Whether you’re brand-new starry-eyed lovers or celebrating decades together, our selection of LGBTQ+ romantic getaways in South Africa will leave you both swooning.
South Africa is one of the most progressive countries in Africa, correction, the world. Don’t believe us? Well, we’ve got the stats to back it up! The southernmost tip of the African continent might be far away from famously gay-friendly cities like New York. Still, South Africa was the first country in the world (yes, world!) to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Furthermore, it was the fifth country worldwide to legalise same-sex marriage. In other words, South Africa is the perfect romantic getaway destination for LGBTQ+ couples. Here are our handpicked favourites guaranteed to impress.
Top Gay-Friendly Romantic Getaways
From a mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge on a private Big 5 game reserve and Michelin-star dining in the middle of the Kalahari desert, in no particular order, here are our picks of the best places for your next romantic getaway.
1. Ellerman House
If you or your significant other consider yourselves art aficionados, appreciate fine wines, and live for ocean views, Ellerman House is for you. Here, you’ll likely rub shoulders with some of the world’s rich and famous, as anyone and everyone from Oprah to Roger Federer called this mansion in the high-end Bantry Bay suburb home. Whether you choose from the luxury rooms or exclusive-use villas, Ellerman House is always "dressed to impress".
Why we adore it
- Historically rich with over 1000 artworks on display, which you can admire on an in-house art tour
- Cocktails and canapés during the golden hour of sunset on the terrace will make for the best Instagram-worthy captures
- The "Naughty Corner" pantry where you can indulge your sweet tooth is open 24/7! Don't mind if we do…
- Ellerman House Wine Gallery, where you get to admire the massive corkscrew wine rack and other treasures and sip sensational wines
Luxury hideaway overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean, Image Credit: Ellerman House
2. Silvan Safari
As the World's Leading Luxury Lodge, you really can't do any better than this when looking for a Big 5 safari destination for your romantic getaway in South Africa. Silvan Safari celebrates the finer things in life and delivers only the biggest and best you could want. For example, it's known in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve for having the longest (a full-length lap!) pool, incredible art collection, and one of the most extensive gin collections. Quite frankly, my dear, this is the place romantic holiday dreams are made of!
Why we adore it
- Voted World's Leading Luxury Lodge for four years running, so you can expect only the best in accommodation and service
- Incredible wildlife sightings (including the usually-elusive leopard!) on game drives, but also right from your private plunge pool!
- Each luxury suite is named after and inspired by the surrounding trees with incredible customised artworks
- Full-length lap swimming pool and one of the most extensive gin collections in Sabi Sand
3. Bushmanskloof
Imagine being surrounded by nothing other than, well, "nothingness". The rugged Cederberg Mountains offer respite from civilisation and allow you to step back in time by learning more about the local bushman. Located only about three hours from Cape Town, this wilderness and wellness retreat is perfect if you and your partner want to swap the daily hustle for a simpler (but no less luxurious) time.
Why we adore it
- Romantic hideout in the Cederberg Mountains for some good ol' R&R
- Explore over 130 rock artworks and learn more about Bushman culture and history
- Excellent spa treatments and massages, which you can enjoy alfresco
- Do as little or as much as you'd like, with plenty of activities on offer, from mountain biking, lounging by the pool, angling, nature drives, guided walks, and more
Romance in the middle of nowhere, Image Credit: Bushmanskloof
4. Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Londolozi is a legend in its own right, located in Greater Kruger National Park. Known for its leopard dynasties and incredible safari experiences, this is the place to be if you love big cats (rawr!). It's also as sophisticated and exhilarating as your hottest celebrity crush, with a seriously impressive reputation dating back to 1926. What makes it the perfect romantic holiday destination? Well, from the world-renowned Healing House's wellness treatments to soaking in an outdoor bath while elephants amble past, every setting screams romance.
Why we adore it
- Guaranteed luxury and quality service as it's a member of the Relais & Châteaux fellowship
- There's an airstrip on the Londolozi Private Game Reserve for a fly-in safari to skip the bumpy 4x4 roads to the lodge
- We admire and respect their focus on conservation, wildlife rehabilitation and community upliftment
- Favourited by various fabulous folk over the years, even including South Africa's very own Nelson Mandela!
