When planning a gay-friendly Southern Africa sojourn, it can seem impossible to choose where to go. Even if you've been to Africa more times than you can count, there's always something else you haven't seen, experienced, smelt, tasted, or heard. Our continent is full of surprises, and she'll keep you guessing! But whether you're a frequent flyer to this part of the world or you're still dreaming about setting foot on African soil, these destinations are just some you should not miss out on. This is your captain speaking, sit back, relax and sip that bubbly. We'll be departing for Southern Africa soon!
Captivating Cape Town
Ah, Cape Town. The RuPaul of African cities. She's shiny, fun, and has a LOT of personality! If you want sexy city fine dining meets royal Winelands, beachside babe and majestic mountains, then you're in for a wild ride in Cape Town!
As the gay capital, you'll strut in and feel right at home. But it's not only the LGBTQ+ that love this city. In fact, it's consistently voted as one of the top cities in the world to visit!
Must-Dos in Cape Town
- Take your tastebuds on a tour through the city, from the Cape Malay cooking in Bo-Kaap to the fine-dining restaurants that include some of the best in the world
- Take the cable car up Table Mountain to admire the 360-degree views of the city and ocean
- Admire the art at Zeitz MOCAA, housing the biggest collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, followed by a drink at The Silo Hotel's rooftop bar
- Drive to Boulders Beach to see the dapper African penguin colony waddle about
- Pay the hot (in more ways than one) beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay a visit where you'll rub shoulders with the rich, famous and simply fabulous, followed by drinks at the many cocktail bars
- Shop 'til you drop at the V&A Waterfront, followed by a sundowner cruise and dinner at one of the many restaurants
- For something historical, head to Robben Island on a boat, where Nelson Mandel was imprisoned
- Explore the city bowl, Sea Point and Greenpoint to enjoy its many eateries, galleries, boutiques, markets, and more
- Take a short drive to the Winelands to sip and swirl some of the finest wines in picture-perfect settings
Sultry Sabi Sand
Let's get wild in the wild! If you want safari, then Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve should be at the top of your list. Not only is it way more exclusive than public parks, allowing you to go off-road for a close-up of the wildlife, offering night safaris, walking safaris, and more! But you'll also find the World's Leading Luxury Lodge here – say hello to Silvan Safari!
Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, you get to see all the animals but fewer other people! In particular, Sabi Sand is well-known for being one of the best places to see (many) sightings of the famously elusive leopard.
Must-Dos in Sabi Sand
- Early morning and evening safaris going into night safaris
- Walking safaris to appreciate the smaller details of the bush
- R&R at one of the lodge’s spas
- Photography safaris so you can go show off your masterpieces back home (and photo studios to edit it)
- Relax by the plunge pool, often frequented by elephants who want a sip of your pool water!
- Sundowners on safari is an event on its own, with snacks and an array of tipples to choose from as you watch the spectacular sunset
Vivacious Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is big in every way – you can even hear "The Smoke that Thunders" and see her mighty mist rising like a wall from afar. As the largest falling sheet of water in the world, she's beloved for being a favourite destination in gay-friendly Southern Africa.
Her reputation also precedes her, as she has claimed titles such as being listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Must-Dos in Victoria Falls
- Walk through the Victoria Falls National Park, a stunning green forest with multiple viewpoints of the Falls
- For the brave, go gorge-swinging or zip-lining over the Zambezi River, followed by lunch at the nearby Lookout Cafe (so you can watch everyone else jump and scream like you just did!)
- Go on a safari afternoon or early morning game drive
- Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the Zambezi River. It's super tranquil, and you'll see birds, hippos, crocs, and more!
- A sunset cruise is another must, and you get fabulous luxury cruises to keep the party going all the way
- Take a daring dip in Devil's Pool, nature's infinity pool overhanging the Victoria Falls
- Go on a scenic helicopter ride to admire it from a bird's-eye view
Bodacious Botswana
Botswana is au naturel – she's one of the few places in the wild still left mostly to her own devices to flourish without too much human interference. And her boundless wildlife population is thankful and thriving because of it.
She’ll steal your heart in seconds if you want an eco-friendly safari experience that promises a truly immersive wildlife experience. A gay-friendly Southern Africa holiday is incomplete without a visit to this wild wonderland!
Must-Dos in Botswana
- Go on a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) safari on the Okavango Delta to really appreciate the sounds, smells, and sights of the bush
- Sundowner cruises on the Chobe River offer wildlife sightings and unbelievable sunset views
- Traditional game drive safaris will show you more of what's on land
- Visit Chobe National Park to see its famously endless elephant population
- Take an exhilarating quad bike ride through the Makgadikgadi salt pans and then sleep out under the stars
- Explore the ancient San rock art and remnants at Tuli Block
- Admire the Kalahari Desert with endless horizons and desert-adapted wildlife, and adorable meerkat colonies
Ready for Takeoff?
Honey, if you're going to travel to Africa, you should travel in the style you deserve! So, let our LGBTQ+ Travel Experts take care of the nitty gritty for you so that you can focus on looking fabulous and having a ball of a time! Want to combine all of the above? We've got a tour to get your imagination sparking!
What are you waiting for? Contact us today, and let's start planning!
