For decades, Africa’s landscape and wildlife have lured travellers from around the globe. The continent is home to plenty of gay-friendly safari tours that combine luxury, privacy, and thrilling wildlife encounters for LGBTQ+ couples seeking adventure, romance, and unforgettable experiences. Iconic savannas of the Serengeti and lush forests of Rwanda, you name these destinations are perfect locations for couples to create staple life memories together.
In this article, we look at some of the best LGBTQ+-friendly safari experiences available in Africa, as well as gay-friendly lodges, itineraries, and tour operators who go the extra mile to ensure that both couples feel welcome and respected throughout their journey.
As with all destinations, remember that your safety as a couple is of utmost importance. I wrote this article with some helpful tips on navigating cultural sensitivities to keep you safe whilst travelling
1. South Africa: A Classic Safari Adventure with Urban Flair
Gay friendly safari tours are a unique thing as South Africa makes it all the more glamorous and exciting, combining wildlife experiences with vibrant city life. Couples looking for adventure as well as acceptance could very well choose the country for their LGBTQ+ steps.
Any safari enthusiast must put the iconic Kruger National Park on their list. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) and boasts unrivaled wildlife viewing opportunities. Game drives are an exhilarating experience, allowing couples to enjoy the privacy of luxury lodges while on game drives, witnessing magnificent animals in their natural environment and not only that, but there are also thrilling drives with couples of all ages.
There are many companies in South Africa offering exclusive safari tours, such as Rhino Africa and African Travel. Their itineraries combine some of the best wildlife encounters with sophisticated accommodations and cultural experiences. Couples plunge back into civilization after days spent exploring the bush, retreating to exclusive lodges with private plunge pools, spa treatments, and gourmet dining under the stars.
2. Botswana: Intimate Wilderness Encounters
As an isolated and uncrowded choice of a more secluded safari experience, Botswana delivers pristine wilderness and exclusive accommodation. Under a low impact tourism model, visitors can experience nature as it should be, unspoiled.
Any Botswana safari is a highlight of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this vast inland river delta is a haven for wildlife, a place to see elephants, hippos, and dozens of other bird species. It means you can do unique things like mokoro (traditional canoe) rides through the delta channels to see the local fauna, for a more intimate and peaceful way than you can get just walking.
Botswana’s Wilderness Safaris offers exceptional safaris in an inclusive and welcoming way. They are often located in paradise—their camps and lodges are situated in remote, pristine locations featuring top notch luxuries and authentic local experiences. Private dinners under the African sky, couples’ spa treatments and expertly guided game drives are available for couples.
The Kalahari Desert offers a different kind of beauty; for a contrast to the lush delta. Gazing at the stark landscapes, observing desert adapted wildlife and the unforgettable view of a star filled sky unimpeded by light pollution, couples can marvel here. This region features many lodges that allow couples to stay the romantic night under the stars in complete privacy, some with sleep out experiences.
3. Namibia: Dramatic Landscapes and Intimate Lodges
Gay-friendly safari tours take place throughout Namibia’s diverse landscapes. The country has something to offer adventurous couples from the wildlife rich plains of Etosha National Park to the towering dunes of the Namib Desert.
Wildlife buffs enjoy Etosha National Park. A great variety of animals come to the salt pan of the park, including large herds of elephants, zebras, and various species of antelopes. Suitable lodges within and outside the park provide private game drives and viewing decks, giving couples a chance to view all the wildlife in comfort and seclusion.
The Andbeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is the place to stay if you really want to make the most of your Sossusvlei experience. A heart of the Namib Desert, this luxurious property is here to cater to queer travelers with its inclusive attitude and personalized service. Guided excursions to the world-famous red dunes of Sossusvlei, stargazing with professional astronomers, and romantic sundowners with breathtaking desert views are all available to couples.
4. Rwanda: Gorilla Encounters and Cultural Immersion
Rwanda also offers a more unusual kind of safari experience for couples who want to trek dense forests in search of mountain gorillas. Sharing this intimate wildlife encounter with a partner makes this life changing experience all the more special.
Any Rwandan safari should begin at Volcanoes National Park. Couples here can go on guided treks to watch gorilla families in their natural habitat. Simply putting your face close enough to these gentle giants to see them interact, play, and care for their young is unforgettable. Mist Rwanda Safaris are an LGBTQ+ friendly safari tours company in Rwanda ensuring that you have an enjoyable journey.
Another aspect of Rwanda is the chance to go cultural immersion and relax. Kigali, the capital, is clean and safe, and its arts scene is becoming increasingly interesting. The Kigali Genocide Memorial, which houses the names of some 250,000 victims, is a moving experience that couples can visit, or they can explore local markets or join the city’s increasingly hip culinary culture.
Remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Here are some practical tips to ensure you understand local LGBTQ laws, customs and regulations before you travel.
5. Tanzania: The Great Migration and Island Paradise
With its tropical beaches and iconic African safari experience, Tanzania boasts an incredible offering which combines the vast plains of the Serengeti with the beaches of Zanzibar. The wildlife viewing combined with a bit of beach relaxation makes this a perfect choice for a variety vacation to Kenya.
This video on YouTube shows the beauty of the Serengeti, check it out below…
Millions of wildebeest and zebras come in great migration to the Serengeti National park across its plains to discover new grazing lands. Seeing this spectacle together is a truly awe inspiring experience. Deks Safaris & Tours are an LBTQ+ friendly tour company, ensuring that you enjoy your trip in Tanzania.
Our friends at Safaris For Fun based in Tanzania offer a wealth of travel experiences and tours that we highly recommend you check out.
After being sufficiently excited at the safari, couples can end their day on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. It’s the perfect combination of relaxation, and cultural exploration, of this tropical island. Spanning over 2,000 miles, Tanzania offers beautiful scenery and has a wide range of things to do and see for couples from indulging in spa treatment using local spices to what lies beyond the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town.
6. Kenya: Masai Mara Magic and Coastal Charm
The modern safari was born in Kenya, and there are still some fine wildlife experiences to be had in Africa. Kenya’s crown jewel is the Masai Mara National Reserve, where the plains are teeming with wildlife during the Great Migration.
Out2Africa is your go to tour company while visiting Kenya. If you’re looking for a luxury tented camp stay in the Masai Mara, they can arrange this. You will be able to have privacy and comfort while still feeling in touch with the wild around you. You will be able to enjoy the big five—elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes—on your game drives.
The trips to local Maasai villages by many camps are a good opportunity for a different cultural experience. It can teach couples about traditional customs and maybe allow a dance or ceremony participation, so that they’ll get to know something of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
If you’ve completed a safari adventure, you can go to the Kenyan coast to unwind. Mombasa — a historic town — provides a cocktail of African, Arab, and European influences. Water sports such as Dolphin watching, lounging on pristine white sands or any beach nearby like Diani are some of the opportunities for water sports.
Conclusion
There is so much to see and do on safari that is LGBTQ friendly throughout Africa and its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. Covering the classic savannas of South Africa and Kenya, the lush forests of Rwanda, and the stark beauty of Namibia, there’s a perfect destination for every couple. LGBTQ+ couples can feel free to set out on these amazing destinations with the assurance that the safari tours and accommodations they choose will be gay-friendly, and they’ll be welcomed and respected the entire way. A safari in Africa promises to be an adventure, a relaxing, or both and will build that bond between you and be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
For more inspiration on LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations and experiences, be sure to explore other articles on Gay Couple Getaway, where you’ll find a wealth of information to help plan your next adventure together.
