Gobabeb Namib Research Institute

Gobabeb is an internationally recognized centre for dry land training and research. It is located in Namibia in the Namib Desert, south-east of Walvis Bay on the Kuiseb River and at the edge of the Namib Sand Sea. Gobabeb is a catalyst for gathering, disseminating and implementing understanding of arid environments. As such we do or host research in various themes, including geology, geomorphology and soils, botany and plant ecology, conservation physiology, restoration ecology, water in arid environments, meteorlogy and atmospheric sciences, microbiology and fungi, and long-term ecology. We test, demonstrate and promote appropriate technologies for arid environments. By conducting training courses for schools, universities and postgraduate level, we aim to improve public awareness and knowledge of dry land ecology and environmental issues. The station has excellent research and training facilities including laboratories and conference facilities. It is manned by permanent researchers and trainers, students, and interns, as well as short time visitors such as researchers, school and university groups, and tourists. Gobabeb also hosts film crews, journalists and artists.