Your Guide to the Best LGBT-Friendly Safari Holidays

The call of the wild has always drawn adventurous travellers to Africa. Yet for LGBTQ+ holidaymakers, the choice of destination can feel more complex. While many companies advertise themselves as “gay friendly,” the reality is that sometimes gay friendly is not friendly enough. True inclusivity matters. That’s why LGBT-friendly safari holidays are about more than luxury lodges and Big Five encounters. They are about feeling safe, welcome, and celebrated every step of the journey.

At Wide Awake Holidays, we believe travel should never mean hiding who you are. Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, our mission is to make sure your experience is both unforgettable and affirming. From the thrill of a sunrise game drive to evenings around the fire with likeminded travellers, we design every trip to reflect your identity and your comfort.

For some, this might be the first time considering Africa as a destination. For others, it’s a return to a continent they already love. Whichever camp you fall into, this guide is here to show you the very best options for LGBT-friendly safari holidays — from destinations with progressive attitudes, to handpicked lodges, to tips on travelling with confidence.

Why Choose LGBT-Friendly Safari Holidays?

Safari adventures are magical, but they aren’t always straightforward for LGBTQ+ travellers. Laws and attitudes vary widely across African nations. Some countries have made strides in equality, while others still enforce restrictive legislation. That doesn’t mean safaris are off the table. It simply means you need the right knowledge and the right travel partner.

Booking through a gay-owned, ATOL-protected company like Wide Awake Holidays gives you peace of mind. We understand where you’ll feel welcomed and where caution is wise. We also have direct connections with lodges and guides who actively embrace diversity. This matters because a safari isn’t just a holiday — it’s an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience where feeling comfortable makes all the difference.

On a practical level, choosing an LGBT-friendly safari means:

• You can relax knowing your accommodation has been vetted for inclusivity.
• Local guides are briefed and prepared to host LGBTQ+ guests respectfully.
• You’ll share spaces where couples can be themselves without hesitation.
• You gain tailored advice about which destinations fit your comfort level.

The reward? A richer, freer holiday. Safari is about connection: to wildlife, to landscapes, and to the people around you. When you don’t have to second-guess acceptance, you connect more deeply to the adventure itself. Choosing safari providers committed to inclusivity often means choosing those with strong environmental and community values. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, sustainable travel is central to protecting wildlife and local cultures.

Top Destinations for LGBT-Friendly Safari Holidays

Not all safari destinations are created equal when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and experiences. Some countries have built reputations as safe havens, while others require more care in planning. Below, we highlight where you can enjoy both spectacular wildlife and genuine inclusivity.

South Africa: The Rainbow Nation of Safari

South Africa is often the first choice for LGBT-friendly safari holidays. With progressive laws, vibrant queer culture, and iconic reserves, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and acceptance. The Kruger National Park delivers classic Big Five encounters, while private game reserves like Sabi Sands elevate the luxury experience.

Cape Town adds another dimension. Known as one of the world’s most welcoming cities for LGBTQ+ travellers, it blends nightlife, beaches, and Table Mountain views with safari extensions nearby. For couples or groups, it’s easy to combine a few days in the city with time in the bush.

Botswana: Luxury in the Wild

For travellers seeking remote, high-end experiences, Botswana delivers. Its government’s strong stance on conservation ensures pristine reserves, with the Okavango Delta a standout. While Botswana doesn’t have the same visible LGBTQ+ scene as South Africa, its tourism industry is known for discretion and professionalism, making it a safe and memorable choice.

Expect mokoro (dugout canoe) rides through winding channels, luxury tented camps under the stars, and some of the best game viewing on the continent.

Kenya: Classic Safaris with Cultural Colour

Kenya is one of Africa’s most recognised safari destinations. The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo National Parks offer extraordinary wildlife sightings and sweeping landscapes that feel straight from a nature documentary. For many, the wildebeest migration across the Mara River is the ultimate safari spectacle.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ travel, Kenya’s legal framework remains conservative. Yet within its tourism sector, you’ll find a culture of discretion and professionalism. Many safari lodges and camps welcome international travellers regardless of orientation. The key is to work with trusted partners who understand where LGBTQ+ visitors can feel comfortable.

