Hardap Game Reserve (Hardap Recreation Resort)  is situated about 24 km from the town of Mariental, the Hardap Recreation Resort encompasses Namibia’s largest  dam, Hardap, which is on the Fish River. Although first investigations were carried out as early as 1897, construction commenced in 1960 and the dam was completed in 1963. It has a capacity of 320 million m³  and a surface area of 25 km².

Hardap  is well known as an angler’s paradise, with annual competitions held for enthusiasts. The dam and surroundings accommodate one of Namibia’s most strategic Great White Pelican breeding colonies. The Hardap Freshwater Fish Institute is within the reserve supporting the country’s growing aquaculture industry. It provides fish farms, other state-controlled dams and aquaculture projects with fingerlings for breeding and conducts research.