Our home in LGBTQ+-friendly South Africa is often referred to as the "Rainbow Nation" due to our melting pot of cultures and languages. And just like your best, flavourful and hearty stew, it's this inclusive environment that makes South Africa the gay capital of Africa! Here's why your fabulous self should come to get a taste of our Rainbow Nation…
Show up as your authentic self when visiting Cape Town
Sensational South Africa
"South Africa, in particular Cape Town, is the perfect place to go if you're part of the LGBTQ+ community. It's the most beautiful and accepting city in South Africa by far. Seeing that it's seen as the gay capital of Africa, it's all about embracing diversity and not just a certain group or class of people," says Travel Expert Marlin.
Like Marlin shows here, you can expect a whole lot of WOW moments in Cape Town
Cape Town as a Gay-Friendly Hub
But what makes Cape Town more accepting than the rest of Africa? It all comes down to who lives here.
"I do feel that Cape Town is a bit of an anomaly within Africa. Cape Town has got a very strong representation that's a very open, forgiving, kind and very forward-thinking approach to the community," explains Travel Expert Luke.
Raveshni agrees. "The number one travel tip I can give for any LGBTQ+ community member is to come to Africa. I always see a lot of people from the LGBTQ+ community coming to Cape Town on TikTok. And this helps influence other people of the community to visit this city specifically because of how inclusive we are."
Luke and Unathi are always ready for a photo opp
What Other Regions in South Africa Are Gay-Friendly?
Cape Town might be the most famous for being a fabulous gay-friendly destination to not only travel to but live in, but the southernmost tip of the African continent has more destinations to offer too. Just ask Travel Expert Unathi, who has made her way through the country and has a library of stories to tell.
"Yo, I mean, just like me, travelling South Africa isn't a binary experience. It's beautiful, calming, and exciting. It's enriching and possible for people from all walks of life. I have backpacked and travelled from the Garden Route through the Wild Coast up to the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. I've switched it up to exploring bush camps in Hluhluwe. And then I've also stayed at luxury lodges in the Kruger National Park. So it's exciting, calming, and a non-binary experience," says Unathi.
Unathi has travelled all over Africa
The Rainbow Nation Leads the Way
Waathiq is proud to be a born-and-bred South African who can just be himself in his home country.
"I feel privileged to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, but more so privileged because I'm from South Africa, and laws aren't as stringent as they are for the rest of the African continent. But with my privilege, I also feel saddened by what the rest of my African brothers and sisters have to go through. So I acknowledge my privilege, but I'm also conscious and really aware of what everybody else goes through, not just on the African continent, but how the LGBTQ+ community has been marginalised throughout the world."
Waathiq in his element at one of our parties in Cape Town
Embark on Your Own Holiday in LGBTQ+-Friendly South Africa
Although some African nations are still playing catch-up, it's important to know that travel to Africa is not only possible for LGBTQ+ travellers – it's fabulous. As you can tell, our African Travel Experts have traversed our vast plains to gather first-hand experience (lucky them, we know!) and have a wealth of knowledge to help plan your gay-friendly holiday to a tee. Plus, they know everyone worth knowing on our continent to ensure you travel without a hitch from start to finish! And you'll have a ton of fun along the way!
So, what are you waiting for? There's never been a better time to travel to South Africa. Chat to our Travel Experts, and let's tailor-make your dream African holiday today!
