If you're wondering whether there really are countries in Africa for gay travellers, don’t. Regardless of why you want to head to Africa, we understand that planning your getaway as a gay couple, parents, or group has a whole other layer of concerns to it. But don’t be rash and discount the African continent as it has many destinations you can add to your list as an LGBTQ+ traveller.
In the same breath, it's essential to know that cultures and laws might be different in Africa for gay travellers, depending on which countries you visit. Therefore, you as a traveller have to be aware of and comply with these best you can while travelling. That’s why it is always a good idea to book your gay-friendly African safari through a company like Out2Africa, specialising in gay travel.
Here are some of our favourite destinations to add to your African itinerary.
Top Countries in Africa for Gay Travellers
1. South Africa
Top attractions in Africa for gay travellers include Kruger National Park
An Entire World In One Country
Gay Status: Legal since 1998
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal and recognised
Discrimination Protection: Yes
South Africa tops the list as one of the top countries in Africa for gay travellers. It’s very progressive for an African country, and in 1996 it was the first country in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Furthermore, South Africa legalised gay marriage back in 2006.
Cape Town is the country’s oldest city and Gay Capital. Here you can spend your days bronzing on the beaches or summiting the legendary Table Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the city below. The cosmopolitan nightlife calls for sultry summer evenings sipping cocktails in eclectic and exclusive gay-only night clubs.
Take an hour’s drive to indulge your inner wine connoisseur and foodie at the glamorous Cape Winelands. Here you have access to some of the top restaurants and wineries where you can swirl and sip some of the finest wines in the world and gaze out at carpets of vineyards framed by dramatic mountain ranges.
From here, you can venture deep into the untouched wild for a Big 5 safari in the safari mecca, Kruger National Park. Luxury abounds, and in stark contrast to the thriving wild, you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time but with all the modern-day conveniences at your fingertips.
Or if a self-driving road trip is more your scene, you can make your way up the Garden Route to explore its subtropical beaches, forests and adventurous activities.
2. Botswana
Botswana is a must-visit country in Africa for gay travellers
Packed with Wildlife, Sparse with People
Gay Status: Legal since 2019
Same-Sex Marriage: Not Recognised
Discrimination Protection: Yes
Although they only recently changed their regulations in 2019, Botswana has consistently been very welcoming towards gay travellers. A gem in its own right, you cannot compare it to anywhere else on earth. It's home to the Okavango Delta, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a mystery in itself and will fill your heart with awe and wonder.
The Chobe National Park is known as the land of gentle giants for a reason. Home to endless herds of the majestic elephant, feeling the ground vibrate as they strut right past you in unbelievable numbers is an experience you’ll never forget.
3. Rwanda
Seeing mountain gorillas is a great privilege in Africa for gay travellers, or anyone for that matter
It’s a Jungle Out There
Gay Status: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Not recognised
Discrimination Protection: None
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi travelled here and shone the limelight on this African destination. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Rwanda, there's a bit of a blurred line as the topic itself is considered taboo.
However, the tourist areas are considered safe from these judgements and regulations. You, therefore, have to be respectful and avoid public displays of affection when arriving at the airport or when among locals, but you can be as lovey-dovey as you want as soon as you get to your accommodation!
Here you can experience something most people will only dream about for all their lives – gorilla trekking in the verdant jungles. Coming face-to-face with these endangered mountain gorillas is an experience that will tug on your heartstrings and inexplicably humble you.
4. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia)
See The Smoke that Thunders in all its glory
Adrenaline Awaits
Gay Status: Illegal in both countries
Same-Sex Marriage: Not recognised in both countries
Discrimination Protection: None in both countries
Known as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, the majestic Victoria Falls is the largest water curtain globally. Not only will standing in its presence make your legs tremble slightly, but adrenaline-fueled adventures await you around every corner. The highlight will probably be cooling off in Devil’s Pool, nature’s very own infinity pool at the edge of the falls. Talk about an exhilarating experience!
Straddled by both Zimbabwe and Zambia, you can access the falls via both these countries. Homosexuality is illegal in both countries. However, the tourist areas in Victoria Falls are and have been for years now very welcoming to gay travellers, and it's not uncommon to see gay tourists showing affection in these areas. Therefore, this country is a great choice in Africa for gay travellers.
5. Namibia
Unusual and otherworldly landscapes await you in Namibia
Dessert, Ocean and Wildlife
Gay Status: Illegal although not actively enforced
Same-Sex Marriage: Not recognised
Discrimination Protection: None
Namibia is like a world on its own, and with one of the world's sparsely populated nations, it promises endless unspoilt landscapes. It's well-known for its rolling burnt sienna Sossusvlei dunes, thriving Etosha National Park, and shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast, to name just a few.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation is not illegal in Namibia, but the tourist areas have been very welcoming to LGBTQ+ tourists for many years. Our service providers will further ensure that you have the best gay-friendly stay.
Welcome to Africa, Dah-ling
It's always a good idea to book through a tour operator specialising in gay travel. Why wouldn’t you want to? They will know better than anyone what ‘fabulous’ means to you! At Out2Africa, our dream is to make your wildest dreams come true, and we know all Africa’s hidden treasures and hot spots.
We handpick our supplier network to ensure you are greeted to the continent with open arms. Furthermore, many of us gay travellers ourselves, we have the first-hand experience of what your trip to Africa will be like! It’s a tough job (wink, wink), but someone had to check it out to see that it is of the highest standard – just for you. You’re welcome.
Whether you're a couple seeking an adventurous experience, making memories as a family, a small group of friends with wanderlust, or you're single and ready to mingle, we can arrange your trip to suit your needs and wants.
Contact us today to visit the top countries in Africa for gay travellers and let's bring your wildest travel fantasies to life!
