Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Want a family getaway that's a little different? Be prepared to make some wonderful memories on this thirteen day adventure through South Africa and the beautiful Kingdom of Swaziland. You'll travel the magnificent Panorama Route through Mpumalanga Province for refreshing mountain air and impressive scenery all the way to the golden sands of Durban. Go in search of game at the famous Kruger, Swaziland's wonderful Hlane Royal National Park, the celebrated Hluhluwe and World Heritage-listed St Lucia Estuary along the way. There are so many activities on this OUT Family Adventure to keep kids and adults alike busy.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Non-traditional families deserve non-traditional family vacations. That's why our Family Adventures give your kids just as much of a chance to discover the world as you. Show your children exotic lands and new cultures - all in a safe, non-judgemental holiday. And don't worry parents. It's not only about the kids, there's still plenty of activities for you to enjoy too! But, this is NOT a baby-sitting service. Far from it, these trips are an exciting and stimulating way to spend time together with your family.
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa.
An arrival transfer is from the airport to your hotel is included in your tour. If you have confirmed this transfer by providing your flight details you will be met at the airport and transferred to the joining point hotel.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
If you arrive early, try one of the optional activities located in our trip notes to see the sights of Jo'burg, such as the chilling Apartheid Museum, landscapes-filled Art Gallery or fun-filled Gold Reef City, an amusement park.
Meals included: None
Overnight: Amadwala Lodge
Our accommodation in Johannesburg is located in a private setting and includes amenities such as wooden a-frame thatched chalets, each with it's own Jacuzzi and fireplace.
On day 2 we leave Johannesburg and make our way through the Mpumalanga Province, journeying along the famous Panorama Route, through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer. The sights en route include God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondawels (Sisters) and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon (approx. 5 hours drive).
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: The evening is spent at a resort overlooking the canyon. The comfortable rooms all have en suites and air-conditioning and are made of natural stone. There is a swimming pool set is grassy surrounds.
After breakfast we descend the escarpment and make our way to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. It is about an hour drive to the entrance of the camp. Our wildlife experience then begins as soon as we enter the park as the safari vehicle takes us into prime game viewing areas en route. Arriving at our lodge in time for lunch, there is time to freshen up before we head out on an exciting afternoon game drive. After an exciting afternoon, we return to camp.
Rise early the next day and have a light breakfast of coffee and rusks before embarking on a morning game drive to catch sight of predators perhaps, on a last foray into their hunting grounds before the sun exposes them to their prey.
Most of day 3 will be spent game viewing, bird watching and stopping at various waterholes and viewpoints. We arrive back at our lodge at sunset where you may want to enjoy a traditional sundowner.
During your time in Kruger there is also the option for a Big 5 Game Walk in Kruger National Park with armed rangers. This is a 3 hour activity which can be scheduled in the morning or afternoon. It is a really special experience to follow animals on foot!
We can also organise you to attend a Bush Dinner Braai in Kruger National Park.
This bush dinner braai is a 3 course meal that is served in the bush at an beautiful location. You are picked up from camp at sunset and are taken to the dinner location in the bush where everything is set up with tables, decorations, chefs, waiters and mini bar. There are armed rangers for the safety of the clients. After dinner you are taken back to camp in an open vehicle. This is a night drive combined with dinner in the bush. Both of these optional activities are exceptional and will be highlights of your time here.
Meals included: Breakfasts
Overnight: Our Kruger lodge is intimate and very comfortable. The rooms are built with local materials and have stone bathrooms. There is a swimming pool and comfortable bar.
We have a final slow drive out of Kruger National Park this morning - about 20km before we exit the park. Departing from the Kruger, we then travel southeast towards the border and enter the Kingdom of Swaziland, nestled snugly between Mozambique, Northern Zululand and Mpumalanga (approx. 2 hours drive). Here we visit a traditional Swazi cultural village and gain an insight into their cultural beliefs, traditional dancing and singing. These villages have the look and feel of traditional Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts arranged in semi-circles, central log fires and seating areas, all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal fencing.
Our time is spent on hikes, bicycle trails and on cultural excursions in the area. We also have the opportunity to visit a candle making factory and a glass factory.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: The evening is spent in these amazing traditional Swazi huts.
We depart Swaziland today, making our way back to South Africa and continue to St Lucia Estuary - a world heritage site. We spend our time discovering this natural water system, horse riding, playing golf, turtle tours and even deep sea fishing.
We also have an opportunity to visit Hluhluwe National park, the oldest game reserve in Africa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Our accommodation tonight is set above the Great St.Lucia lake, on a coastal dune and with stunning views of the estuary. All rooms have views of the tropical pool area or park-like gardens of the lodge as well as air-conditioning.
Today there is the chance to take an optional boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary where you are almost guaranteed to have a close encounter with pods of hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks not to mention some amazing bird watching.
