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Featured Gay Friendly Tours in South Africa
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Gay South Africa
Planning a trip to South Africa?
The diverse country offers incomparable experiences, which is why it’s always on top of travelers’ bucket lists. Sandy Bay in Cape Town is one of the TOP 10 best gay beaches in the world! Many ask, though, is South Africa safe for LGBTQ travelers? The answer is yes if you’re in the hands of a trusted Voyemo travel designer!
Voyemo is our top choice for bespoke travel experiences when you’re going to South Africa.
South Africa is situated at the southern tip of Africa. It is surrounded by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho. With a population of over 59 million people, it is the world’s 23rd most populous nation! South Africa has three distinct capital cities. Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town, with its largest city being Johannesburg.
With an immense country with widely different landscapes, 11 official languages, and a uniformly diverse population, South Africa is a multiethnic and multicultural country. The country has the most robust economic climate in Africa and is an influential participant in African politics. In 2010, South Africa hosted the first Football World Cup to be introduced to the African continent.
South Africa is recognized for its wines and is one of the globe's largest producers of gold. Surfing is a favorite pastime here, thanks in part to the robust waves offered at places like Cape Town, Durban, or Jeffrey's Bay. Jeffrey's Bay, in particular, has a number of renowned surfing spots, including Kitchen Windows, Magna tubes, Boneyards, Supertubes, Impossibles, Salad Bowls, Coins, Tubes, The Point, and Albatross. While you're in town, check out the local retailers and artisan shops offering a variety of handcrafted items. This is also the prime spot to sample "white gold," or calamari, and abundant delicacy in these parts.
What do you want to discover?
Best Time to Visit South Africa
Top Things to See and Do in South Africa
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in South Africa
South Africa is considered to be the most gay-friendly destination in Africa and was among the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage. It is a popular destination for tourists worldwide with thousands visiting every year and is a favorite of LGBTQ+ travelers. However, South Africans are generally very conservative. Gay travelers can be themselves in the cities, especially Cape Town. Establishments are welcoming and inclusive, and the LGBTQ+ community is very much a part of the diverse fabric that makes up South Africa.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
Visiting South Africa between May and September will guarantee warm and comfortable weather for sightseeing especially if you want to go on safari.
Top Things to See and Do in South Africa
1) Kruger National Park
2) Cape Town
Photo Credit: Kyle Cut
3) The Garden Route
4) Drakensberg Mountains
5) Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Photo Credit: Mark Potterton
6) Pilanesberg National Park
7) Robben Island
Photo Credit: Grant Durr
8) Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
9) Apartheid Museum
10) Kragga Kamma Game Park
MUST DO South Africa Attractions & Activities
South Africa is home to beautiful botanical scenery, endless beaches, vineyards, and, of course, the African Safari. Also, South Africa has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites available in Africa. This means that there are plenty of places to see, explore, and take in. Below are some of the most popular destinations in South Africa that you don’t want to miss!
Cape of Good Hope- Part of the Table Mountain national park, this park offers great bird watching, breathtaking views of deserted beaches, lush scenery, and more. Located in what’s known as “The Cape”.
Krueger National Park- Known as one of the largest and greatest national parks, Krueger national park’s sheer magnitude is unparalleled with the number of animals, vast space, and greenery it contains. What’s a visit to South Africa without an African Safari?
MUST EAT South Africa Gay-Friendly Dining
There is so much to do from taking food and wine tours in the Cape to visiting a foodie haven in Durban.
South African cuisine is a unique fusion of various influences such as Dutch, German, French, and British flavors. There is also a touch of Asian flavors in South African cuisine today brought by the Malaysian slaves of Boers and Indian railway workers of the Brits.
When you visit South Africa, don’t forget to enjoy a traditional al fresco braai (barbecued food), a popular melktert (custard-filled pastry), and a sweet and creamy glass of Amarula (liqueur).
MUST VISIT South Africa Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
The growing nightlife in South Africa includes several nightclubs, bars, and pubs that cater to the gay community.
Famous for their nightlife areas, Cape Town and Johannesburg have a vibrant social scene, which includes clubs and bars. You can find gay-friendly spots everywhere from beach bars to revolutionary dance clubs.
Travel Safety Tips
The laws of South Africa protect LGBT rights, and it is widely considered the safest of the African countries for LGBTQ+ travelers. Again, the cities are more welcoming than the rural areas. But with all cities, it is always recommended that you remain mindful of your situation.
Because of South Africa’s incredible wildlife, precautions in this country are necessary if you are shark diving or heading out on safari. Follow the rules and remember mother nature is the boss!
Destinations within South Africa
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