South Africa

South Africa is the most LGBTQI+-affirming country on the African continent and one of the most progressive globally. It was the fifth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage (2006) and its constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation — a first in any national constitution worldwide when adopted in 1996.

Despite these legal protections, social attitudes vary widely. Urban centres like Cape Town and Johannesburg are openly welcoming, while rural and conservative communities can hold different views. Hate crimes remain an issue in some areas, and travellers are advised to exercise common sense outside major cities and tourist areas. Cape Town in particular has a thriving, internationally recognised LGBTQI+ scene.