South Africa is one of the most breathtaking destinations on earth. Towering mountains rise above the ocean in Cape Town, vineyards stretch across dramatic valleys in the Cape Winelands, and in the wild landscapes of the Eastern Cape, elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos roam freely.

It’s also one of the most LGBTQ-welcoming countries in Africa, making it an incredible destination for queer travelers looking to experience both adventure and connection.

This EveryQueer journey is designed to bring together the very best of South Africa in one unforgettable trip. We’ll explore Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, taste world-class wines in the Cape Winelands, and venture into the wilderness for a luxury safari experience in a private game reserve.

Traveling with a small group of LGBTQ+ travelers means the experience goes far beyond sightseeing. You’ll share meals, wildlife sightings, and unforgettable moments with a community that understands the joy of traveling openly and authentically.

From penguins and mountaintops to vineyard lunches and safari sunsets, this is South Africa at its most extraordinary.

Welcome to South Africa!

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and EveryQueer guide before transferring to our hotel in the heart of the city.

After time to settle in and recover from your international flight, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner hosted by EveryQueer. This relaxed evening is the perfect opportunity to meet the group, share travel stories, and toast to the adventure ahead.

Over the next nine days, we’ll explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world together.

After breakfast, we begin with one of Cape Town’s most iconic experiences.

We’ll ride the Table Mountain cable car to the summit, where sweeping panoramic views stretch across the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s one of those places that immediately reminds you why Cape Town is consistently ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world.

Next, we’ll travel along the scenic coast to Boulders Beach, home to a famous colony of African penguins. Walk along the boardwalks as these charming birds waddle, swim, and nest along the shoreline.

The afternoon is free to explore Cape Town at your own pace.

You might visit the lively V&A Waterfront, relax at one of the city’s beaches, or even take to the skies with an optional paragliding experience over the Atlantic coastline.

Today, we explore one of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in the world.

Our journey takes us along the dramatic curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, widely considered one of the most scenic coastal roads on the planet. Along the way, we’ll stop for viewpoints overlooking rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and endless ocean horizons.

We’ll continue to the breathtaking landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point Nature Reserve, where wildlife like baboons, ostriches, and antelope roam freely across the coastal plains.

Lunch will be enjoyed along the coast before we return to Cape Town in the afternoon.

In the evening, guests who want to continue exploring can join the guide to experience Cape Town’s welcoming queer nightlife scene.

Today, we venture into the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands, one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world.

Just outside Cape Town, the landscapes shift dramatically into vineyard-covered valleys framed by towering mountains. This region is home to some of South Africa’s most celebrated wineries.

With a local wine expert as our guide, we’ll visit several estates in the Stellenbosch region for curated tastings featuring South Africa’s signature varietals, including Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In between tastings, we’ll enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch surrounded by spectacular scenery, the perfect opportunity to soak in the beauty of the region and connect with fellow travelers.

We return to Cape Town in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening.

This morning we transferred to the airport for a short flight to Port Elizabeth, the gateway to South Africa’s Eastern Cape safari region.

From there, we travel to Shamwari Game Reserve, a private wildlife reserve known for its incredible biodiversity and long-standing conservation efforts.

After settling into the lodge, the safari adventure begins.

We’ll head out on our first afternoon game drive in open safari vehicles led by expert rangers. As we explore the reserve, keep your eyes open for elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and countless other animals that call this landscape home.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, where the sounds of the African bush provide the soundtrack to the evening.

Safari days begin early, when wildlife is most active and the landscapes glow with soft morning light.

We’ll head out for an early morning game drive, searching for animals as they move across the plains in the cool hours of the day.

After returning to the lodge for a late breakfast or brunch, the middle of the day is yours to relax. Enjoy the lodge, take in the views of the surrounding wilderness, or simply rest between adventures.

In the afternoon we’ll head out again for another game drive across the reserve, when golden light settles over the landscape and animals once again become active.

Dinner at the lodge.

Another full day on safari gives us even more opportunities to experience the incredible wildlife of the Eastern Cape.

Morning and afternoon game drives allow us to explore different areas of the reserve while our guides share their knowledge about the animals, ecosystems, and conservation work happening here.

No two game drives are ever the same. One moment you might be watching a herd of elephants move across the plains, the next you could spot a giraffe browsing treetops or a lion resting in the shade.

Evenings at the lodge offer the chance to unwind, share stories from the day, and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life in the bush.

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. 

After saying goodbye to the reserve, we transfer to the airport and fly back to Cape Town.

In the evening we’ll gather one last time for a farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible landscapes, wildlife encounters, and friendships that made this journey so special.

After breakfast, transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your journey home.

While the trip may be ending, the memories of South Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and shared experiences will stay with you long after you return home.