Gobabeb and Environs

Gobabeb is located in the Namib-Naukluft Park, on the Kuiseb River, approximately 120 km from Walvis Bay. It is a mere 55 km east of the Atlantic Ocean and so is influenced by the inflow of cold sea air. Temperatures during the day, however, vary widely, so come prepared for all weather conditions. August is midwinter in Namibia, however seasonal east winds can bring in warm air. Expect daytime temperatures of between 9 and 24 degrees centigrade.

Recommended items to bring: A hat, good walking shoes, a warm jacket, and a water bottle are essential. During moonless nights it can be very dark, so torches are necessary. East winds carry sand, which can get into cameras and other sensitive instruments -- protect them well.

Books, T-shirts, caps, and phone cards (telephone cards and flexi cards) are available for sale -- using cash is best.

Accommodations at Gobabeb consist of 16 shared sleeping units and tented units with communal bathing facilities. To save water, towels are not changed during short stays. Rooms are not automatically serviced during your stay, but room service will be on standby to assist when requested.

Contact at Gobabeb: Helen Kolb
Tel: +264 64 694 199, Fax: +264 64 694197
email: gobabeb@gobabeb.org
web: http://www.gobabeb.org/facilities.htm

Currency: The Namibian Dollar (N$) is at a fixed exchange rate of 1:1 with the South African Rand. SA Rand is also legal tender. Traveller's cheques, foreign currency, international Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club credit cards are acceptable at most places. Bank charges are levied on foreign currency. Traveller's cheques in foreign currency can be exchanged during banking hours, weekdays from 09:00-15:30 and Saturdays from 08:30-10:30 at any commercial bank in most towns. There are Bureau de Change offices at the International Airport and in the Levinson Arcade in Windhoek. No credit cards are accepted at petrol stations; most petrol/garage cards are accepted. Personal cheques, foreign currency, or foreign travellers cheques are not accepted. The Safari Hotel in Windhoek has foreign exchange facilities.

For general information on Namibia and travel see: http://www.namibia.com.