Naute Dam | Luderitz

Information

Landmark: Naute Dam
City: Luderitz
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Naute Dam, Luderitz, Namibia, Africa

The Naute Dam is the third-largest dam in Namibia, located on the Löwen River, a tributary of the Fish River. It is situated approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Keetmanshoop in the ǁKaras Region.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a large double-curvature concrete arch dam. When the reservoir is at capacity, it creates a vast, blue expanse of water that contrasts sharply with the surrounding orange-brown arid landscape and the jagged, dark ridges of the Naute Game Park. The shoreline is characterized by rocky outcrops and sparse desert vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Reached via the B4 highway towards Lüderitz, followed by a turn-off onto the C12 road. The roads are well-maintained gravel and accessible by 2WD vehicles.

Naute Game Park: The dam is the centerpiece of a 22,500-hectare government-protected area.

Operating Hours: The dam area is generally accessible to the public between 09:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Monday–Saturday) and 09:00 AM to 1:30 PM on Sundays.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Completed in 1972, the dam was primarily built to provide irrigation for the arid south. Ecologically, the reservoir has created an artificial wetland in the middle of the desert, attracting a variety of birdlife, including fish eagles, cormorants, and pelicans. The surrounding game park is home to springbok, gemsbok, and ostriches.

Key Highlights & Activities

Water Sports & Angling: The dam is a popular local destination for fishing (specifically for barbel and carp) and boating.

Birdwatching: The high concentration of water birds makes it a primary site for ornithological observation in southern Namibia.

Agricultural Projects: The area surrounding the dam is home to significant commercial farming ventures, including the production of dates, grapes, and prickly pears, which utilize the dam’s water for irrigation.

Naute Kristall Distillery: A specialized distillery located near the dam that produces schnapps and gin from the locally grown dates and prickly pears.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Picnic Areas: Basic shaded picnic spots and braai (barbecue) facilities are available for day visitors near the water’s edge.

Accommodation: While there are no hotels directly on the dam, several lodges and guesthouses are located within a 20-kilometer radius.

Services: There are no fuel stations or shops at the dam; visitors must ensure they are self-sufficient or supply in Keetmanshoop.

Best Time to Visit

The winter months (May to August) are optimal for outdoor activities to avoid the intense summer heat of the southern interior. The landscape is most impressive when the dam is full, typically after the summer rainy season (late February or March).

Facts & Legends

A specific technical fact: the dam's storage capacity is approximately 69 million cubic meters. It serves as the primary water source for the town of Keetmanshoop. The date plantations irrigated by the dam are among the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, exporting high-quality produce to international markets.