Gay and Lesbian Holidays
Visit a Gay Travel Paradise
South Africa has, within less than a decade, established a reputation as a gay and lesbian-friendly destination for the international visitor. Close Encounters Africa designs customised and luxury holidays to South Africa for gay men, lesbians, and their straight friends.
Gay Travel Made Safe and Easy
If you are ready for a dream vacation in a country where environmental splendour is matched by the cultural vibrancy of its peoples, and where your rights as a straight , lesbian or gay man are constitutionally safe-guarded, then challenge us to match your wild, romantic, or plain old wholesome sun-soaked dreams.
A dedicated host will plan a customised holiday directly with you using online communications. We invite you to select from the best South Africa has to offer: with door-to-door transportation, luxury accommodation in gay or gay-friendly surroundings, fine dining, sophisticated nightlife, cultural, safari, and eco-tourism, 4X4 adventure trips and personalised service
Key Events
Cape Town Pride
February / March 2010 - date tbc
The events during the ten-day long festivities are many and varied but the focal point is the parade on the second Saturday which aims to showcase the diversity and sense of togetherness within the gay community - prizes are awarded and top DJs entertain with constant beats. Other highlights of the week include the launch cocktail party, a Womyn's Party, fashion shows, art exhibitions and some great parties.
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, Knysna
May 2010 - date tbc
The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras in Knysna offers four frenetic days of parties, exhibitions and performing arts - all enlivened with glitz, glam and feathers. Comedy, drama, cabaret, live music, dance, drag shows, drag cabaret, a national drag competition and parties take place at different venues every night and the town is literally abuzz...
Johannesburg Pride
Parade on 3 October 2009
First held in 1990, Johannesburg Pride provides a week of activities which crescendos in the parade and party on the Saturday. The parade and party attract over 35,000 people - pretty good going considering that prior to Nelson Mandela's presidency, homosexuality was a crime. The Pride march and party on the final Saturday are preceded by a week-long extravaganza of cultural and club events, theatre and art exhibitions.
Mother City Queer Costume Party
December 2009 - various dates
First held in 1994, Cape Town's annual Queer Costume Party attracts a diverse crowd of international gays, lesbians and friends. Groups of partygoers are meant to dress in matching costumes, all connected to a central theme. It's actually a 24-hour party - held in a specially created queer tribal village - with a unique twist: part way through, the thousands of partygoers can watch the sunrise coming up over Table Mountain!
Quick Links
Gay Weddings in South Africa
Close Encounters can not only arrange excellent value for money holidays in South Africa, but can also host your day of love and commitment in one of the most perfect and idyllic places you could imagine! We offer a wealth of exotic locations for Gay Weddings in South Africa and take care of all your wedding arrangements for you.
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