Everything the light touches is your kingdom, Image Credit: Rhino Africa
5. Tintswalo Atlantic
Imagine if your room could open up right onto the ocean waves, lapping gently and hypnotically against the rocky shoreline. At Tintswalo Atlantic, this is your reality. Nothing spells romance more than this haven's utmost privacy and sultry sunsets. Furthermore, the food is out of this world, with fine dining legends Liam Tomlin and chef Braam Beyers inviting you for a tantalising taste journey at Chef Warehouse Tintswalo. Yes, please, sign us up!
Why we adore it
- The utter seclusion and views over the ocean are unparalleled
- The soundtrack of the crashing waves is like a lullaby at night
- Plunge pool overlooking the ocean is the perfect sundowner spot
- The on-site restaurant is world-class, promising a delightful dining experience
The ocean at your doorstep, Image Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
6. The Oyster Box
The Oyster Box is located on the stunning KwaZulu-Natal coastline overlooking Umhlanga beach. Known as one of the country's very best hotels, its seaside location and quality guaranteed by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection means you can sit back and soak up the romance for days. The Durban area also has much to explore, so set aside enough time to take full advantage of it all. Plus, we're just going to point out that it's named after an aphrodisiac. Just saying!
Why we adore it
- The art collection of over 100 paintings gracing the walls of the hotel
- Pool and outdoor deck overlooking the ocean, where you'll most likely spend most of your time (that and the bedroom, of course! Wink, wink)
- Award-winning spa for divine treatments
- Incredible cuisine, including their famous local curry buffet and, of course, oysters
Blue skies, pool and ocean views, Image Credit: The Oyster Box
7. Oceana Beach Lodge and Wildlife Reserve
Did someone say bush and beach? Take our money! Oceana Beach Lodge and Wildlife Reserve located in the Eastern Cape is an ooh-la-la paradise where you can enjoy the best of safari and sand, with daily game drives and 7km of powdery white sand a stroll away. The cuisine is also something to write home about, including private dining and beach picnics to take the romance up a notch.
Why we adore it
- It combines two of our favourites, bush and beach!
- Game drives and bush walks to explore the reserve
- Long walks on the beach and magical sunsets
- On-site spa to melt any lingering tension right way
Views for days, Image Credit: Oceana Beach Lodge and Wildlife Reserve
8. Tswalu Private Game Reserve
Love fine dining? Want to escape to a place so remote and special that some of the world's rarest species find refuge in its wild spaces? Say hello to Tswalu! This place is so spectacular that even South Africa's very first Michelin-star chef, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, opened a restaurant here called Klein JAN. You'll feel like you have the Kalahari desert to yourself, so exclusive is the Tswalu experience, complete with a private safari vehicle, lantern-lit dune dinners, and more.
Why we adore it
- So many ultra-romantic and exclusive experiences to choose from
- The Klein JAN restaurant offers a dining experience that will delight even the most discerning food critics
- Out-of-this-world wellness treatments at the on-site spa
- South Africa's largest private game reserve, you can look forward to seeing plenty of wildlife on safari, including rare species like desert-adapted rhino, meerkat, aardvark, black-maned lions, cheetah, and more
The beautiful red Kalahari desert, Image Credit: Rhino Africa
9. Jamala Madikwe
Home of the "sofa safari", Jamala Madikwe's attractive location means you'll get to see plenty of wildlife without even having to leave the lodge. It's also located in malaria-free Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve, an owner-managed lodge that promises excellent service and exhilarating safaris.
Why we adore it
- The "Sofa Safari" lounge area and pool overlooking a private watering hole frequented by wildlife, or go up the Jamala Madikwe watchtower for an even better vantage point
- Chance to see the "Super 7" on safari, consisting of the usual Big 5 and the addition of the endangered African wild dog and cheetah
- Award-winning cuisine by Head Chef Jacques Sansom and his team
- Spa experiences, wellness facilities and gym
Sofa safari where you don’t even have to leave the lodge to see wildlife, Image Credit: Jamala Madikwe
Book Your LGBTQ+ Romantic Getaway in South Africa Today
Can you feel the looooove tonight? Well, visit South Africa and soon you will! Contact our LGBTQ+ Travel Experts and leave your dream romantic holiday in their hands!
