Safety Tips for LGBTQ Travellers to Africa and Frequently Asked Questions

Safety Tips for LGBTQ Travellers to Africa and Frequently Asked Questions

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) community plays a substantial role in the international travel industry. Before 2020, LGBTQ travellers from the USA contributed US$63.1 billion annually to travel. LGBTQ travellers were also instrumental in the recovery of global tourism. Put simply, gay people love travelling, but it requires a lot of research for them to do so safely and comfortably.

Today, there are still 64 countries around the globe that have anti-gay laws in place. Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel – especially in Africa. There is a global trend toward the acceptance of LGBTQ people and decriminalising same-sex relations, and Africa is slowly but surely following suit. While the world catches up to being more accepting, there are plenty of destinations throughout the continent where LGBTQ families, couples, groups or singles can enjoy a gay-friendly African safari.

This process becomes much easier and smoother when you add the benefit of having an Africa Safari Expert who has first-hand experience in creating tailor-made itineraries for LGBTQ travellers visiting the continent, with you from the beginning of your journey right through to when you travel home.

We’ve put together a guide of LGBTQ travel advice for safaris in Africa to ensure you have a great trip:

Wild Travel Safaris Disclaimer

We at Wild Travel want there to be no ambiguity about where we stand on this issue. Wild Travel Safaris does not approve of any anti-LBGTQ laws or prejudiced public opinions on the continent. The company and every single one of its staff members, from our Africa Safari Experts to the CEO and support teams, have the utmost respect, acceptance and support for the LGBTQ community. No prejudice or hate is tolerated, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds, cultures, genders and sexualities are safe and well taken care of.

The Safety Tips for LGBTQ Travellers to Africa and Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Africa Safe for Gay Travellers?

Yes, safari destinations in Africa are perfectly safe for LGBTQ travellers, despite only 23 of 55 recognised states legalising same-sex relationships. Whether you’re visiting progressive South Africa or conservative Uganda, our African Safari Experts will never put you in a position where you will be unsafe. The safari lodges, camps and resorts that you’ll be booked into are run by friendly and accepting staff who welcome and treat all visitors the same, no matter their background.

As with anywhere in the world, there will always be people who are intolerant of or prejudiced against LGBTQ people in Africa. But you will be just as safe and comfortable on a safari as you would on any other vacation.

2. Is Africa Safe for Trans and Non-Binary Travellers?

Yes, Africa can be a very safe travel destination for trans and non-binary travellers, especially when visiting South Africa, a country that has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.

Although more and more countries around the globe are becoming more accepting and welcoming of LGB people, trans and non-binary individuals still bear the brunt of intolerance and harassment. Travelling can be daunting if you identify as anything other than cisgender – especially when your chosen destinations aren’t yet tolerant of homosexuality.

Fortunately, you don’t have to scrap your travel plans to Africa, as you can still enjoy safari experiences in Southern and East Africa in safety and comfort as a trans or non-binary person. Your African Safari Expert will create a tailor-made itinerary that considers your unique situation and will never knowingly place you in a position where you would experience any danger.

3. Is Africa Safe for Women?

Yes, women are completely safe when on safari in East or Southern Africa. Women are often perceived as being more vulnerable and weaker than their counterparts and usually find themselves at the receiving end of harassment, sexism, misogyny, and unwanted sexual advances. We wish we could say that while in Africa, there is zero chance of women being subjected to this treatment, but like everywhere else, there is a possibility that you might encounter this issue.

What we can say is that it’s unlikely to happen while on safari. Whether you’re two women in a loving relationship, a group of friends on a girls’ trip, or travelling solo through Africa Eat, Pray, Love-style, you can rest assured that you’ll be safe and treated with the utmost respect by all staff, from the concierge to your guide and tracker. Additionally, some of the lodges and camps are situated in remote and far-flung regions away from major cities, which contributes to a safer environment.

4. Is It Illegal to Be Gay in Africa?

Same-sex relationships are illegal in 32 African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia. However, it is safe for LGBTQ travellers to visit these destinations, as police authorities in these countries pay little attention to foreigners. As long as you refrain from displays of affection in public spaces and remain discreet about your sexuality and gender identity, you will have nothing to worry about on your safari trip.

