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Best LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in Africa

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Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
De Waterkant is a historic neighbourhood known as the gay village of this city. Some streets are still cobbled and many buildings are brightly coloured. A painted pink line called the Pink Route guides walkers past community venues. The annual Cape Town Pride parade starts here.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Johannesburg
Vibrant city life meets rich history
6.4
On the Highveld plateau in Gauteng province, this city held the first Pride march in Africa. About 800 people marched there in 1990. In 1996 South Africa became the first country to protect LGBTQ people in its constitution. Annual Pride events also take place in nearby Pretoria and Soweto.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from the Carlton Centre top floor
  • 🏠 Take a guided tour of Soweto and visit Mandela House
  • 🏛️ Learn South Africa’s history at the Apartheid Museum
Durban
Sunny beaches and rich culture
7.1
Rainbow colours fill the streets when Durban Pride marches through the centre of this city. The march has been held every year since 2011. The city is the largest in KwaZulu-Natal province. In 2006 South Africa became the first nation in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Durban promenade and enjoy the ocean views
  • 🐠 Explore uShaka Marine World and its giant aquarium
  • 🏖️ Swim and surf along Durban’s famous Golden Mile beaches
Cape Verde
Islands of eternal summer
7.5
A 2004 change to the penal code made same-sex activity legal in this country. Since 2008 the labour code has banned job discrimination based on sexual orientation. The first Pride parade took place in Mindelo in 2013. Praia followed with its own Pride three years later.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail between the islands and enjoy ocean breezes
  • ⛰️ Hike to the volcanic summit of Pico do Fogo
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden beaches of Santa Maria, Sal Island
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
In 2023 the Supreme Court struck down the law that criminalized consensual same-sex activity in this country. The Equal Opportunities Act of 2008 bans discrimination based on sexual orientation in work, education and housing. A Pride march in Port Louis drew more than 1,200 people in 2016.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
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