Namibia Gay Travel

While same-sex relations between men are illegal, the laws are rarely enforced and legislation to decriminalize same-sex relations is pending. Same-sex relations between women, on the other hand, are legal. Conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals persist, especially in rural regions, and many people in Namibia consider LGBTQ+ relationships to be taboo. It is advisable to avoid public displays of affection such as kissing or hand-holding and avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics in public. Rest assured that your crew, staff, and accommodations with Out Adventures will be very welcoming.

Gay Activity: Illegal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Foreign same-sex marriages recognized only
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Not Legal
LGBTQ+ Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts

Namibia isn’t the most obvious place for a gay or LGBTQ+ vacation, but you can travel freely and feel safe here. You can even hire local gay tour guides that understand the culture and climate to show you around. Public displays of affection (LGBTQ+ or otherwise) are discouraged.

Gay Villages
None.

Pride and Gay Events
The climate for LGBTQ+ people in Namibia has eased in recent years. The country’s leading advocacy group is OutRight Namibia, formed and officially registered in 2010, has organized Namibia’s first pride parades and seeks to be “a voice for lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals and transgender and intersex people in Namibia”.

5. Fish River Canyon
Officially named Ai-Ais National Park but commonly known as Fish River Canyon National Park, it’s widely considered to be Africa’s Grand Canyon. Home to over 100 endemic succulents and over 1,600 other plant species, some of which are quite odd, the canyon’s main feature is a gigantic ravine about 100 miles (160km) long, up to 17 miles (27km) wide, and in places almost 1,800 feet (550m) deep.

4. The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is a hauntingly beautiful and desolate stretch of coastline where the desert and the ocean converge. Its enigmatic name stems from the many shipwrecks that dot its shores, a testament to its unforgiving nature.

3. Windhoek
The capital city of Namibia blends a rich tapestry of cultures with a modern, urban feel. Nestled within the heart of the country, it offers a unique fusion of German colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality.

2. Sossusvlei
A mesmerizing desert oasis surrounded by the iconic Namib desert, Sossusvlei features towering red sand dunes (one is even named “Big Daddy”) as well as a surreal and otherworldly landscape that’s been known to captivate visitors. 

1. Etosha National Park
The crown jewel of Namibia’s conservation efforts, Etosha National Park is renowned for its wildlife diversity and distinctive landscapes. The park’s centerpiece is the Etosha Pan, a massive salt flat that gleams like a shimmering white sea and transforms into a mirage during dry seasons.

Best Time to Visit: Located well south of the Equator on Africa’s southwest coast, Namibia doesn’t have the four seasons that are common in the rest of the world. Instead, it has two seasons: summer (rainy) and winter (dry). The best time to visit is typically during the long dry season from June to October.

Electricity: Type D & M Sockets

Time Zone: Central Africa Time ( UTC+2)

Vaccinations: We recommend routine and measles vaccines, but to determine if you should take further measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

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

Visas: Tourists visiting Namibia for fewer than 90 days per calendar year are not required to obtain a visa in advance of their arrival. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date you enter Namibia. At least 2 completely blank pages in your passport are required for entry into Namibia.