Hardap Travel Guide (Namibia/Southern Africa/Africa)

Introduction to Hardap

Located in Southern Namibia, Hardap is a region dominated by red sands, rocky formations, and vast wilderness areas that are home to an abundance of wildlife. The region takes its name from the Hardap Dam, a man-made reservoir that provides water for the area’s agriculture and tourism industries.

Hardap is perfect for adventurers looking for a different experience of Africa, away from the usual tourist destinations. This guide will help you discover the top travel spots, the best local dishes and activities to take part in, and tips for staying safe and healthy.

List of Places to Visit in Hardap

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in learning about Hardap’s cultural heritage, the region offers a few notable sites to consider. The Hardap Dam Wall is a sight to behold, with its 50-metre height and 450-metre length. The dam has become a popular tourist attraction, allowing visitors to have a close-up view of the man-made lake and the surroundings. A small museum on the dam provides insights into the construction of the dam and the importance of its water resources.

Another must-visit destination in the region is the Mariental Museum. Founded in 2000, the museum helps visitors understand Namibia’s history, traditions and the San community. It features collections about the indigenous cultures of the area, the local geology, and the colonial era. Artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits offer an immersive experience for visitors.

Natural Attractions of Hardap: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

One of the most remarkable features of Hardap is its vast, starkly beautiful natural landscape, which provides a range of outdoor activities to be explored. The Hardap Recreation Resort located near the Hardap Dam offers a variety of activities like camping, picnics, and water-based activities. The Obelix Trail is another attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. This winding trail offers a view of the teeming wildlife and the region’s natural beauty. Visitors can go horseback riding and explore the trail’s high points and stunning views.

A bird watcher’s paradise, Hardap Nature Reserve brings the opportunity to see over 200 bird species. The reserve has been set up to help protect the environment, and tourists are offered a chance to partake in ecological tours of the desert and its unique flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hardap

The natural landscapes of Hardap are perfect for hikers and bikers, with a range of trails and routes available for exploring the region’s beauty. Namibia is one of those countries that is best seen by bike. Windhoek to Cape Town is regarded as one of the best self-guided cycling routes in Southern Africa and Hardap is located on this route. Several self-guided tours and guided tours are available. The B1 road offers stunning views of the Hardap Dam and the surrounding savannah.

For hiking enthusiasts, The Obelix Trail offers 10km winding tracks to explore the area, and Goegap Nature Reserve, about 25km northeast of Springbok, offers several hikes, rambles, and nature walks.

Best Things to Do in Hardap: Activities and Tours

Hardap offers visitors an opportunity to explore its landscape and indulged in some adventurous activities.

Sightseeing is a must-do on a trip to Hardap. From the unique red dunes to the many natural reserves and historic attractions, there’s plenty to see and do both on land and on the water. Visitors interested in visiting one of the country’s largest game reserves, Kalahari Game Reserve, should consider taking a high-end, guided tour for the best experience.

Stargazing in Hardap is a rewarding experience. With its clear and uninterrupted skies and a lack of light pollution, the stars are stunning to view in Hardap.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hardap

With so much to see and do, visitors should plan to spend at least a week in Hardap. We recommend:

Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to the Mariental Museum. Day 2: Hit the trail and hike to the top of the Hardap Dam. Day 3: Hire a guide and explore the natural reserve of Kalahari Game Reserve. Day 4: Discover the nature and wildlife at Hardap Nature Reserve and Hardap Recreation Resort. Day 5: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the waters of the Hardap Dam. Day 6: Join a tour to a local San village and learn about their culture. Day 7: Indulge in any missed activities, like stargazing, that you couldn’t do because of course overlaps on the previous days.

Food and Drink Scene of Hardap

Must-Try Dishes

Namibia, in general, is famous for its delicious food. There are a few dishes visitors should try while in Hardap.

Kapana is a specialty of the local street food in Namibia. This dish is essentially grilled beef or chicken served with a side of sautéed onions and chili pepper.

Bilboep is an essential local breakfast with a mixture of cooked or fried meat, bread, and egg scrambled with a choice of vegetables.

