8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 26-April 1, 2015
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t From hiking to wine tasting, Cape Town is a good bet by Adrienne Jordan
C
ape Town, South Africa is a destination for every kind of LGBT traveler. In a place known as “Pink City,” or the gay capital of Africa, one can indulge in highoctane adventures like abseiling Table Mountain and cultural exploration. Because of the introduction of democracy through the government of the late Nelson Mandela, the gay community can proudly claim the status of their constitution which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Overseas nuptials are even possible as South Africa became the first African nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2006. Gay travel in South Africa was not always easy. Twenty years ago, most of the gay establishments were underground because the community was required to keep its activities away from the government eye. Today, the city of Cape Town is the most popular destination in South Africa for gay tourists. In 2016, the city will host the 33rd annual International Gay and lesbian Travel Association Global Convention. Many South African leaders are promoting LGBT rights, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu. In 2013, at the launch of the United Nations Free and Equal global campaign for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equality, Tutu stated “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven ... I am as passionate about this campaign as I ever was about apartheid.” Since it is illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation in South Africa, gay
Adrienne Jordan
A view of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town offers mountains in the background.
people are welcome everywhere, and its common to see them being open with their sexuality. Here is a guide to navigating Cape Town, fondly known in the LGBT community as “Mother City.”
Visit
Start your trip with a tour of the Iziko South African Museum, which takes you on a journey through South Africa’s natural and cultural history, like the origin of man and a look at the country’s native animals. Walk 10 minutes from the museum, and Greenmarket Square awaits, a popular outdoor flea market where you can take home one-of-a-kind souvenirs like Springbok purses or African clothing. The most iconic tourist attraction, Table Mountain, is definitely worth a visit. Recently crowned a Seven Wonders of Nature alongside
the Amazon and Ha Long Bay, the 3,000-foot mountain is named after its flat peak being shaped like a table. For a vigorous and challenging workout, brave a two-hour hike up its rocky path. At the top of the mountain, you can see the landscape of Cape Town with the aid of several lookout points. Afterwards, take the cableway to the bottom, which spins you 360 degrees for a panoramic view of the city (or you can choose to abseil – or rather rappel – to the bottom with Abseil Africa). For marine lovers, the Two Oceans Aquarium located on the beautiful Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dares you to try diving with ragged-toothed sharks and stingrays. For additional water submersion, visit the warm swimming beaches of Muizemberg or Long Beach. Sandy Bay, the only nudist beach in Cape Town, is too cold to swim, but is a favorite sunbathing spot for locals. Another popular See page 10 >>