| PHOTO: SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM
Welcome to Cape Town: the gay capital of Africa
| PHOTO: SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM
South Africa is the place for high-octane adventure, travel and cultural exploration. Because of the introduction of democracy through the government of Nelson Mandela, the gay community can proudly claim the status of their constitution which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Overseas nuptials are even possible as South Africa became the first African nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2006.
LGBT travel in South Africa was not always easy. Twenty years ago, most of the LGBT establishments were underground because the community was required to keep their activities low-key and away from the government eye. During apartheid, homosexuality was a crime aimed at keeping gay political activists at bay.
Today, the city of Cape Town is the most popular destination in South Africa for LGBT tourists. Cape Town is known as “Pink City” or the gay capital of Africa. In 2016, the city will host the 33rd Annual International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) Global Convention. Many South African leaders are promoting LGBT rights, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu. In 2013, at the launch of the United Nations Free & Equal global campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, Tutu stated, “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place. I am as passionate about this campaign as I ever was about apartheid.” Since it is illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation in South Africa, LGBT people are welcome everywhere, and its common to see them being open with their sexuality.
Here is a guide to navigating Cape Town, fondly known in the LGBT community as “Mother City”:
Scuba diving at the Two Oceans Aquarium | PHOTO: GEOFF SPIBY Visit
Start your trip with a tour of the Iziko South African Museum, which takes you on a journey through South Africa’s natural and cultural history, like the origin of man and evolution of animals. A 10 minute stroll from the museum will land you in Greenmarket Square, a popular outdoor flea market where you can purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs like Springbok purses or African dress.
The most iconic tourist attraction, Table Mountain, is definitely worth a visit. Recently crowned a Seventh Wonder of Nature alongside the Amazon and Ha Long Bay, the 3,000ft mountain is named after its flat peak being shaped like a table. For a vigorous and challenging workout, brave a two hour hike up its rocky path. At the top of the mountain, you can see the landscape of Cape Town with the aid of several lookout points. Afterwards, take the cableway to the bottom, which spins you 360 degrees for a panoramic view of the city (or you can choose to abseil to the bottom with Abseil Africa).
For marine lovers, the Two Oceans Aquarium located on the beautiful Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dares you to try diving with ragged-toothed sharks and stingrays. For additional water submersion, visit the warm swimming beaches of Muizemberg or Long Beach. Sandy Bay, the only nudist beach in Cape Town is too cold to swim, but is a favorite sunbathing spot for locals. Another popular beach area is Camps Bay, a trendy and wealthy town (similar to Malibu) that offers upscale dining and a place to sip cocktails with a view of the mountains.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town with Table Mountain in the background | PHOTO: SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM Reminiscent of London’s Soho and New York’s Greenwich Village, De Waterkant is one of the most sought-after addresses in Cape Town. Its 19th-century homes have been transformed to create a village feel and are a favorite hangout for the local LGBT community. Visit some of the trendy art galleries and shops in the Cape Quarter area of De Waterkant like Africa Nova, featuring African artists or Desray Fashions, featuring Cape Town designers.
Every visitor to South Africa should experience the Cape Winelands located 40 minutes from Cape Town. There are hundreds of estates offering wine tasting sessions for you to indulge your palate, and each estate presents a custom experience like chocolate and wine tasting at the Waterford estate or champagne and marshmallow tasting at JC Le Roux. Be sure to try a glass of Pinotage-a tasty South African red wine that is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. At several of the estates, you can pair a tasting with an outdoor adventure like clay pigeon shooting, hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Eat
In Camps Bay, have an indulgent meal at Paranga, a white tablecloth restaurant with tranquil views of the beach. Because of the high dollar-rand conversion rate, the prices at many fine dining restaurants, including Paranga are startlingly good. Try Paranga’s kingclip dish or chicken breast fillet for an average of $15 a plate, and a glass of quality South African wine for $4.
Beefcakes, Cape Town | PHOTO: BEEFCAKES.CO.ZA Fifteen minutes from Cape Town houses the neighborhood of Woodstock. Have lunch at The Kitchen, owned by a gregarious lesbian named Karen Dudley. The small, kitschy restaurant is frequently standing-room only and offers menu items made in-house, like beets, humus and avocado for sandwiches and healthy plates. There are several mementos of Michelle Obama on the walls after her treasured visit a few years ago.
Stay
The 5-star IGLTA-approved Table Bay Hotel is optimally situated across the harbor with an incredible view of Table Mountain. According to gay manager, Sherwin Banda, “My goal and hope for the Table Bay Hotel is to continue the legacy of Madiba, to be a place where difference is celebrated and encouraged and for our guests to enjoy only the very best that South Africa has to offer.” This ideal seems to be completed with exceptional views, service and food throughout the property. The balconies on the second floor give you the opportunity to catch a couple of seals kissing on the docks, or enter the V & A Waterfront mall attached to the hotel for diverse shopping. The hotel also offers a grandiose breakfast buffet every day with more than 250 different items to choose from.
Nightlife
De Waterkant Village | PHOTO: DE WATERKANT Your best bet for experiencing LGBT nightlife will be in the Cape Town suburb of Green Point. Here you will find many gay-owned businesses and gay bars to dance the night away. Crew Bar is a mixed bar with two levels pumping different music, as well as displaying a lively theme of decorations each night. Around the corner from Crew is Beaulah Bar, the only all-lesbian bar in Cape Town, and all types of women come out to dance to the pop and hip-hop tunes.
Many of the locals favor the Gat Party (pronounced “vaat”) located in the suburb of Milnerton, which is a monthly gay party which draws a mixed crowd. Also, The Mother City Queer Project hosts Africa’s biggest gay bash, a blowout party that takes place every December to celebrate South Africa’s constitution forbidding discrimination based on sexuality. Both gay men and lesbian women attend, and you must wear a costume to enter.
Beefcakes is probably the most popular gay bar and draws all orientations. Beefcakes is a burger joint by day and turns into a party at night. The venue puts on shows and themed nights, and you will be entertained by singing drag queens and campy jokes. You can also choose to mingle with the locals on Long Street, the most popular bar hopping area in Cape Town.
How to get there
Fly from San Diego to JFK on a non-stop flight (Jet Blue, Delta, American or Alaska), and then take South African Airways non-stop to Johannesburg.
I need to be hooked up
Really, white author? You’re okay with portraying South Africa as if it’s a mostly white country? White Americans are are always trying to portray to the world that white people must be present if and must be the reason why any place is a desirable destination!
Africa is BLACK continent just in case you did not know.
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