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 Surreal sand dunes, thrilling safaris, and a graveyard of shipwrecks. Unveil the secrets of enigmatic Namibia, where the pulse of adventure meets the ferocity of the wild. Traverse Salvador Dalí-esque sand dunes, discover the heart-pounding drumbeat of nature during a multi-day safari at Etosha National Park, and witness the dramatic shipwreck-laden Skeleton Coast on a scenic flight. We’ll also delve into ancient African culture at a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bask in the unique German-Namibian architecture of Swakopmund before kicking back at a beyond-stylish game lodge. This ambitious journey is perfect for those seeking to ignite their spirit of exploration and discover an untamed coast.
Keep your safari going by adding on our Botswana Okavango Delta Gay Safari Tour Extension which begins right after this tour wraps up!
• Gaze upon The Skeleton Coast, a graveyard of shipwrecks where the desert meets the ocean
• Conquer Dune 45, the most photographed sand dune in the world, at Sossusvlei
• Discover Deadvlei, known for its skeleton trees and vibrant orange dunes
• Marvel at a vast array of wildlife on a multi-day safari
• Get revved up for an exciting desert 4×4 drive
• Lounge in leisure on a West African beach in Swakopmund
• Delve into the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness at a stylish game lodge
Day 1
Wa lalapo and welcome to Namibia! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin with a Group Meeting at 6:00PM followed by a Welcome Dinner at a quirky and entertaining spot that features Namibian food with a German twist.
Accommodation: The Weinberg Windhoek Hotel, Windhoek
Day 2
Our first day is all about familiarizing ourselves with Namibia’s surreal scenery. After breakfast, we’ll take in the sights during a 4.5-hour drive to the Dead Valley Lodge outside Sesriem. Once we’re settled in our luxury chalets with panoramic views of the Namib Desert, we’ll enjoy a Namibian-style lunch and have time to relax at the pool. This afternoon, get revved up for an exciting desert 4×4 drive that’ll introduce us to the area’s unique flora and fauna. After a sundowner (African lingo for a sunset beverage stop), we’ll return to the lodge for dinner and a leisurely evening.
Accommodation: Dead Valley Lodge, Sesriem
Day 3
Today begins early but it’s well worth it! Just after sunrise, we’ll visit Sossusvlei, a mesmerizing Namib desert oasis known for its towering red sand dunes. During our ascent to the top of Dune 45, one of the most photographed dunes in the world, we’ll take in unsurpassed views of the Dalí-like desertscape. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, we’ll drive to Deadvlei, a clay pan known for its skeleton trees set against a vibrant orange backdrop of dunes. This pan is surrounded by some of the highest dunes in the world with the tallest one colloquially known as "Big Daddy". After lunch, we’ll go for a light hike through Sesriem Gorge, a tranquil natural canyon, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Dead Valley Lodge, Sesriem
Day 4
Start the day off early with an optional hot air balloon ride, or slumber until your heart’s desire. After breakfast, we’ll begin a 5-hour drive to Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast. On the way, we’ll be privy to Solitaire (no, not the card game) which is notable for the cacti, abandoned vehicles, and apple pie. After a bakery visit and pie tasting, we’ll get a glimpse of Moon Valley on the way to Walvis Bay, where we’ll stop to marvel at the migratory birds that inhabit this coastal area. While we are out of season for most species, we might be lucky enough to see flamingos! Upon arrival in Swakopmund, we’ll have an optional lunch, then reconvene for a guided orientation walk through this unique German-Namibian town. Later this afternoon we’ll check in to our beachfront hotel with some free time before gathering for an included dinner at our hotel.
Accommodation: Strand Swakopmund Hotel, Swakopmund
Day 5
Today is yours to enjoy this gorgeous coastal town! Indulge in some beach time, explore the town’s charming open air markets, or delve into Namibian culture at a museum – all are within walking distance from the hotel. History buffs may be keen for an optional excursion to Cape Cross, named for the large cross left by Diego Cao, the first European to arrive on Namibian soil in 1485. Cape Cross is also a popular fur seal breeding site, boasting an excess of 100,000 seals at any given point, making for quite the spectacle (and quite the smell if the wind happens to change direction). Other optional excursions include a sea & dolphin cruise and a fishing trip. Tonight is free, although we’ll gather for an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation: Strand Swakopmund Hotel, Swakopmund
Day 6
Rise and shine! After breakfast, we’ll transfer to a local airstrip for a spectacular 2-hour scenic flight over the haunting and picturesque Skeleton Coast, renowned for its innumerable rusting shipwrecks. This is sure to be a major highlight of the trip, and we’ll bear witness to Cape Cross, the Zeila shipwreck, the Rössing and Husab Mines, the iconic Spitzkoppe granite inselberg, and the striking geological formations of Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain range. To make a great excursion fabulous, our flight will save us a long drive, having us land a short drive away from our next lodge where we’ll enjoy lunch, then check in. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the lodge or venture out on a self-guided nature walk. At sunset, we’ll gather for sundowners, then we’ll dine together at the lodge.
Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland
Day 7
Today’s pre-dawn wakeup call is well worth it as we’ll be chauffeured on an early-morning nature drive through the harsh, arid environment that’s home to desert-adapted elephants and other unique flora and fauna, with a picnic breakfast no less. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to take a dip in the pool – which has been carefully carved out of local boulders. This afternoon, we’ll visit the fascinating geological formations of Burnt Mountain, the Organ Pipes, and Twyfelfontein Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock engravings in southern Africa. Here, we’ll gain insight into the ritual practices of the Stone Age hunter-gatherer communities that once inhabited the area. Back at the lodge, another sumptuous dinner awaits.
