Game reserve
Hardap Game Park
Game park around Namibia's largest dam, 24 km from Mariental, with 80 km of gravel game roads, dam viewpoints and a 15 km walk.
254 km² · 0 gates · 0 campsites · Run by Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT); resort run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)
About the park
Hardap surrounds the dam on the Fish River, a 25 km² sheet of water in dry dwarf-shrub country, with open plains and the Gemsbok Plateau behind. About 80 km of gravel roads lead to viewpoints over the water and into a larger southern section restocked with kudu, gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest, springbok and Hartmann's mountain zebra; a small northern section by the resort holds a few black rhino that are rarely seen. Nearly 300 bird species have been recorded, and the dam has one of Namibia's largest great white pelican breeding colonies, along with fish eagles and ospreys. NWR's Hardap Resort has chalets, a restaurant, a pool and a campsite, which makes it an easy overnight stop off the B1 on the way south. Fishing is popular, but anglers need a separate permit from the regional council.
Highlights
- Viewpoints over Hardap Dam
- Game drives in the southern section
- 15 km circular day walk
- Pelicans and fish eagles on the dam
Good to know
- About 25,000 ha around a 25 km² dam
- 80 km of gravel roads; two sections open for game drives
- NWR resort with chalets, restaurant, pool and campsite
- About 24 km from Mariental, 250 km south of Windhoek
Wildlife you may see
- Gemsbok
- Kudu
- Eland
- Red hartebeest
- Springbok
- Hartmann's mountain zebra
- Black rhino
- Great white pelican
- African fish eagle
- Osprey
Sightings are never guaranteed.
Gates
No gates confirmed yet.
Gate times change with the seasons: check with Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT); resort run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) before you travel.
Campsites
We're still checking the campsites here. They'll appear as soon as they're verified.
Park fees
| citizen | N$40 per person day |
| regional | N$130 per person day |
| regional (child) | N$80 per person day |
| international | N$200 per person day |
| international (child) | N$150 per person day |
| any (any) | N$60 per vehicle day |
Per day; accommodation and fishing permits separate. Adults 16+, children 9–15; 8 and under free, Namibian children free; vehicle rate is for 10 seats or fewer; 'regional' = SADC nationals.
Places to see
- Hardap Dam picnic sitepicnic spotWaterside braai and picnic spot at Hardap Dam, a short detour off the B1 near Mariental.