From St Lucia to Durban is 280km which will take about 4 hours including stops as we make our way to the coastal city of Durban. Our approximate arrival time into Durban is 4pm.
In Durban we spend our time experiencing this tropical city, sampling some of its Indian cuisine, visiting the uShaka Marine World, spending time relaxing on their golden beaches, and enjoying the warm Indian Ocean.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Our accommodation tonight is a clean but simple lodge in central Durban, walking distance to Durban's beaches and uShaka Marine World.
Today we depart the Durban coast and head to the Drakensberg Mountains, approximately a 250km journey.
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. The largest proportion of the Drakensberg area falls in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Our final destination Cathedral Peak, like so much of Drakensberg is a haven for hikers, with a selection of trails winding through mountain scenery stands of indigenous trees, gurgling streams and trout pools.
Horse and pony rides are available along with sports facilities, mountain bike trails, a heated swimming pool, trout fishing and plenty of mountain climbs and walks.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Our accommodation this evening is nestled in the unspoiled surroundings of the uKahlamba Drakensberg mountain range.
Today we leave the beauty of the Drakensberg mountains behind and head back to the big city. We arrive in Johannesburg in time for dinner, where our OUT Family Adventure will end.
If you require assistance, your group leader can assist with organising transport to the international airport.
Meals: Breakfast
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This trip travels to a relatively conservative area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind:
Accommodation - We do not foresee any problems, however there may be occasions when a same sex couple may be asked to sleep in single beds rather than sharing a double. We appreciate your cooperation.
Public Display of affection - These are frowned upon in this region among all travellers, not just those on an OUT Adventure. This includes holding hands in public.
Gay Activities - This trip may not have specific gay hosted events, meals or day tours due to the cultural sensitivity of this region. We will do our best to provide a safe, comfortable environment for you and your fellow travellers to experience this culture.
Please read the important notes & local dress section of the Trip Notes for more detailed information
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Arrival airport transfer
Panorama Route including Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondawels - en route to Mpumalanga Province
Game drives - Kruger National Park
Night game drive - Kruger National Park
Swazi cultural village - en route to Hlane National Park
Game drives - Hluhluwe Game Reserve
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Johannesburg & full day Soweto tour - ZAR580
Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg - US$4
Art Gallery, Johannesburg - US$4
Big 5 Game Walk, Kruger National Park - ZAR300
Kruger Sunset Drive, Kruger National Park - ZAR200
Hlane Sunset Drive, Hlane Park - ZAR150
Guided birding walk, Hlane Park - ZAR80
Bike Trail, Hlane Park - ZAR85/hour
2 hour boat cruise, St Lucia Estuary - ZAR150
Cape Vidal day trip ZAR400
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 5-10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change.
Local guides/Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader (or instead of a leader on some independent itineraries). We suggest US$ 1 per person, per day for local guides/porters.
Your Crew: You may also consider tipping your crew for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$ 2-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Please note that over the South African school holiday periods we will stay in a lodge located just outside the Kruger Park boundary but still in the Greater Kruger National Park.
Please note that this tour is operated by our experienced local partners. In case of emergency ONLY you can reach our local operators under the following numbers: +27 11 675-0767/8 or +27 82 822 9407.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotels (12 nts)
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow USD $200 for meals not included.
12 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Minibus, walking
All OUT group trips are accompanied by one of our gay or gay friendly group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds. Our guides are chosen for their leadership skills, and most importantly have a passion for Africa and its people.
Amadwala Lodge - Cabins
203 Pierre Road
Wilgespruit, Honeydew
Johannesburg
Gauteng
South Africa
Phone: +27 83 641 1429
An arrival "meet and greet" transfer is included in your trip.
If you have confirmed this transfer by providing your flight details more than 15 days prior to your arrival, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs. Please look for our driver who will be holding a card with your name on it. The driver will wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time. If you are unable to find your driver please phone 011 675 0767 or 011 675 0768 Mondays to Fridays between 8am – 5pm or alternatively on 082 822 9407 after hours. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel.
Metered official Airport Taxis are also available. The cost to the Lodge will be approximately ZAR400 (400 South African Rand) which is payable to the driver. The taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals area.
Johannesburg is a very spread out city and depending on the time of day and traffic conditions in a shuttle, transfer or a taxi it will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to cover the 75kms from the airport to the Lodge.
