An overnight camp at the Naute Dam and
looking down on 'all of that water' after driving across the desert makes
for a pleasant break. It's inexpensive and not too far a diversion from the
main road system.
The Naute Dam was constructed across the Lowen River, which
has its source some 250km to the east, in 1970-1972 and was
commissioned on 09.09.1972. The Naute Dam is the second largest dam
in Namibia having a capacity of 83 million cubic metres of water. The
months of inflow for the Naute Dam are usually February to April.
The sluice gates are opened when the capacity of the dam reaches
110%. The overflow runs west where it joins the Fish River. It is a
most spectacular site to see the sluice gates open with flumes of
water pouring out onto the desert landscape.
Near to the dam is the Naute Game Park which is
23,000ha in size, but this is not open to the public and serves as a
protectorate for Gemsbok, Klipspringer, Kudu, and Ostrich. There is
a 600ha area on the south side of the dam that has been set aside
for use of the public for boating and fishing.
The facility is open for day visitors and campers. The camping areas look down onto the dam which is quite
picturesque after driving across the desert. The camp sites have
piped drinking water, but there are no shower facilities or piped
hot water. You can manage a sponge-bath in the toilets (cold water
only). You'd best stock up with supplies and fire wood in the
nearest town as the small shop on site has limited stock.
The camp site is under the management of Mrs. Joey
Handley. Further information can be obtained on Tel / Fax: +264
(0)63 250533
Camp Site Prices: About N$30 per night.
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