A Huge Dam and a Desert Oasis

We continued south to Naute Dam, just outside of Keetmanshoop. Not everyone goes out of his way to see a dam, except maybe for some of the more famous dams in the world - the Three Gorges Dam in China, the Hoover Dam in the USA) and the Itaipu Dam along the borders of Brazil and Paraguay in South America. But this one, we heard is also quite significant.

Built between 1970 and 1972, the Naute Dam is the third largest dam in Namibia and is predominantly used for irrigation, although it also supplies potable water to Keetmanshoop and the surrounding farms. The dam's source is the Löwen River, a tributary of the Fish River.

But apart from its practical uses, people visit this area for recreation reasons.

Not far away from the dam is a resort popular for boating, water sports, and fishing. While there are no formal luxury lodges directly at the water's edge, it is often visited as a day trip from Keetmanshoop. People set up camps or picnic tables around the dam to enjoy the view of the surrounding arid landscape. In the nature reserve on the southern shores, there are several beautiful inlets for swimming.

It is also a bird sanctuary, particularly for flamingos and pelicans, but there are over 160 species of birds that have been spotted there. That’s one of the main reasons why photographers go and visit.

And what’s truly amazing is that they have turned this area into an oasis. What was previously a barren and unfertile land is now known for irrigated vineyards for table grapes and 900 hectares of date palm, prickly pears, and pomegranate plantations

The fruits were originally grown for export, but not all of them could be sold. The excess goes to a winemaker in Omoruru who opened a distillery near the dam that turns these fruits into fine spirits and fruity liqueurs made under the Naute Kristall label. He also makes white wine. Our guide said that his products have already garnered several awards. Nowadays, tourists intentionally stop there to buy his products as souvenirs to take home. Imagine that!

But the dam itself is beautiful to look at – a vast expanse of clear, turquoise water in the middle of the desert surrounded by flora and fauna. The lush vegetation and the presence of wild animals and birds around it make for such a beautiful oasis. It’s amazing what water can do!

We wandered around the area for a bit and took pictures at the lookout over the wall. There was not much to do there, so after a brief stop, we just drove down the causeway below, which provided a spectacular view, then headed to our next destination.