So, where next?
Oh Cape Town, you have more hits than a Now That’s What I Call Music! playlist. We’ve narrowed it down to some of our top picks.
A lot's happened since homosexuality was decriminalized thirty years ago. But don't just take our word for it. We had a chat with some Capetonians to hear how they’ve been living their best authentic lives.
Don’t be a drag, just be a queen is taken to a whole other level in Cape Town. For the days when you want to take it down a notch, we’ve got our day trip list.
Lawhill Luxury Apartments
Cape Town, South Africa
5 stars
President Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
The Bay Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
4.5 stars
La Splendida
Cape Town, South Africa
3.5 stars
One&Only Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
5+ stars
Waterfront Village
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
Southern Sun Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
The Barracks
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
The Onyx Apartment Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
Big 5 safari lodge 2 hours from Cape Town
Southern Sun Cullinan
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
The Commodore
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
The Rockefeller
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
5+ stars
Vineyard Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
4 stars
Ready to hit the road? Here are a few handy tips to help make your journey in South Africa as fun and fabulous as you are.
Laws & regulations
Practical tips
Support & services
Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has made strides on the LGBTQ+ rights front. The first country in the world to write sexual orientation as a protected category in its constitution back in 1996. One decade later, same sex unions were legalized. And in 2013, same-sex couple adoption was ruled.
Marriage Equality Act, 2006: South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage. Since, LGBTQ+ couples can now adopt and explore surrogacy options.
Anti-discrimination policies: It’s a constitutional infringement to discriminate based on grounds of sexual orientation or gender. The Equality Act, 2000 further strengthened these protections.
Protection Against Hate Crimes: Protection isn’t exclusive to verbal discrimination in South Africa. Hate crimes are met with zero tolerance.
The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act, 2003: Steps towards trans inclusivity are in motion. Individuals can now change their gender statements on official identity documents.
Language evolves - and just like the best journeys, it doesn’t always follow a straight line.
In this guide, we use terms like LGBTQIA+, queer, gay, lesbian, transgender, intersex, asexual and more. These reflect the language that felt inclusive, accessible, and widely understood at the time we put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
We often use “queer” as a shorthand - a word that’s been proudly reclaimed by many, though we know it won’t resonate with everyone. The same goes for LGBTQIA+: used as a broad umbrella term, not exclusive one. Where it feels important, we’ve used more specific labels - in hopes of reflecting the richness and diversity of the community and shared experiences.
We know the language of identity is personal, political, and constantly evolving. This isn’t a dictionary - and it’s certainly not the final word. We simply hope this guide speaks with clarity, compassion, and respect.
