When the dam reaches 110% of its capacity the sluice gates are opened
allowing up to 5,500 cubic metres of water per second to be discharged. The
dam is flanked on both sides by the 25,000hsa Hardap Game Park and Hardap
Resort which makes for a popular stay over place for holiday makers and
travellers.
The Animals: The Game Reserve is on the
southern side of the dam. The drive routes offer picturesque views
of the dam and area. Here you can see Gemsbok, Hartmann's
Zebra, Kudu, Ostrich, Springbok and Steenbok.
The Birds: The Hardap dam area has attracted many
species of birds and the islands have become popular breeding
sanctuaries for one of Namibia's largest colonies of Greater White
Pelicans (over 800 birds have been counted). You'll definitely hear
the cry of the Fish Eagle here, and see Flamingos, Goliath Herons,
Ospreys, Reed Cormorants and many other types of birds.
The Fish: Hardap Dam is a popular competition
venue for Namibia's fresh water anglers. You can catch fare sized,
Bass, Barbel, Carp or Yellow-Fish here. Permits can be bought at the
office.
In 2006 the district experienced good rains which on the
flat landscape wash-off into the Fish River. The Hardap Dam levels
rose dramatically to a point where the sluice-gates had to be
opened. The drainage area of the river after the dam wall had an
accumulation of reeds etc. which impeded the high flow rate of water
coming form the dam. The Fish River overflowed its banks and the
town of Mariental suffered a major flood disaster from which it has
not yet fully recovered.
