Hardap Recreation Resort
near Mariental - Namibia
This resort is situated at the Hardap Dam, Namibia's biggest reservoir. The resort is close to Mariental in southern Namibia and there is a game reserve is on the southern side of the dam. The route offers picturesque views of the dam, and is home to rhino, gemsbok, Hartmann's Zebra, kudu, ostrich, springbok and steenbok.
The name Hardap derives from the Nama word meaning "nipple" or "wart", 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.
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 resort is open year round, but experiences 35 deg daytime temperatures in summer, (Dec - Mar) and very cold temperatures at night time in the winter. (Jun – Jul). Gates open from 0600 – 2300hrs.
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.
As there are no dangerous predators here, visitors can walk freely around the park. There is a 15km hiking trail, which can be shortened to a 9km loop.
Hardap Dam is ideal for anglers, who will have to bring their own fishing tackle. Visitors to the dam are welcome to drive to the small game park adjacent to the dam
All types of water sports, e.g canoing, boating etc, are permitted on the dam.
- Fishing
- Anglers love Hardap Dam - bring your own equipment and enjoy
- Game Drive
- Adjacent to the dam is a small game park - visitors are welcome to explore this at their own speed
- Water Sports
- Canoeing, boating, etc are all permitted on the dam
Directions:
Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge
Excellent lodge in the Kalahari Desert, offers accommodation in units made of straw bales or wood. Bagatelle proves to be consistently popular with guests
Hardap Dam Resort
Really only suitable for fisherman - until renovations happen it is probably best not to subject yourself to this.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Tends to cater for larger groups, but the low rates make it attractive for those looking to save some money.
Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp
The meerkat or suricate is a small mammal which inhabits the Kalahari - we do not know why this lodge is named after them. Perhaps if you stay here and find out you can tell us and then we can make this slightly more descriptive.
Zebra Kalahari Lodge
The third lodge on the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve (along with Suricate & Camethorn Lodges). The Kalahari is absolutely magnificent and really should be a part of any visit to Namibia.