Like many Namibian towns, Gobabis developed around a mission station; in this instance one established in 1856 by the Rhenish Missionary Society. But this spot was also once a base camp for ivory hunters and a trading post for elephant tusks. In the latter half of the 1800s and the early 1900s several conflicts flared up between the Mbanderu and the Khauas Khoikhoi, as well as between the settlers and the indigenous people. Herero and Nama people fought wars against one another, as well as with settlers from the Cape Colony who occupied the land. Perhaps for that reason the spot became known as Gobabis which means ‘The place where people quarrelled’. Gobabis district was proclaimed by the German authorities in February 1894 and in June of the following year Gobabis was occupied by a German garrison.

These days Gobabis is an important link on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. It is about 110km from the Buitepos/Mamuno border post and serves as an important node between the mines of landlocked Botswana and the Namibian port of Walvis Bay. This route is also used for transporting consumer goods imported from Gauteng, South Africa into Namibia.

Gobabis is a large town and considered as the capital of eastern Namibia. The settlement borders the Kalahari Desert, and is traditionally the land of the Herero people. It is the ideal stopover as it offers all services and facilities that a traveller might need. The larger Gobabis area is cattle farming country with quite a lot of hunting opportunities. Gobabis is so proud of its cattle farming that a statue of a large bull with the inscription 'Cattle Country' greets visitors to the town.
While the German military fort, which was built in 1896/7, has long since disappeared, one of the few buildings dating back to that era is the field hospital, or Lazarette, which has been declared a national monument.
A large amount of wildlife can be seen on surrounding farms and many travellers find a visit to the Harnas Wildlife Sanctuary, some 100km north-east of Gobabis, to be worthwhile.

FOOD:
There is a coffee shop in town, 'Koffie Huis' - +264(0)62 564 255 / +264(0)81 149 0760.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

GAS REFILLS:
Can be refilled at Agra.

HEALTHCARE:
The hospital number given is for the private health hospital in Gobabis called Gobabis Health Centre: +264(0)62 563 980, which is better than the state hospital. The state hospital number is +264(0)62 566 200.
There is a dentist.

ROAD INFO:
The C22 from Gobabis to Otjinene and across to Okakarara is tarred.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
There is a SPAR Food Store in town. The Internet café is at Rosy Hair Salon.

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