter much large wildlife – apart from a single giraffe early in the drive and occasional springbok. But the smaller inhabitants of the park are everywhere.
Large grasshoppers suddenly leap from the vegetation as we pass, while dragonfly-like insects seem to be constantly on the move around us.
At one point, a very large grasshopper suddenly flies through the open side window and lands inside the car.
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| Very large grasshoppers everywhere //Garas Self-Drive Namibia 2026 |
For a few seconds, there is mild panic!
Perhaps partly because we are surprised – but also because these Namibian grasshoppers are considerably larger than the ones we are used to in Denmark!
As soon as we establish that it is just a grasshopper – and not some kind of flying scorpion ;-) – calm returns to the vehicle.
And we have a good laugh.
When you are driving alone through unfamiliar terrain, you are perhaps slightly more alert than usual. Every unexpected movement or strange sound gets your attention.
We are, as we like to call it, on an adventure.
From Rocky Terrain to Open Sand
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| halfway along the trail, landscape becomes more open and sandy. Namibia 2026 |
The first half of the route is quite rocky, but after Dassies Poort, approximately halfway along the trail, the landscape changes. The terrain becomes more open and sandy, and the driving becomes easier.
Along the way, we pass two Wild Camps.
The first one in particular catches my attention. It looks like the perfect place to spend a night with a rooftop tent. Imagine climbing onto the roof of the vehicle in the evening and simply enjoying the solitude, the silence and the spectacular views surrounding you.
I suspect that overnight stays may be possible with permission from the lodge or Gondwana. Definitely something worth investigating another time.
A Different Side of Gondwana Canyon Park
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| Namaqua sandgrouse //Garas Self-Drive Namibia 2026 |
The //Garas Self-Drive has turned out to be a lovely way to experience a different side of Gondwana Canyon Park.
It has not been a technical 4x4 challenge, but that was never really the point. The pleasure lies in being out there on our own, slowly exploring the landscape and never quite knowing what we might encounter around the next bend.
A wonderful day.
Now it is time to relax at the lodge.
Tomorrow, we will finally explore the eastern side of the Fish River Canyon.
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