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LGBT

CAPE TOWN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

Cape Town LGBTQI+

Hands-down the queer capital of Africa, Cape Town is a liberal city in many ways, and that includes sexuality and gender identity. In a continent still marred with human rights abuses and lack of protection for the LGBTQI+ community, Cape Town has welcome many people from the LGBTQI+ community who don't feel welcome in their countries of birth. 

South Africa's Mother City is also (perhaps as a result of its welcoming stance) a creative melting pot and the heart of the country's creative industries - from publishing, advertising and fashion to architecture, design and film. Similar to many bigger cities the gay "scene" has seen major changes in the past decade. 

A victim to gentrification, the traditional gay village of De Waterkant is only a fragment of what it was in its heyday with many legendary clubs, bars and pubs having shut shop. Gay bars, pubs and clubs are now more dotted across the city, with some popular spots like Zero21 popping up in District 6.   

Gay Days Out

On a warm sunny day the boys flock to two main beaches in Cape Town. Clifton 3rd Beachis a beautiful stretch of golden sand where the muscle boys enjoy parading in their speedos. It is centrally located and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, framed by giant granite boulders. For something a little bit more raw and natural you can consider Sandy Bay- the only unofficial naturist beach in Cape Town. It is a gorgeously remote stretch of beach and very different in character to Clifton, boasting a rugged coastline and wind-swept beach with not a building in sight. It is hard to believe you're only 20mins drive from the city. Getting to the beach involves a 30min flat walk along a narrow sandy trail, but the reward of such a striking unspoilt beach is well worth it. The beach never gets packed, even on its busiest day, but the nature more than warrants a visit. 

A Night On The Town


De Waterkant is traditionally where the gay bars and clubs in Cape Town are at, though it isn't quite as buzzing as it has been in years gone by. Cafe Manhattan is a good spot to start with a pre-dinner drinks. If you fancy some more LGBT fun over dinner, Beefcakes is popular with the boys (and hen parties!). They make yummy burgers that you can enjoy while watching drag performers. If you feel like a drink and a dance afterwards, we highly recommend The Pink Candy Night Club (around the corner from Manhattans) or Honey & Dora (latest addition in town).


Heading slightly further out to District 6 you will find  Zero21, extremely popular with drag fans for their top-notch shows and a hit especially among the black and coloured community, or Harrington's Cocktail Bar, technically not a gay bar, but very popular with the guys. 

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The Travel Café Cape Town is associated with IGTLTA.

The Travel Café Cape Town is proud to be a  IGTLTA member. 


South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” - a melting pot of various colours, religions, and tribes. As a proud same-sex couple who live locally, it will be our pleasure to share the best this country (and continent) has to offer with you, our extended rainbow family. Travelling to the region can be complex and frustrating (especially for LGBTQI+ travellers), and considering the big investment in terms of time and money we’d like to help you get it right. 


Talk to us about joining one of our fun off-the-shelf minigroup fully guided tours.


Or let us know if you require a bespoke itinerary woven together by us, and tailored to your unique needs. One which centres around your unique style, budget, and precise requirements. Whether you dream of kicking back on the beaches of the Cape, hang out with Simba on an unforgettable Big 5 safari or take a deep-dive into local cultures and traditions - we’ve got your back. All you will have to think about is how much or how little you want to do, we will take care of the rest. 


Here’s to the adventure of a lifetime!


Sunny regards

JD and François
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