5. Should I Avoid Anti-LBGTQ Countries in Africa?

The answer to this isn’t as black-and-white as you might think. On the one hand, it’s easy to dismiss these countries as ‘backwards’ towards people who stray from heteronormativity. However, the situation is more complex than that.

Many African countries rely heavily on tourism. Travellers contribute millions to these economies every time they book a trip to see the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara or Serengeti or track gorillas in the misty rainforests of Uganda. As a result, thousands of livelihoods depend on tourism. And working with people from all over the world, the majority of these individuals are open-minded and accepting of those who identify as LGBTQ and disagree with the anti-gay laws and public outlook of their countries.

Not to mention that every country with anti-gay laws is also home to growing communities of LGBTQ locals. Pride parades and organised protests are happening every day to alter public perception and prejudiced laws. Change is afoot in the big cities of Africa, and the tide is turning, albeit at a snail’s pace.

In all truth, Africa is no more anti-LBGTQ than the deep South of the USA or Brazil, and people still travel to both these places. But at the end of the day, the choice is entirely yours whether to support the tourism industries in these African countries. There is no wrong or right answer.

6. How Cautious Do I Need to Be When Travelling as an LGBTQ Person?

The internet would have you believe that you’ll be arrested and thrown in a jail cell for being LGBTQ the minute you land on African soil. That is far from true! Not much precaution needs to be taken – even in countries with anti-LBGTQQ laws.

Truthfully, a great number of people who identify as LGBTQ have travelled to holiday destinations in Africa, and it is extremely rare for travel agents to receive any negative feedback from these clients. That’s not to say that there haven’t ever been issues – but it’s certainly not the norm.

7. Can My Partner and I Show Public Displays of Affection in Africa?

When visiting South Africa, yes, you and your partner are safe to show public displays of affection. But when in any other African country, especially ones with anti-LBGTQ laws, it’s strongly advised to avoid any public displays of affection when around locals – even if you’re heterosexual. This is because many African cultures are conservative, deeply religious, and find PDA immoral and inappropriate.

It’s always important to remember that you chose to travel to a country and need to respect their views and customs, whether you agree or not. We understand that it’s incredibly difficult to have to do this, but it’s not only respect for other cultures; it also keeps you safe.

8. Will I Be Allowed to Sleep in the Same Bed as My Partner When in Africa?

Yes, you can sleep in the same bed as your partner – your room is a private space where no one has the right to bother you. The only situation that might arise is your accommodation providing twin beds even when booking a double bed. Lodges and camps in more conservative regions might provide you with separate beds if your documentation states that both parties are male or female.

9. Are Locals in Africa Homophobic and/or Transphobic?

Unfortunately, homophobia and transphobia are present in nearly every society around the globe – and Africa is no exception. Even in more progressive countries like South Africa, there is always the possibility of encountering a person or persons who are prejudiced. To ensure your safety and comfort at all times, it’s recommended to refrain from public displays of affection and remain discreet when around locals.

10. Is Africa a Good Option for Single Gay Travel?

One of the best aspects of LGBTQ travel is getting to meet others in the community. Cape Town and Johannesburg are vibrant hubs with fleshed-out LGBTQ scenes. If you’re travelling solo in the hopes of connecting with local gay people, these cosmopolitan cities are your best bet.

As for other African countries, it’s recommended to avoid seeking out LGBTQ communities, especially in regions with anti-gay laws. The communities in these countries tend to be underground for their protection, and trying to connect with them might put you and the locals in a risky position.

11. Are There Pride Parades in Africa?

Yes, more than you think! Cape Town Pride and Johannesburg Pride are the two major events on the LGBTQ calendar. Held annually, both these celebrations provide a safe, inclusive space for people of all ages, genders and sexualities to come together and enjoy a day of live music, DJs, drag acts, markets and more.

Since the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships in Botswana, the country’s city of Gaborone has been hosting an annual pride event to continue its support and advocacy for LGBTQ rights, as well as to celebrate how far the nation has come.