Cape town gay friendly


Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel to South Africa

LGBT travel in South Africa

South Africa is a shining beacon for LGBT travellers in comparison to most of Africa. It has enshrined equal treatment of the LGBT community in law and recognises same-sex marriage. South Africa Tourism actively encourages gay travellers; one factor behind Cape Town becoming Africa’s de facto ‘gay capital,’ and ranking among the world’s top gay cities.

South Africa is a fairly accepting country for most tourists and it has some particularly gay-friendly areas to visit. That said, be aware of not only the law, but also the current climate of opinion: browse on, and always test your government's latest commute advice before you visit.

The legal framework for LGBT travellers in South Africa

On the 8th May , South Africa's Constitution was the world’s first to make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. Then on 9th October homosexuality was legalised by the courts – a ruling which applied retroactively back to 27th April

The push for greater LGBT rights continued

A year-round destination, the Cape Winelands is best known for being home to South Africa's top wine farms and fine dining restaurants. It's where top chefs battle it out to get a corner restaurant, the top South African wine is produced, and its breathtaking valleys a muse to poets and artists from across the globe.

And because it is part of South Africa's Western Cape, you can rest assured that it's very gay-friendly. In fact, this is where the gay and the fabulous congregate to show off their finest attire, spill the tea, peruse the galleries and markets, and indulge in award-winning wine and cuisine.

There's always something to spot, do, taste, and appreciate in the flourishing Cape Winelands. It's a sensory waterfall of experiences! This slice of South African paradise can keep you fascinated for days (no, weeks!) on end!

From the Gourmet Food Capital of Franschhoek to the quaint student town of Stellenbosch, or Wellington's old-world charms, to name just a few, these destinations are like a mini road trip through the crème de la crème of food, fashion, wine, bubbly, arts

Whether it's a Manhattan you want or good ancient Sex on the Beach, Cape Town is a cocktail of sights and sounds that will go you gagging for more. As the most progressive country on the continent, this Mother City is a must on any fabulous traveller's itinerary.

Best known for Table Mountain, the flat-topped mountain watching over the city and wrapped by the Atlantic Ocean, it's a playground for all. And with some of the premier wine estates and restaurants in the world set Cape Town's spectacular landscapes, your glass, plate and heart will always be full!

From luxury apartments and boutique hotels, glamorous sidewalk cafés and electric nightlife, you'll never want to leave this city's vibrant gay culture.

Want to hike up mountains that will take your breath away in more ways than one? Watch penguins waddle along the beach? Do you want to wine and dine at the finest establishments with even better views? Or perhaps you want to immerse yourself in South Africa's rainbow culture? There's something for everyone in Cape Town's delightfully diverse landscapes. 

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LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to South Africa

Interesting Cities to Check in in South Africa

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town has probably the largest and most diverse LGBTQ+ scene found in South Africa, albeit still small compared to other capital cities. The highest concentration of nightlife is found in the Waterkant area. There is a mixture of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Cape Town, from smaller bars, where locals meet for a casual drink, to the two popular dance clubs, Pink Panther and Crew Bar.

Cape Town’s most popular tourist attractions include the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a large shopping and dining venue; the iconic Table Mountain—the top of which can be reached either by hiking or cable car; and the lovely Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Cape Town also has an annual Pride, which takes place around the end of February. This is a very diverse event, with all subsections of the LGBTQ+ community being very well represented.

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and has a large LGBTQ+ community. While Cape Town takes the crown as the ‘gay-capital&