The African Voyager

South Africa

5 gay-friendly South African destinations they don’t tell you about

Southern Africa • See & do • 5 gay-friendly South African destinations they don’t tell you about

The ultimate guide to South African destinations that are gay-friendly

When we talk about gay-friendly travel in South Africa, the conversation usually starts – and ends – in Cape Town. But venture just a few hours beyond the city and you’ll find a growing number of small towns where queer travellers are simply treated like anyone else – no raised eyebrows, no need to explain. This list focuses on the spots where the vibe is easy, the welcome is real and the focus is on good food, good views and the freedom to just be. You won’t find rainbow signage or Instagrammable slogans – just calm, creative places that feel safe and honest. Pack your bags – we’re about to show you where to go next.

Top photography courtesy of Klein Constantia

Greyton

Greyton feels like somewhere you end up by chance and end up staying longer than planned. A two-hour drive from Cape Town, this Overberg village lives at the edge of the Riviersonderend mountains, where dusty gravel streets, free-roaming horses and mountain-fed streams paint a kind of pastoral calm that’s hard to manufacture. It’s the kind of place where nobody cares who you are or who you’re with, as long as you’re friendly and respectful – which, in Greyton, most people are. The Saturday market is full of small producers and musicians, the hiking trails are just out of town and there’s always somewhere to sit with coffee and watch the world go by. Many of the guesthouses are owner-run and warmly informal, often with open-minded hosts who’ve left city life behind.

Photography courtesy of The Post House

Tulbagh

You come to Tulbagh for the wine, but you stay for the stories, the people and the atmosphere. Cradled by three mountain ranges and famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, this Breede River Valley escape is ideal for those craving time-warp stillness and wine-soaked afternoons. The town is small, with a tight-knit community and while there’s no visible LGBTQ+ scene, the welcome is relaxed and genuine. Many of the local guesthouses and wine farms are run by couples – some queer, many just inclusive by nature – and the pace of life is designed for deep rest. Church Street is one of the best-preserved heritage roads in the country and there’s a comforting sense of stillness to the whole place. People greet you by name after a few days. You stop checking your phone. You sleep better. It’s not trying to be trendy. That’s part of the appeal.

Photography courtesy of Montpellier Wine Estate

Hermanus

Hermanus has long been a place where you can disappear into the view and come back to yourself. The whales bring most of the tourists, but the off-season is when the town really settles into its own rhythm. It’s safe, friendly and easygoing – especially for queer couples and solo travellers who aren’t looking for nightlife, just quiet comfort. A lot of the B&Bs are small and independently owned, with hosts who are more interested in good conversation than where you’re from. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a whole afternoon walking the cliff path, then grab dinner somewhere without needing a reservation or a dress code. We love the local creative scene – especially during the FynArts Festival – which draws in creatives from all backgrounds.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is no stranger to visitors – but its gay-friendly spirit lives beyond the polished tasting rooms and student-heavy streets. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a surprisingly inclusive network of creatives, entrepreneurs and locals who’ve carved out spaces that welcome all identities. The town’s design scene – art galleries, homegrown fashion labels and intimate live music venues – tends to attract a more progressive crowd. Stellenbosch might not shout its inclusivity, but spend a few days here and you’ll feel it – in the freedom to be yourself without explanation. For a weekend trip, it’s the mix of good wine, long walks and the feeling that nobody is watching that makes it worth returning to.

Photography courtesy of Bartinney Wine Estate & Meraki

Knysna

Knysna has long been whispered about as a safe and affirming destination, particularly for queer South Africans seeking somewhere beautiful to simply exist. For years, it hosted South Africa’s Pink Loerie Festival, but even outside of that, it’s remained one of the Garden Route’s most welcoming towns. The lagoon draws most of the attention, but it’s the long drives through the forest, the farm stalls and the hidden-away guesthouses that make it feel personal. Knysna’s creative backbone keeps the place humming – ceramicists, woodworkers, slow fashion designers – all part of a community that values difference and lives gently. It’s not loud, but it is present. And for many, that’s the point. It holds space for you to be whoever you are, in whatever form you arrive.