Cape Town

Cape Town is considered the most queer-friendly city in Africa. South Africa legalized same-sex marriage back in 2006, and the constitution explicitly protects queer people from discrimination. If you want to combine scene, nature and beach in a single trip, you will find a mixture here that is unparalleled on the continent. Table Mountain, wine country and the Atlantic Ocean are all within easy reach.

Trendy district

The heart of the queer scene beats in De Waterkant, a neighbourhood with brightly painted terraced houses on the edge of the city centre. Around Somerset Road, which is considered the central axis of the district, bars, cafes and clubs are concentrated. The distances are short, much can be reached on foot. Outside this zone, the scene is less visible, which is why De Waterkant remains the natural starting point for most travelers.

Nightlife

The nightlife is mainly along Somerset Road, where bars and clubs are lined up within walking distance. The audience is mixed. During the week, many restaurants are rather quiet and only fill up on weekends. If you want to party, you should be prepared for a later hour, because the clubs only really get going after midnight. For excursions to other parts of the city, it is recommended to take a taxi or a driving service in the evening instead of long walks.

Beaches

The Atlantic coast in front of the city is lined with well-known beaches. Among the most popular addresses are Clifton with its four bays separated by rocks and the neighboring Camps Bay, both easily accessible by car. However, the water of the Atlantic remains cool even in summer, which is why many come to sunbathe rather than swim. Between Clifton and Camps Bay, Clifton's third beach is traditionally considered a meeting place for the queer community.

Best time to visit

Cape Town is located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed. Summer from November to March brings warm, dry weather and long days, ideal for beach and hiking. Usually, Cape Town Pride takes place in February or March, which falls in the middle of the high season. If you want to avoid crowds, travel in early autumn around April, when it is still mild.

Arrival

From German-speaking countries, you can reach Cape Town via Cape Town International Airport, usually with a change in Doha, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg, for example. From the airport to the city center it is about 20 kilometers, which can be covered by taxi or driving service in half an hour. Within the city, a rental car is handy, especially for beaches and the wine country around Stellenbosch. For Germans and Austrians, tourist stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Legally, South Africa is more open to queer people than almost any other country in Africa, with marriage and comprehensive protection against discrimination. In everyday life, however, lived openness remains strongly concentrated on De Waterkant and tourist zones. When it comes to general safety, the usual caution is advised: do not walk through lonely areas at night, carry valuables inconspicuously and take a taxi for longer distances. Most visitors feel at home in the busy, well-frequented districts.