Another highlight is the chance to combine safari with the Kenyan coast. Diani Beach, with its palm-lined shores and luxury resorts, makes a natural extension after days in the bush. With the right planning, Kenya provides a safe and inspiring choice for LGBT-friendly safari holidays.

Tanzania: Adventure at the Roof of Africa

Tanzania is home to some of the most iconic safari landscapes in the world. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park together form a wildlife circuit that attracts travellers from across the globe. Here you can witness lions on the hunt, herds of elephants crossing ancient paths, and the annual migration in breathtaking scale.

The country also offers more than game drives. Mount Kilimanjaro draws climbers from every continent, while Zanzibar provides beaches and spice markets with Swahili charm. For LGBTQ+ travellers, Tanzania’s laws are restrictive, but the safari industry itself operates with a focus on hospitality and professionalism. Luxury lodges are experienced in hosting diverse international guests.

What matters most is local expertise. Travelling with Wide Awake Holidays ensures you’re placed in welcoming environments where your comfort and safety are prioritised. With our connections, we help you enjoy Tanzania’s natural wonders without concern overshadowing the adventure.

Namibia: Desert Dunes and Wide Horizons

Namibia offers something distinct. Instead of lush savannahs, this southern African nation is defined by its desert landscapes. The towering dunes of Sossusvlei shift colours at sunrise, creating surreal scenery you won’t find anywhere else. Etosha National Park adds the wildlife element, with salt pans that attract lions, rhinos, and herds of antelope.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, Namibia presents a balanced picture. While same-sex relationships are not fully recognised, the country has a reputation for stability and safety compared to some of its neighbours. Tourism professionals, particularly in high-end lodges, treat guests with respect regardless of identity. The result is a destination where you can explore dramatic landscapes and encounter wildlife without feeling on edge.

Namibia is also a haven for photographers. Whether you’re capturing oryx against a backdrop of crimson dunes or stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world, the experiences are unforgettable. For those seeking something different, this is a safari destination that pairs natural drama with inclusive comfort.

Zambia: Raw Wilderness and River Safaris

Zambia is known as one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. Unlike some of its busier neighbours, its parks are vast, unspoilt, and relatively uncrowded. South Luangwa National Park is especially famous for its walking safaris, giving you the chance to track animals on foot with expert guides. The Lower Zambezi, meanwhile, lets you combine canoe trips with thrilling wildlife encounters along the riverbanks.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, Zambia’s laws are not progressive, yet the safari sector remains professional and discreet. International visitors are welcomed, and lodges catering to global travellers are accustomed to hosting couples from diverse backgrounds. The result is a safari experience that feels authentic, adventurous, and immersive, while still offering comfort.

If you’re drawn to untamed wilderness rather than polished resorts, Zambia could be your perfect match. It’s a destination where wildlife encounters feel personal, and every game drive holds the possibility of surprise.

Rwanda: Gorilla Encounters in the Mist

For many, Rwanda is synonymous with mountain gorillas. Trekking through the Virunga Mountains to see these gentle giants up close is a bucket-list experience. While the country’s safari offerings extend to Akagera National Park, where lions, giraffes, and hippos thrive, it’s the gorillas that make Rwanda unique.

Rwanda has also transformed itself into one of the most forward-looking nations in Africa. Kigali is clean, safe, and welcoming, and its tourism industry is polished and inclusive. While same-sex relationships are not officially recognised in law, the environment for international LGBTQ+ visitors is generally positive. Guides and lodges accustomed to hosting global guests provide a sense of reassurance.



This is the safari holiday for travellers seeking something extraordinary. It’s about intimacy, connection, and a once-in-a-lifetime moment staring into the eyes of a silverback. For couples, the memory is unforgettable and deeply personal.

Uganda: Safari with a Side of Gorillas

Uganda combines the best of both worlds. The country is home to the “Pearl of Africa” landscapes, where savannah meets rainforest. Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers classic safari scenes, while Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers another chance to see gorillas in their natural habitat.

Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda are conservative, and travellers need to be mindful. That’s where booking through Wide Awake Holidays makes a difference. We direct our guests only to trusted partners who provide a safe and respectful environment. Safaris here are about discovery, and our careful planning ensures you can embrace that spirit without unnecessary worry.

