Gay Travel Guide to Cape Town: Beaches, Wine, Penguins and Why We Cannot Wait to Go Back

Cape Town, where do we even begin?

As first-time visitors to South Africa, we were completely blown away. Not just by the beauty (though Table Mountain looming over every corner is hard to ignore), but by how cosmopolitan, open, and welcoming the city is — especially for gay travellers.

From world-class wine and coastal drives to vibrant nightlife and penguins on the beach, this is one of the most diverse destinations we have ever visited. And yes — we are already planning our return.

Here is our ultimate gay travel guide to Cape Town — packed with personal stories, practical tips, and all the inspiration you need to fall in love with this incredible city.

Is Cape Town Gay Friendly?

Absolutely. We found Cape Town to be one of the most progressive and LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world, not just Africa.

The neighbourhood of De Waterkant is Cape Town's gay village, home to bars, clubs, and boutique hotels where queer couples walk hand-in-hand without a second glance. The locals were exceptionally friendly and inclusive — we had warm conversations with Uber drivers, wine guides and waiters who were genuinely excited to share their city with us.

We felt safe, seen and celebrated. What more could you want?

Is Cape Town Safe?

Cape Town has a reputation for safety concerns, but we found the central areas, particularly around the V and A Waterfront, Green Point and De Waterkant, to be very safe during the day and well-patrolled at night.

We used Uber for everything and avoided walking alone after dark. Just follow the same common-sense rules you would in any major city.

Pro Tip: Prepare for the Wind

Nobody warned us just how windy Cape Town can be. We are talking serious gusts — enough to blow hats off, sandblast your skin and cancel your planned activities.

Sadly, the wind was so strong during our visit that our shark diving trip and Robben Island ferry were both cancelled. But hey, it just gives us another reason to go back!

Best Beaches for Gay Travellers

Clifton 4th Beach

Cape Town's unofficial gay beach is Clifton 4th — a stunning, secluded cove with powder-soft sand and turquoise waves. It is the perfect place to meet other queer travellers or simply relax with a bottle of chilled rosé.

Be warned though: if the wind picks up, you will get pelted with sand like you are in a stylish gay sandstorm. Totally worth it, but bring a towel and some grit.

Camps Bay

A little further along the coast, Camps Bay offers a more glamorous beach day. Think beachfront restaurants, cocktail bars, and spectacular sunset views.

We recommend grabbing a late lunch and sticking around for golden hour. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen.

Sunburn Alert!

We were classic pale Brits and got completely sunburnt on day one. South African sun is no joke. Pack factor 50, reapply constantly, and do not assume you are safe just because it is cloudy.

Cape Town's Penguins: Too Cute to Miss

A short drive out to Simon's Town takes you to Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of African penguins.

Yes, it is a little touristy. Yes, it smells a bit. But seeing penguins waddling across the sand is so cute it hurts. You can even swim alongside them in designated areas — one of those unique experiences that you will talk about forever.

Wine Tasting: Cape Town Turned Us Into Snobs

We had no idea how good South African wine was until we did a private wine tour into the Cape Winelands.

Our driver-guide was an absolute legend, and the vineyards were peaceful, scenic, and almost empty. Every glass was better than the last, and we were drunk by lunch — trying to make polite small talk with other tipsy tourists. Unforgettable.

This was one of the top highlights of the entire trip. If you love wine, book a private tour. Trust us.

Unforgettable Meals (and Local Performances!)

Cape Town's food scene is world-class — and shockingly affordable. We had two of the best meals of the trip at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, where we were also treated to live singing and dancing during dinner. It was magical, emotional, and totally unexpected.

Cape Town turned us into complete foodies.

Our Safari Experience: Wild and Wonderful

We joined a Garden Route safari as part of our trip — one of the main reasons we travelled to South Africa in the first place.

Unfortunately, the accommodation company let us down and we did not get to stay at the original lodge. But the experience itself? Totally unforgettable.

We saw lions, elephants, giraffes and more on two game drives, and celebrated a birthday in the wild surrounded by animals and laughter. Our guide was one of the friendliest people we have ever met — the kind of person who lights up your entire day.

Getting Around: Uber is the Answer

One of the best things about Cape Town? Uber is cheap, safe and reliable.

We used it to get everywhere — from the airport to the beaches to late-night bar hops. Most rides cost just a few pounds, and we never waited more than five minutes.

No need to rent a car unless you are heading far out of town.

Gay Nightlife in Cape Town

Cape Town has a small but mighty gay nightlife scene.

Our favourite bar was Cafe Manhattan in De Waterkant — a stylish little spot with affordable drinks, friendly staff and a welcoming crowd. We also danced the night away at a couple of nearby clubs that had great music and a fun vibe.

It is not the biggest gay scene in the world, but it is inclusive, joyful and a lot of fun.

Virgin Upper Class: A Fabulous Start

We flew Virgin Upper Class and loved every minute of it. Super smooth service, comfy seats, and a great way to start and end such a memorable trip.

Final Thoughts: Cape Town, We Are Not Done With You

Cape Town exceeded every single expectation. It is rare to find a place that combines stunning natural beauty with world-class food, wildlife experiences, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and budget-friendly travel.

We left sunburnt, a little hungover, but happier than we have been in ages.

Cape Town, we are already planning our return.

Travel Tips Summary

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Transport: Uber is cheap, safe and fast
Sun Safety: Use factor 50 and reapply constantly
When to Visit: November to March for sunshine
Safety: Avoid walking long distances at night; stick to Uber
LGBTQ+ Rights: South Africa is the most progressive country in Africa for LGBTQ+ travellers

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Have you been to Cape Town? Planning to go? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we would love to hear your experiences!

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