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Important Information

Namibia: Skeleton Coast Expedition
Surreal sand dunes, thrilling safaris, and a graveyard of shipwrecks.
Country info

NAMIBIA VISA: Starting in April, 2025 a visa on arrival will be required at the cost of 1,600 Namibian Dollars. More details will be provided closer to departure. 

CULTURE SHOCK: Typically, Namibians greet one another leisurely with a “hello” and a “how are you doing?” While most Namibians understand English, a greeting given in a local language will be received with delight. Handshaking is not common. Skimpy, revealing clothing is frowned upon by most Namibians, especially when worn by women. Shorts are fine for the bush or the beach, but dress conservatively and avoid short shorts, especially in the more rural areas. Public displays of affection (LGBTQ+ or otherwise) are discouraged.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: While there is no LGBTQ scene in Namibia, the vast majority of Namibians are friendly to visitors regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

WEATHER: The best time to visit is typically during the long dry season from June to October. In June, you can expect clear skies, plenty of sunshine and little to no rain. Despite it being the first month of winter, daytime temperatures hover around 68-75F (20-24C). Temperatures at night may dip below 50F (10C) especially in desert areas – you will want some warm layers!

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements for Namibia, there are no mandatory vaccinations. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type D & M sockets. Visit the Namibia page on Power Plugs and Sockets of the World for more info.

CONNECTIVITY: All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. If you require connectivity, we recommend purchasing an international data plan or local SIM card (with an unlocked device). Even with a SIM card or roaming plan, coverage may be weak.

Illness on tour

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

How we travel

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Meals

All meals on this trip are included except for 2 lunches and 1 dinner.

Starting Point

The Weinberg Hotel
13 Jan Jonker, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 209 0900

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Finishing point

Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport
Airport, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 295 5600

To allow for unexpected delays, please do not book any international flights departing from Windhoek before 8pm. If you would like to extend your stay, additional accommodations can be booked in advance.

Tipping

If you are happy with the services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $200 – $300 USD.

Money

The local currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD). We recommend carrying local currency, however credit cards are accepted at most supermarkets, restaurants and establishments in urban areas (Visa and Mastercard are most commonly accepted) but outlets in rural areas are more likely to only accept cash payment.

NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $200 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

What to bring

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Out Adventures specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring. 

Please note: There is limited vehicle luggage space on safari so we ask that you bring a soft sided duffel bag with no more than 60 litres capacity, weighing no more than 20kg/44lbs. DO NOT bring a large hard-shell suitcase – oversized luggage will be left in the starting point hotel.

Travel Documents:

  • Passport
  • Flight itineraries
  • Travel insurance confirmation including 24-hr emergency collect phone number
  • Out Adventures invoice
  • Photocopies or an email with photos of important documents such as credit cards/passport/drivers license (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
  • Credit/ATM cards & cash

General Personal Items:

  • Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords
  • Power Plug adapter (https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/namibia/)
  • Eye mask
  • Earplugs
  • Refillable water bottle (water refilling will be available on transportation)
  • Daypack (the Out Adventures Sport Pack you received in the mail)
  • Luggage lock
  • Guidebook/phrasebook/reading material
  • Sunglasses
  • Small travel umbrella
  • Sun protection/hat
  • Warm hat and gloves (For morning game drives)
  • Binoculars
  • Protection for your devices from water/dust
  • Glasses can get very dusty during safari. If you have a prescription, bring a few pairs of contacts.

Shoes:

  • Socks
  • Walking/hiking shoes with a good grip on the sole
  • Sandals
  • Shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant

Bottoms:

  • Underwear
  • Jeans/pants you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear

Tops:

  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Shirts you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
  • Sweaters/fleece
  • Jacket for cold mornings and evenings (lows of 10C/50F)
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho

Health-related Items:

  • Face masks/hand sanitizer gel/sanitizing wipes
  • Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold/flu tablets, diarrhea tablets, rehydration packs
  • Personal Medication in original bottles 
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
Important travel insurance information

For everyone’s peace of mind, travel insurance is mandatory for all Out Adventures tours. This insurance must include medical coverage and emergency repatriation/evacuation. For more details on our requirements and guidance on obtaining coverage, please click here. In addition to meeting our minimum requirements, we strongly recommend insuring the total cost of your trip with cancellation coverage and selecting a policy that covers all activities included in this tour.

Your guide

All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ+-welcoming) Out Adventures guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.

Fellow adventurers

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

Flying solo

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Groups within groups

We love when groups of friends join us on an Out Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

  • Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
  • Mix up walking partners on excursions
  • Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
  • Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

Physical preparedness

This tour is rated 2.5/5. All guests must have a good level of health, and all tours involve uneven steps or stairs, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

  • Very little or no hiking
  • Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Low altitude
  • Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

  • Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
  • Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

  • Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
  • Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
  • Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

  • Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
  • Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
  • Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

  • Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
  • Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
  • Suitable for above average fitness level
Itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

From 14445 USD

We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

Book now

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

From 14445 USD
Ask a Question

Ask a Question

We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

Out Adventures
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