City in Western Cape, South Africa
Is Cape Town LGBTQ+ friendly?
Is Cape Town LGBTQ+ friendly?
Legal equality, a large gay scene and open daily life in central areas. Townships and outer areas are more conservative.
LGBTQ+ laws in South Africa
Africa's most legally protective country, with gay scenes in Cape Town (De Waterkant) and Johannesburg; rural areas and townships are conservative and hate crimes occur.
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Civil unions or partnerships | Yes |
| Legal gender change | Yes |
| Anti-discrimination law | Yes |
The scene in Cape Town
Where to go
- De Waterkant
- Green Point
Events
- Cape Town Pride (Feb–Mar)
LGBTQ+ friendliness across South Africa
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Johannesburg | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Pretoria | 4/5 · Welcoming |
| Kruger National Park | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Durban | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Stellenbosch | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Hermanus | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Knysna | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Plettenberg Bay | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Port Elizabeth | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Franschhoek | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Umhlanga | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Jeffreys Bay | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
Quick answers
Is Cape Town safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Legal equality, a large gay scene and open daily life in central areas. Townships and outer areas are more conservative.
Is same-sex marriage legal in South Africa?
Yes.
Where are the LGBTQ+ areas in Cape Town?
De Waterkant; Green Point
More about Cape Town
Going to Cape Town solo?
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Sources
- ILGA World: legal frameworks
- UK FCDO travel advice: South Africa
- SARS Customs online traveller declaration
- MyCiTi
- Airports Company South Africa
- Cape Town Tourism
Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.