Information on the largest dam in
Namibia and game park.
The
Hardap Recreation Resort, situated at the largest dam in Namibia, is one of the
most popular holiday
resorts in the country. It lies on the upper reaches of the Fish River, 254 km
south of Windhoek just off the main road to
Keetmanshoop, and some 24 km from the town of Mariental. It is open
throughout the year, and a year ticket is available to visitors who wish to come
here on a regular basis. With its vast surface area of 25 sq km the Hardap Dam
is a most impressive sight in the surrounding arid landscape. It is a paradise
for water sport enthusiasts, and boat houses on the shore of the dam can be
rented for added convenience. Fishing in these waters is exceptionally good and kurper, barbel, yellow-fish, carp and bass all abound. Angling competitions are
a regular feature and angling permits can be obtained from the camp office. With
many inlets and small islands this man-made lake provides a safe breeding place
for a large variety of birds, including flamingoes, fish eagles, goliath herons,
reed cormorants and ospreys. One of the three largest great white pelican
breeding colonies in the country is found here, and more than 800 pelicans have
been counted at one time. Boats are prohibited in certain areas of the dam, and
it is here especially that one can marvel at the colourful variety of birds that
enjoy the peaceful waters.
First
investigations were carried as early as 1897 by geologist Dr. T. Rehbock to determine viability of construction of the dam in the area. The construction
commenced in 1960 and the dam was completed in 1963.
The capacity of the dam 320 million
cubic meters. and a surface area of 25 square kilometres. The gate can discharge up to 5
500 cubic meters per second which has been done in February - March 2000 to release heavy
inflow of water during exceptionally good rainy season.
As a result town
Mariental was
flooded twice, in February and March.
The Hardap Game Park is approximately 25 000 hectares and divided on two sections
by the dam.
There is a network of the roads leading to several view points over the dam.
The rest
camp itself is perched high above the northern shore of the dam. From here one
has an unforgettable view of the wide expanse of water.
There are both 5-bed and
2-bed bungalows with a fridge, hotplate (only in the larger bungalows),
and hot water shower.
In addition there are dormitories with 10 beds each, and
these are close to convenient communal facilities and field kitchens.
The resort
also has a shady caravan park, a swimming pool and a playground. Pets are not
allowed in the resort but there are kennels available at the gates. Owners are
responsible for their care.
Licensed
restaurant in the rest camp has a unique situation overlooking the dam. It is
open seven days a week for all meals,
and especially its fresh fish specialties are very popular. For the convenience
of visitors there is also a shop that stocks
fresh produce, groceries, liquor, fire wood, souvenirs etc.
An
important aspect of the Hardap Dam is the research undertaken by the Freshwater
Fish Institute. One of its functions is to provided fish farms and the other
state controlled dams in the country with the best breeding material available.
Intensive fish production is research and endangered species are also bred here.
An enjoyable sight for visitors is the
beautiful aquarium of coloured freshwater fish in the resorts office.
Vegetation. The vegetation in the area has been classified as dwarf shrub savanna.
The following trees occur: camel thorn, wild green-hair tree and buffalo thorn.
Wildlife. In the
game reserve on the southern side of the dam visitors can view various species
of game such as kudu, gemsbok, springbok, steenbok, mountain zebra and
ostriches. Here there are two hiking trails along which one can explore the
area.
the shorter route of 9 km takes 2 and a half hours to complete, whereas one
needs approximately 4 hours for the longer route of 15 km. Among these trails
many points of interest are indicated.
Usage and entrance fees per day (payable on arrival or pre-booked): click here
Accommodation and camping per
night: RESORT IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS TILL AROUND DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013
Unit type
Number of units
Daily rates per person
Single rate
Note
Family chalet 4 beds
3
-
-
Bed and breakfast maximum 4 adults
Bush chalet 4 beds
17
-
-
Bed and breakfast maximum 4 adults
Bush chalet 2 beds
30
-
-
Bed and breakfast maximum 2 adults
Camping
20
-
-
Maximum 8 persons per site
Accommodation only: children under the age of 6 stay free of
change, 6-12 years old pay 70%.
Provision for children will be made
upon arrival; however the booking must be made in advance.
Other facilities:
Shop, kiosk,
swimming pool, restaurant, fuel. No banking facilities.
Restaurant:
Open: 7.00-9.00, 12.00-14.00, 18.00-22.00
Meal times:
7.00-8.30, 12.00-13.30, 18.00-20.30
No pets allowed. No motorcycles allowed. Day visitors admitted between
sunrise and 18.00 only. Restaurant guests may leave later. Overnight visitors with reserved accommodation may enter unrestricted provided that fees are paid during office hours, but may not leave the resort between
23.00 and 6.00.
Conferencing facilities for up to 20 people are available. Reservations
(click for more information)
main road to
investigations were carried as early as 1897 by geologist Dr. T. Rehbock to determine viability of construction of the dam in the area. The construction
commenced in 1960 and the dam was completed in 1963.
