Hardap Dam is a dam close to Mariental, Hardap Region, Namibia. Created in 1962 while Namibia was under South African occupation, Hardap Dam is the largest Dam in the country. The reservoir dams the Fish River and has a surface area of 25 km².[1] The Dam also is home to numerous examples of wildlife of Namibia.
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The name Hardap derives from the Nama word meaning "nipple" or "wart",[2] which is how the surrounding area of low conical-shaped hills appeared to the early inhabitants. There are fishing spots at various points along the northern shore of the lake. Permits, and a map of permitted fishing areas, are available from the resort office, or from the magistrate's office in Mariental.
The route offers picturesque views of the dam, and is home to rhino, gemsbok, Hartmann's Zebra, kudu, ostrich, springbok and steenbok.[3]Theres also a large variety of bird species can be observed in and around the dam. Pelican, cormorant, darter and spoonbill, can be seen on the lake itself, as well as fish eagle and a small number of osprey.
Services include a restaurant overlooking the dam, aquarium, fresh water fishing farm and conference facilities. From the restaurant's verandah, guests can watch rock dassies play, (rock rabbits) whilst enjoying their refreshments. Guests are obliged to note that there is no longer a shop on site, and the swimming pool is undergoing lengthy repairs.
Accommodation is in either 30 bush chalets, 16 chalets with four beds, or 4 family units. Some rooms have air-conditioning and some are equipped with a fan[3]
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.[4]