The Hardap Dam is the biggest of its kind in Namibia with a water surface area of about 25 sqkms and an 862 meter long dam wall. It dams up the waters of the Fish River, the only river in the country's interior that flows just about all year round, although carrying very low quantities of water during the dry season.

The dam is a popular watersport and holiday resort for the people of Windhoek. At the lake's western bank lies a small nature and game reserve of 20000 hectares.

Here, one can go for scenic walks or drives. The resort supports many different species of antelope like springbok, oryx and kudu, as well as ostriches, mountain zebras, black rhinos and a great variety of birds. At the eastern bank lies a state-owned rest camp with chalets, a restaurant, a swimming pool and campground.