Hardap Dam

View of Hardap Dam at sunrise in April 2008

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.

Etymology

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.

Flora and fauna

The area is home to rhino, gemsbok, Hartmann's zebra, kudu, ostrich, springbok and steenbok.^[3] There is 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.

The vegetation in the area is classified as dwarf shrub savanna. The following trees occur: camel thorn, wild green-hair tree and buffalo thorn.^[4]

Tourism

All tourism facilities have been closed due to ownership disputes over renovation costs (as of October 2012). There have been several tourism facilities at Hardap Dam, including a restaurant overlooking the dam, an aquarium, a fresh water fish farm, and conference facilities. Accommodation was available in either bush chalets or family units.^[3]

References

Coordinates: 24°29′58″S 17°51′31″E / 24.49944°S 17.85861°E / -24.49944; 17.85861