South Africa ranks high on the Africa Equality Index. The country is a leader in inclusivity and LGBTQ+ friendliness. With plenty of spaces to visit from the Western Cape to Gauteng, Mzansi prides itself with a plethora of safe and friendly establishments.
October marks South African Pride Month and LGBTQIA+ pride is a movement rooted in activism with the main purpose of advocating for better treatment of the queer community.
As we celebrate Pride Month, promoting inclusivity in tourism and hospitality is also important as an inclusive environment enriches everyone’s travel experience.
It encourages an exploration of new perspectives and fosters mutual respect among travellers from different walks of life.
If you’re planning on exploring Mzansi, whether for business or leisure, here are some gay-friendly hotels near you.
Atlantic Bay Lodge, Cape Town
Since Cape Town is South Africa’s gay capital, The Mother City isn’t shy with the Pride Month celebrations. Atlantic Bay Lodge in Milnerton is perfect for travellers looking for a beach escape.
The lodge is just 100m from Sunset Beach, a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and kitesurfing, with sweeping views taking in Table Mountain and Robben Island.
It’s also the perfect place to take a walk and take your mind away from the worries of the world.
The lodge is also close to the Castle of Good Hope, the South African National Gallery and Greenmarket Square for those to learn about art, and history or just have a good time.
For laid-back stays, you can also take advantage of recreation opportunities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace and a garden at the hotel with 6 individually decorated guest rooms, featuring private pools and private spa tubs.
The hotel is ideal for those looking for privacy with a stay starting from R1 449 a night for 2.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Johannesburg Melrose Arch
No place is as diverse and inclusive as Johannesburg and the LGBTQIA+ community is openly embraced in the city.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Johannesburg Melrose Arch is perfectly located in the city’s entertainment district and close to the gay nightlife in Illovo.
The hotel is also conveniently close to trendy shops and restaurants in the Melrose Arch Precinct making everything a walk away.
With its old Hollywood theme and pictures of Audrey Hepburn on the walls, you’ll get a taste of the glamorous life on African soil when staying at the hotel.
Each room includes tea and coffee-making facilities but, since you are in Joburg, the chances are you won’t want to have coffee in your room.
A stay at the hotel starts from R2 601 a night for 2.
Premier Hotel Umhlanga, Durban
Sandy beaches, warm waters, and urban sophistication have long made Durban a favourite summer destination, however, there’s also a broad gay community in the city. Most of the city’s trendy spots are now located in Umhlanga.
This makes the Premier Hotel Umhlanga the perfect base for exploring the nightlife safely and conveniently. The hotel is 2.6 km from Umhlanga Main Beach and offers accommodation with a terrace, a restaurant and a bar.
This 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
You can also visit Gateway Mall, Umhlanga Arch and Oceans Mall if you’re looking for entertainment while visiting the city.
A stay at the hotel starts from R1 720 a night for 2.
Sandton Lodge Inanda, Johannesburg
Another gem is Sandton Lodge Inanda, located within walking distance of the trendy Illovo district where you'll find popular gay bars like Beefcakes.
Tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, it is a stylish guesthouse with large rooms that give guests the feel of staying in a luxury home.
The breakfast at the hotel is the ideal cure for a hangover after a hectic jol at Beefcakes.
There's also a private garden free from the sound of traffic while this hidden gem is an ideal base when you're in Johannesburg.
A stay at the guesthouse starts from R881 a night.
The Cape Diamond Boutique Hotel, Cape Town
The Cape Diamond Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Cape Town's historical heritage and is surrounded by some of the 'Mother City's' architectural and historical gems.
Close to Greenmarket Square, the Company Gardens and the Castle of Good Hope. The historic art deco building has been renovated into a comfortable hotel, turning the beautiful 1930s headquarters of jewellery giant American Swiss into a beautiful establishment.
Creativity, style, luxury and comfort come in abundance with the hotel, making it the perfect place for any member of the queer community.
Each of the rooms have been individually decorated in an inviting and contemporary style and the hotel offers a rooftop area to unwind and a 24-hour front desk for safety and convenience.
A stay at the hotel starts from R1 154 a night for 2.
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Durban
If you want to explore Durban’s Beach Front, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is situated just 200 metres from the beach, along Durban’s Golden Mile.
The hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean so you’ll have the opportunity to see the sunrise over the horizon over the ocean. The hotel also has three swimming pools and four restaurants serving a variety of dishes.
Suncoast Casino is just 1.5 km from the hotel, and uShaka Marine World is 3 km away. Durban Botanical Gardens and Florida Road, a restaurant hotspot, are 5 km away.
The en suite bathrooms include a bath or shower and this gay-friendly hotel also provides a full English breakfast buffet daily. Guests can also make use of the gym, spa facilities and room service.
A stay at the hotel starts from R1 706 a night for 2.