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Fun at the old Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia

7/7/2015

10 Comments

 
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
By Roxanne Reid
Fun, funky even wacky, these are words you might use to describe the Canyon Roadhouse not far from the Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia. Staid, dull and prim are definitely not. In fact, if you don’t have a sense of humour or a fondness for grinning like a basketful of baboons, don’t even bother to visit; the place will be wasted on you.

I’ve written about the Canyon Roadhouse’s eccentric character for Getaway magazine (see Canyon Roadhouse: a blast from the past), so let me just give one example here of the high jinks to be had.

Once I’d absorbed the metaphorical smell of diesel and grease from the old cars and drifted back to the 20th century at the sight of old signs and posters that wrestle for space on the walls, I made a trip to the bathroom and came out giggling like a teenager.
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Turn off the gravel road to the Canyon Roadhouse; take a room or pitch a tent in the campsite
Up there on the wall, among Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe movie posters, among dated ads for Coppertone and Borax Extract of Soap, was an enormous portrait of a rather dishy dude with abs that would look good on a Men’s Health cover. We briefly made eye contact before I noticed the box nailed to the wall over his unmentionables. Labeled Tjongololo’s Box, it had a little door with a handle.

A note nearby warned that I shouldn’t use the handle, should never, ever open the box.
Picture
The puzzle of the Tjongololo's box
‘A long, long time ago,’ the note explained, ‘a mysterious animal lived at the canyon. It was a large dark worm, with two long antennae. Night after night it came looking for holes and crevices to crawl into. The humans called him the Tjongololo. If you encountered him you had to turn away immediately, otherwise you were devoured neck and crop – all that remained was a small pile of stones…

It continued: ‘One day [some] women decided to put a stop to the Tjongololo’s doings. At night they waylaid him and doused him with magic water, which made him freeze and unable to move. They grabbed him and stuffed him into a box.

‘We have found that box and hung it up here to remind [women] that curiosity really is a bad, bad thing. The box may never ever be opened again, never ever. Not even in secret when you are alone and think that nobody will see you.’


Of course, you know what happened next; all that forbidden stuff just made me determined to open it. Heck, I’m a writer, I had to know what would happen!
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
So many signs, so much fun you'll never be bored at the bar
A firm tug and the door flew open. Bla bla bla! A loud alarm went off and a warning light flashed. Inside another sign told me I now had to buy a round at the bar. I laughed and started thinking of how to fib or fudge my way out of the fix my nosiness had got me into.

Luckily, it was mid-morning and there was hardly anyone at the bar.

What fun everyone at the Gondwana Collection must have had collecting the memorabilia and old cars that fill this shed-like space; and what fun they’re still having with the Tjongololo box (and its counterpart, Pandora’s Box, in the Gents). Thanks for sharing your madcap world with us!
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Lots of pithy comments here. I also liked: ‘It’s not hard to meet expenses; they’re everywhere.’
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Throw a plank of wood across this engine and you have a place for part of the breakfast buffet
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
A big truck laden with lots of gear, but check those skinny tyres
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Trucks are part of the family too. I love the yellow line painted around the tree - no parking!
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Remember two-toned cars? Canyon Roadhouse does
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
If the bar is too busy, enjoy a drink on the patio outside
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Remember yellow AA Land Rovers and wood-panelled station wagons? Canyon Roadhouse does
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
The unusual reception desk at the Canyon Roadhouse
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
Cars, trucks and plants all grow in the garden, with trees and other plants sprouting from bonnets and boots
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
A quiver tree (kokerboom) grows from a rusted car
Canyon Roadhouse, Namibia
A riot of cacti sprouting from a car close to our room
More about Namibia

Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
Note: I was a guest of the Canyon Roadhouse for one night but had free rein to write what I chose. I paid for all meals, drinks and travel costs.

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Fun at Canyon Roadhouse, Fish River Canyon #Namibia #travel #Africa
10 Comments
Stuart link
6/7/2015 01:17:18 am

Lovely post Roxanne,
Haven't been to Namibia in years. Seeing places like this reminds me of the countries unique character. Looks like this is a place worth visiting.

Reply
Roxanne link
6/7/2015 05:51:39 am

Thanks for the kind words, Stuart. Namibia is indeed a wonderful country, with lots of character and diversity. I highly recommend a return trip!

Reply
Mary Eastman
6/7/2015 09:55:04 am

What fun. I found it so entertaining. I am pleased curiosity did not kill the cat!! Lovely article.

Reply
Roxanne link
6/7/2015 01:46:54 pm

Thanks, Mary, I'm glad you enjoyed the fun.

Reply
Christina link
6/7/2015 05:04:42 pm

It looks and sounds great! Lots of quirky personality. We used to stop by there many times when I was growing up and the owners used to keep a camel but I haven't been there in years (been to beloved Namibia a number of times it's just been a while since I've driven through Noordoewer). Thanks for the article, I'd love to go back there!

Reply
Roxanne link
8/7/2015 02:01:24 am

Quirky is a great word to describe it, Christina. Thanks for reading.

Reply
Phillip Warren
7/7/2015 03:56:54 pm

As an old car enthusiast it's just the place I would like to visit. What better props to create a wonderful atmosphere. Enjoyed the photos.

Reply
Roxanne link
8/7/2015 02:04:08 am

Ah, Phillip, you'd fit in so well there! We met a German couple and suggested they visited. When we saw them again a few days later they said it had been a highlight.

Reply
Sabine link
31/7/2016 12:35:50 pm

Love your article and the photos. I can't believe you also pressed the button on the box, haha, so embarrassing when getting back into the bar area ;) The place is so nice, I really love camping out there, so quite and relaxed!

Reply
Roxanne
31/7/2016 01:40:31 pm

Great minds think alike, Sabine. It was like sticking a fat slice of chocolate cake in front of me and telling me not to eat it; I had to open it!

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
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