New Trend: LGBTQ+ Families Want African Safaris
African safaris for everyone? Yes, queer families have developed an interest in them!
In fact, LGBTQ+ family travel is growing as safari tour operators are poised to take advantage of its boom, according to Skift.
“The default perception for the LGBTQ+ travel market brings to mind Pride parades and dance festivals that resonate with gay solo travelers or same-sex couples,” notes the Skift report.
However, David Ryan, founder and CEO of Rhino Africa and Out2Africa, a bespoke LGBTQ+ tour operator based in South Africa, told Skift that it’s something he has noted, even as multi-gen travel saw same-sex couples spending in excess of $23,000 on a 10-day, multi-stop experience across Southern and Eastern Africa during 2022, for example.
Since the election of an anti-LGBTQ US government, this trend is likely to strengthen as LGBTQ couples and families seek inclusive and enriching travel abroad.
Many places in Africa are seen as unsafe for queer travelers – particularly places like Uganda, where lawmakers recently passed legislation that criminalizes people who identify as LGBTQ+. However, Vacationer has interviewed safari travel experts, like Sherwin Banda, who believes there are places in Africa that are LGBTQ+ friendly.
According to Out2Africa’s Ryan, LGBTQ+ family travel is an emerging trend completely counter to long-held stereotypes of travelers in the community. Ryan said, “Out2Africa’s guests haven’t had any issues with any of the safari companies it’s worked with,” describing them as LGBTQ-friendly. Ryan attributes this sudden rise in LGBTQ+ family travel to the surge in same-sex couples having children. The LGBTQ+ family is growing, and Africa is at the top of their list.
While the President of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association insists he would never tell travelers not to visit a particular destination, Ryan understands that members of the LGBTQ+ community are unlikely to visit an unwelcoming destination; We know where we are not wanted, and we tend to stay away from those places.
So, are you interested in taking your family on an African Safari? It seems things are changing in good ways for LGBTQ travelers. But be sure to travel with an LGBTQ-owned or friendly wildlife and safari company.
If you go
Many African safari destinations are welcoming to LGBTQ+ people, however a shift in anti-gay and trans sentiment has gripped the world for the past year.
Destinations
- South Africa: A top destination for LGBTQ travelers, with gay-friendly cities, wildlife destinations, and lodges
- Kenya: A popular destination for LGBTQ travelers (the Great Migration in the Masai Mara)
- Tanzania: A trending destination for LGBTQ travelers (Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Archipelago)
- Rwanda: A top emerging destination for LGBTQ travelers, especially for gorilla trekking
Tour operators
- Out2Africa: Organizes luxury LGBTQ safaris in Africa
- Mahlatini: Offers safaris in Africa that cater to same-sex guests
- African Travel Inc. Offers a Pride Safari Guide with tips and recommendations
- GoExplore: Offers safaris in East Africa that are inclusive and safe for all guests
- Wild Rainbow Safaris is LGBTQ and woman-owned, read our profile here
Safety
While some people in Africa may reject or misunderstand LGBTQ people, and some countries have laws that actively prosecute gay and trans people, most safari destinations are secure and welcoming. However, some locals and travel experts recommend presenting as “friends and relations” in public and during group activities and keeping PDAs to a minimum.
We recommend Out2Africa, African Travel Inc., and Wild Rainbow Safaris for more information on LGBTQ+-friendly safaris in Africa, and book your African safari now!