Accommodation: Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland
Day 8
After breakfast, we’ll see the countryside once more on a 4-hour drive to Etosha, renowned for its spectacular landscape, wildlife diversity, and conservation efforts. Upon arrival at the crown jewel of lodges, Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, we’ll check into our luxury chalets, enjoy lunch, and have the afternoon to discover everything this alluring property has to offer. Optional activities include clay pigeon shooting or a rejuvenating session in the Lodge’s Mystique Spa. This afternoon, we’ll visit a local Himba village to discover their rich heritage and get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of one of Namibia’s most distinctive nomadic tribes. The Himba continue to lead remarkably similar lives to their ancestors, forging an existence in the harsh environment of Kunene (formerly called Kaokoland). After our visit concludes, we’ll return to our lodge for a group dinner and some relaxing free time.
Accommodation: Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, Etosha
Days 9 & 10
For the grand finalé of our trip, we’re going wild with a 2-day safari through Etosha National Park, home to elephants, giraffes, elands, kudus, oryx, springbok, and over 340 avian species. 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. Both days begin with a pre-sunrise departure from the lodge and include a boxed breakfast, a full morning game drive, and a picnic lunch. We’ll return to the lodge in the early afternoon with the rest of the day free to catch up on some z’s, indulge in a spa service, or read by the pool before reconvening for dinner.
Accommodation: Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, Etosha
Day 11
Today a group transfer will be provided to Windhoek Airport or to the finishing point hotel in Windhoek. With that in mind, we ask that you schedule your departing flight to leave no earlier than 8 PM.
Keep your safari going by adding on our Botswana Okavango Delta Gay Safari Tour Extension which begins right after this tour wraps up!
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• Arrival & departure transfers to/from joining/finishing point hotel
• An LGBTQ+ group host and an English-speaking local guide throughout
• Daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 9 dinners
• All gratuities for safari guides, drivers, included meals and porters
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All land transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• 4×4 Open Safari Vehicle on game drives
• Scenic Skeleton Coast flight
• Entry to Twyfelfontein Heritage Site
• International Airfare
• Optional activities, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Gratuities for your local group leader (budget approximately $100 – $150 USD)
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
Dramatic deserts & untamed wonders. Gay travellers are discovering every aspect of the Land of Many Faces.
With its arid deserts, monstrous sand dunes, and stunning coastlines, The Land of Many Faces is becoming more prominent as a new destination for adventure travel. A German colony throughout the early twentieth century, Namibia gained independence in 1990 and is home to two of the oldest tribes in Africa, the Bushmen and the San People. Namibia is also populated by hunter gatherers, traditional pastoralists, subsistence and commercial farmers, traders, miners and fisherman. The current First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, is in favour of LGBTQ+ rights and has called for sodomy and homosexuality to be decriminalised.
Namibia Visa
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.
Gay Namibia Travel
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.
LGBT Rights in Namibia
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 us will be very welcoming.
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.
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. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type D & M sockets.
Time Zone
Central Africa Time ( UTC+2)
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.
Meals
All meals on this trip are included except for 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
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 $100 – $150 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.
We recommend carrying approximately $400 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.
Starting Point Hotel
The Weinberg Windhoek Hotel, Windhoek
Enjoy the pleasures of city life and the serene atmosphere of Africa in style in The Weinberg Windhoek. Its iconic styling seamlessly blends old-world splendour with modern lines as well as state of the art amenities.
The hotel’s elegant architecture wraps around a heritage building, which forms the heart of the Am Weinberg Estate. It also features restaurants of different culinary styles and the appealing Life Day Spa.
The rooms at the Weinberg Windhoek combine old world charme with modern amenities. All rooms feature air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
The hotel has three upmarket lounge spaces. The Sky Lounge has panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Guests also have access to two upmarket restaurants and a delicatessen within the broader estate precinct.
Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland
The delightful Mowani Mountain Camp lies hidden amongst towering boulders in Namibia’s breathtaking Damaraland region. Guests can unwind he camp’s luxurious Suites, which come complete with a butler service, al fresco bathroom, sitting room, and dining and bar area.
Order a refreshing drink and spend the afternoon admiring the breathtaking views of the Damaraland landscape from the natural rock pool.
Mouth-watering meals await guests after a rewarding day of game viewing, while a sparkling swimming pool, tucked between boulders, offers a cooling respite between adventures. Guests can join a game drive in the renowned Twyfelfontein region in search of desert-adapted elephant. A trip to the ancient San (Bushmen) rock engravings is one of the highlights of the area.
At the resort, every room includes a desk. The rooms have a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Mowani Mountain Camp every room has bed linen and towels.
Finishing Point Hotel
Epacha Game Lodge & Spa, Etosha
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, Epacha Game Lodge & Spa is nestled within a 21 000-hectare private reserve and is 39 km from the Etosha National Park and 97 km from Outjo.
The air-conditioned, elegant rooms feature a ceiling with exposed wooden beams and have a mosquito net draped over the bed. They offer a balcony with a view and come fitted with a minibar, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and an en suite bathroom with a bath and shower.
At Epacha Game Lodge & Spa there is a restaurant and bar. Guests can relax on the sun loungers which surround the pool.
The Mystique Spa has 5 treatment rooms and a sauna, steam room and hot tub which is located next to the treatment rooms. Activities range from guided game drives and bird watching.
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