Mariental
Sometimes a place is above all exactly what you need along the way. Mariental is such a stop. Refuel, pick up supplies and then continue towards your campsite or lodge in the Kalahari.
Discover everything about this location.
A stop along the way with a story of its own.
Mariental is a small town in the Hardap district with around 14,000 inhabitants. Many travellers use the town as a stop during a journey through Namibia.
The name goes back to the German founder Herman Brandt. In 1912 he named the valley after his wife Marie. The inhabitants descend from the Nama people, known for their click language.
In Mariental itself your schedule does not need to be full. The town is mainly practical. You refuel, pick up supplies and then continue your route towards the Kalahari.
Water in a dry landscape.
The Hardap Dam lies close to Mariental. The reservoir has a capacity of 300 million m³ and is the largest in Namibia. Because of the dry climate, that maximum capacity is almost never reached.
Water from the dam is supplied in a controlled way to agriculture in and around Mariental. Combined with the abundant sunlight, this makes it possible to grow various crops.
Anyone stopping here in summer may face high temperatures. In winter it can get very cold.
This makes Mariental a logical stop.
- Refuel and pick up supplies before driving on towards the Kalahari.
- Visit the Hardap Dam close to town.
- Mariental lies in the Hardap district.
- The town has around 14,000 inhabitants.
- The Hardap Dam has a capacity of 300 million m³.
- Water from the dam supports agriculture in and around Mariental.
- Take into account high temperatures in summer and cold conditions in winter.
Self-drive trips in the region
Namibië Self Drive 14 Dagen - Lodge only