Local Beverages

Namibian beer is called Windhoek beer, and several varieties are available like Windhoek lager, Windhoek draught, and Windhoek Light. Tafel lager is another famous local drink, and it comes in a range of sizes, from a small can to a one-liter glass bottle.

Where to Stay in Hardap: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hardap has several options for places to stay, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Depending on the travelers’ preference, options come with extra facilities like spas and swimming pools. Hardap Dam Resort, Hardap Recreation Resort, Mariental Lodge, and Grunau Country House are just a few to name among them.

What to Buy in Hardap: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Craft markets in Namibia are known for their beautiful and practical hand-carved wooden items such as jewelry boxes, bowls, spoons, and other useful items for the household. For those who love African crafts, Hardap has several handicraft markets offering beautiful and unique items to bring back as souvenirs. Shops also sell dried meat as souvenirs which can be a good locally sourced item for animal protein curious people.

Local Culture and Customs of Hardap

With a mix of cultures around, Hardap customs & traditions are rich and unique. Namibia, in general, is known as a very social and friendly country where people greet strangers on the street with a warm hello. Visitors should respect the local customs and traditions, and take time to understand the local San culture as it is an integral part of the Namibian culture.

Best Time to Visit Hardap

Due to its arid climate and extreme temperatures, the best time to visit Hardap is during the winter months of May to October. During this time, the weather is mild, and visitors can make the most of the natural reserves and outdoor activities without suffering from excessive heat.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hardap

Do:

Respect local customs, traditions, and sanctity of religion.
Keep your environmental impact minimal, and keep the surroundings clean.
Tip at restaurants and cafes as the wages in Namibia are low.
Carry sunscreen and a hat when exploring Hardap’s outdoors.

Don’t:

Give money to beggars, as this will promote poverty in the area.
Do not pose for photos holding indigenous animals or disrespecting local culture.
Do not take photographs of military bases or political leaders while in Hardap or in any part of Namibia.
Do not litter or leave trash in the Hardap area.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hardap

Overall, Hardap is safe as most tourists arrive and leave without any major incident. Though, visitors need to take some precautions.

It’s best for visitors always to carry their identification documents, as the police and army may randomly ask for identification. Visitors are advised to stay on official trails when hiking, lest get lost when in natural reserves.

Health in Hardap

Visitors traveling to Hardap should pay attention to their health and get necessary medical advice before traveling. Malaria is common in Namibia, mainly in the north and east, and prophylaxis can reduce the risk of infection. Visitors should carry insect repellent with them and should avoid mosquito bites during the evening and morning hours.

Getting to Hardap: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hardap

The nearest airport to Hardap is Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, about 3-hour drive from Hardap. Visitors can get to Hardap by either taking a taxi or renting a car from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Hardap

Namibia has several long-distance bus lines, but accessing them is not a great option to get to Hardap. Still, the visitors could take a bus route and then hire a taxi or private car rental.

Other Options

Hiring a private car rental is the best option as driving in Namibia is easy and rent is cheap. Visitors could use ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft for their transportation.

How to Get Around in Hardap

Getting around in Hardap is easy, and most sites and areas are easy to reach. Visitors planning to stay in the area for an extended period could rent a car or use a taxi to get around.

Where to Go Next from Hardap: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If visitors have time, they could consider visiting Fish River Canyon, which is just a few hours’ drive away from Hardap. The famous Namibian skeleton coast is just a few hours’ drive away in the western direction. Visitors may also consider visiting the Kalahari Game Lodge and camping to make the most of the Namibian experience.

Conclusion

Hardap represents an authentic and rugged African travel experience. In this off-the-beaten-track destination, visitors can bask in stunning views, indulge in outdoor activities, and get a unique taste of African culture. By following this guide, visitors can take advantage of all that Hardap has to offer and enjoy their journey to the fullest.

Hardap Image Gallery

Ancient dunes near Sossusvlei, in the relatively frequently visited center of the Namib-Naukluft National Park

Maltahöhe

Rehoboth