This year's theme is 'Namib-Naukluft Park: Centenary and Beyond'.

"If you're curious about what we do deep in the Namib Desert, then join us for a day of information and enjoyment.

You will learn about Gobabeb, the unique desert plants and animals of this area, as well as how all Namibians can use this information," said the centre's Fundraiser, Almute Moeller.

"The day promises to be an eventful and fun-filled day (and night) for family and friends."

Activities will include centre tours, nature walks, talks and presentations on Gobabeb, displays on the training and research, a Topnaar community '!Nara presentation' with song and dance, children's programmes and the screening of videos.

Books, Gobabeb T-shirts, caps, lunch and refreshments will be sold.

The gates will open at 09h00 and close at 16h00 for day visitors on June 7, while overnight visitors will stay on and enjoy a dune sundowner, followed by a production of African storytelling by Avalon Events in the dune amphitheatre.

An evening braai will be followed by a performance under the stars by Trio Feminale, Moeller said.

Sunday morning starts with a dawn walk in the Kuiseb River followed by breakfast, whereafter the guests will depart.

All visitors to Gobabeb require an entry permit to the Namib-Naukluft Park, obtainable free of charge upon arrival at Gobabeb.

Day visitors will have to pay an entrance fee of N$50 per adult, while children under 18 go in for free.

Light lunches are available at N$50 each, or visitors can bring along a picnic.

"Gobabeb draws water from the Kuiseb, however some find the taste salty, so you may want to bring your own water," Moeller advised.

"A water bottle and hat are essential."

Day visitors don't have to book, but overnight visitors must.

They should contact (064) 69 4199, fax (064) 69 4197 or e-mail gobabeb@gobabeb.org for the necessary arrangements.

May 30 is the deadline for bookings.

Limited fuel is available for sale, and although there is no cellphone coverage, there are public telephone facilities.

Gobabeb is located in the central Namib Desert and is about 300 km by road southwest of Windhoek, and some 120 km east of Walvis Bay.

For 45 years Gobabeb has served Namibia, the SADC region, and international science as a research site, training location, and conference centre.

The Gobabeb Training & Research Centre is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation devoted to enhancing Namibia's understanding of the environment, and to add to Namibia's capacity to deal with environmental problems.

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