Gobabeb, Research station in Namib Desert, Namibia
Gobabeb is a research institute located in the Namib Desert, positioned where the Kuiseb River, a vast dune sea, and gravel plains meet. The facility operates as a working research center where scientists study the interaction between river, sand, and arid conditions.
The station was founded in 1962 by Austrian entomologist Charles Koch as a specialized project to study desert beetles. It grew from this focused beginning into a broader research institute dedicated to understanding arid zone ecosystems.
The station maintains relationships with the ≠Aonin Nama people, who have lived along the Kuiseb River for generations and share their knowledge of survival in this landscape. Visitors can observe how traditional practices and modern research coexist at this location.
Visitors must arrange their stays in advance, as the station is not accessible without prior reservation. The location is remote, so guests should arrive prepared and with suitable transportation arrangements.
The station holds a collection of more than 19,000 scientific publications focused on arid zone research, one of the largest repositories south of the Sahara. This library makes it a significant resource for researchers studying desert ecosystems.
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