Naute Game Park
In a way it’s refreshing when a wonderful little sanctuary remains beyond our hunger for leisure destinations. While Naute’s tourism potential remains unrealised, the game park does fulfil its conservation function.
In a way it’s refreshing when a wonderful little sanctuary remains beyond our hunger for leisure destinations. While Naute’s tourism potential remains unrealised, the game park does fulfil its conservation function. It protects attractive Nama Karoo landscapes and a variety of wildlife and desert flora. It’s a characteristic sample of Namibia’s arid southern reaches, diversified by the large waterbody. Those who have access to the park through their work are privileged.
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Naute is one of Namibia’s largest man-made lakes. Its shoreline, abutting long stretches of rocky plains and intricate sections of small bays, is very attractive The dam location on the Löwen River was already identified by German engineers over a century ago, yet construction of the reservoir only took place 70 years later. The dam was created as a reliable source of water for the nearby town of Keetmanshoop, and to enable an agricultural scheme adjacent to the reservoir.
The lake creates an ideal focal point for a game park, although this was only proclaimed just prior to independence. Thirty years on, its tourism potential remains untapped, overlooked in the vastness of the ‘forgotten South’. Discussions around a tourism concession with the neighbouring !Gawachab Conservancy may gain momentum in the future. For now, Naute is still worth a brief stop-over visit while travelling between Keetmanshoop and the Fish River Canyon.
WHEN TO BE THERE:
- Visitor access is restricted to the recreation area; this is open all year
- Day temperatures can be very hot during summer
- Fishing competitions are held intermittently & the recreation area is a weekend retreat for locals
- The game park is currently not open to visitors
WHAT TO DO:
- Stop at the lake for a refreshing break on your travels
- Enjoy a short walk & some good birding
- Do a spot fishing along the shore
- Visit the nearby agricultural scheme
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
- Access is restricted to the small recreation area
- A permit is required for fishing, obtainable at the Karas Regional Council in Keetmanshoop
- There are no amenities at the dam
- Do not litter, take all rubbish with you
History
The slightly cumbersome name refers to the many islands that the park protects. These create vital marine, intertidal and terrestrial habitats for ocean life and sea birds. The designation ‘marine protected area’ and its acronym MPA are accepted worldwide in preference to ‘marine park’ or ‘marine reserve’. The regulations for MPAs may vary from country to country, although international guidelines are being refined.
Activities
Conservations
Map
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Gondwana Collection Namibia (Pty) Ltd t/a Gondwana Travel Centre
2nd floor, Ardeco Building, Nelson Mandela Avenue (entrance Bassingthwaighte St.)
Klein Windhoek
Klein Windhoek
Contacts
info@namibian.org