Amadwala Lodge is a wonderful escape from hassles of urban Johannesburg - a safe and relaxing start or conclusion to your trip. Amadwala lodge has the feel of being in the country but yet is only a 20 minute trip by road to the bustle of Soweto. Your cosy hut is built from local materials and decorated with style. All rooms feature a generous outdoors deck which is a perfect place to relax with a book. The bathrooms come complete with a spa bath. The property also features a lovely pool area, an outdoor bar and a restaurant where meals and snacks are available. Best of all, all of the guests are fellow Intrepid travellers so there is always someone to chat to if you are travelling solo. Phone: +27 11 675 0767 / 8 contact for Reservations enquiries for Amadwala Lodge or Airport Transfers Phone: +27 82 822 9407 contact for Tour Operations department
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Amadwala Lodge - Cabins
203 Pierre Road
Wilgespruit, Honeydew
Johannesburg
Gauteng
South Africa
Phone: +27 83 641 1429
Amadwala Lodge is a wonderful escape from hassles of urban Johannesburg - a safe and relaxing start or conclusion to your trip. Amadwala lodge has the feel of being in the country but yet is only a 20 minute trip by road to the bustle of Soweto. Your cosy hut is built from local materials and decorated with style. All rooms feature a generous outdoors deck which is a perfect place to relax with a book. The bathrooms come complete with a spa bath. The property also features a lovely pool area, an outdoor bar and a restaurant where meals and snacks are available. Best of all, all of the guests are fellow Intrepid travellers so there is always someone to chat to if you are travelling solo.
Phone: +27 11 675 0767 / 8 contact for Reservations enquiries for Amadwala Lodge or Airport Transfers
Phone: +27 82 822 9407 contact for Tour Operations department
At the end of the tour we usually arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon of departure day so we recommend that you overnight after the tour. Why not take the chance to stay a couple of days and take a Soweto tour, or visit the moving Apartheid Museum. We are able to help you with day trips as well as transfers from the Lodge to Johannesburg airport in time for your departing flight. Please ask your tour leader for more details.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Citizens of Australia, UK and most EU countries do not need visas to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a small charge. Self-service laundries are scarce in Africa. If you would like to wash as you go, we recommend you bring bio-degradable laundry soap. Ask your leader who can point out the best places to do your laundry on the trip. They are usually at any 2 night stop to allow enough time for drying. Note that laundry is often done by hand possibly resulting in some damage to clothes. Leave your delicate eveningwear at home.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
For this tour you will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. It is also a good idea to purchase a money pouch/belt that is easily hidden. Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets.
When packing, be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Africa. To respect this, and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, vouchers
Health requirements arranged
Any Vaccination Certificates required
Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card
Travel plug / international adapter
Money pouch
First Aid kit and personal medication
Swimming costume and towel
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Tampons are difficult to buy in most parts of Africa
Wet Wipes (disinfectant hand tissues)and/or hand sanitizer
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Waterproof jacket or umbrella
Camera
Binoculars
Mobile phone- check you have international roaming access
Photos or postcards of your home country/family/pets to show with locals
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of USD cash, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard) and some travellers' cheques.
Cash
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. USD large bills, in good condition, 2003 series onwards only, are more widely accepted; any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.
EUR or GBP are also widely accepted. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa.
When changing money, only use reputable authorised money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.
Travellers' Cheques
You should also carry some travellers' cheques for back up emergency cash.
While travellers' cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavourable exchange rates. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries. Note: Receipts for travellers' cheques are required by banks and money changers.
Visa and MasterCard
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be.
Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it is not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.
Local Payment/Kitty: Needs to be paid in USD cash (large bills, in good condition, 2003 series onwards only). We recommend that you organise cash for your local payment/kitty before arriving at your destination. If this is not possible, money exchanges can generally be found at the airport upon arrival, or close to the starting point hotel.
If you are on a multi-country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country. Please be aware that some currencies, specifically Tanzanian shillings and Malawian Kwacha, can be extremely difficult to change once you have left that country.
Please allow US$40 for departure tax (although it may be included in your international air ticket).
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Yellow Fever:
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries in Africa. You may be needed to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate.
It is also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.
Please check with your doctor before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you will be visiting.
Drinking water:
As a rule we recommend you do not drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for travellers from other continents, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this is not serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it is enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available but we recommend that you fill up from your vehicle (we treat our water) if you are on a camping trip or from our camps if you are on a short break. Water consumption should be about 3 litres a day (this should be easy for most!)
First Aid:
The leader or guide(s) will be carrying a basic 1st Aid kit, but can not administer any drugs.
Re-hydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies.
Please inform the leader of any specific medical requirements on day 1 at your group meting if travelling on a group trip or your first contact with a company representative on the ground
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Pick-pocketing is very common in some of the larger cities.
While staying in national parks, please listen to the advice your tour leader and the park rangers give you on how to behave responsibly.
Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas.
On an OUT trip you will be travelling with other gay or gay-friendly passengers. We encourage open minded friends and family to join our trips. As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography,
OUT Adventures holds an annual photography competition. For more information, prize details, entry form and competition conditions,
please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
Send entries to The Editor,
OUT Adventures,
PO Box 98026, 970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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