For those who want a combination of wildlife diversity, Uganda delivers. One day you’re spotting elephants and lions, the next you’re hiking through thick jungle to meet mountain gorillas. Few countries offer such variety in such close proximity.

Zimbabwe: Safari and Natural Wonder Combined

Zimbabwe often surprises visitors with the sheer richness of its landscapes. Hwange National Park is one of the largest in Africa, home to massive elephant herds and an impressive variety of predators. Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds a different dimension with its floodplains and opportunities for canoe safaris along the Zambezi River.

The other jewel of Zimbabwe is, of course, Victoria Falls. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” — the smoke that thunders — this natural wonder is a must-see. Pairing a safari with time at the falls creates a holiday that feels both adventurous and iconic.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, laws in Zimbabwe remain restrictive. Yet within the hospitality sector, international guests are treated with warmth and professionalism. Working with Wide Awake Holidays ensures you’re placed with lodges and operators who focus on inclusivity and discretion, making Zimbabwe an achievable and memorable destination for LGBT-friendly safari holidays.

Madagascar: A Safari with a Twist

When people think of safaris, Madagascar isn’t always the first place that comes to mind. Yet this island nation delivers something completely different. Instead of lions and elephants, you’ll encounter lemurs leaping through trees, chameleons blending into foliage, and baobab trees stretching skyward.

Madagascar is a paradise for biodiversity. Its isolation means more than 80% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. For travellers seeking something unique, it’s an unforgettable option. While the island’s infrastructure can be less polished than mainland destinations, the rewards are immense for those with a spirit of adventure.

In terms of LGBTQ+ travel, Madagascar sits in the middle ground. Legal recognition is limited, but the tourism industry is accustomed to international visitors. Choosing handpicked lodges with a welcoming attitude is key, something we prioritise when planning holidays for our guests.

A safari in Madagascar is a safari of difference. It’s about slowing down, exploring ecosystems, and embracing nature at its most unexpected.

Jamie Says:

"When we talk about LGBT-friendly safari holidays, it’s about more than the destination. It’s about creating spaces where our community can feel safe, respected, and celebrated. A safari is such a personal journey — the kind of trip you remember forever. My goal is to make sure every guest of Wide Awake Holidays feels they can enjoy that adventure without compromise.””

Jamie Wake, Managing Director

The Protections You Receive with Jamie Wake Travel

Peace of mind is just as important as choosing the right destination. When you book through Wide Awake Holidays, part of Jamie Wake Travel, your holiday comes with built-in protections designed to safeguard your trip from the unexpected.

As a member of the Protected Trust Services and holder of an ATOL licence, your money is fully protected. This means you can book with confidence, knowing your investment is secure no matter what happens in the wider travel industry.

Every tailor-made holiday includes:

• Supplier Failure Insurance — protecting you if a hotel, lodge, or local operator were to go out of business.
• Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance — covering you if your chosen airline ceases trading.
• ATOL protection — ensuring you won’t lose money or be stranded abroad if your package includes flights.

For our guests outside the UK — including travellers from the United States and Europe — these protections still apply. You don’t need to be UK-based to benefit. This is a key reason so many of our international clients choose us.

Booking through Wide Awake Holidays means you get more than a safari itinerary. You gain the reassurance that your holiday is financially protected and supported every step of the way.

Plan Your LGBT-Friendly Safari Holiday with Us

A safari is not just a holiday. It’s a chance to connect with wildlife, landscapes, and yourself in a way few other experiences allow. When you choose Wide Awake Holidays, you’re not only choosing expert planning — you’re choosing a company that understands the importance of being welcomed exactly as you are.

From South Africa’s iconic reserves to the remote wilderness of Zambia or the unique beauty of Madagascar, we tailor every trip to reflect your needs. Our ATOL licence, membership of Protected Trust Services, and built-in supplier protections give you complete peace of mind. Most of all, you’ll travel with the confidence of knowing you’re supported by a gay-owned company that shares your values.

Ready to begin your adventure? Call us on 01495 400947 or use the holiday enquiry form on our website to start planning your journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions