The dream of an African adventure – vast landscapes, incredible wildlife, vibrant cultures – calls to many. But for LGBTQ+ travellers, an extra layer of planning and consideration is often essential. How do you find welcoming spaces? How do you ensure safety while still experiencing the authentic heart of a destination?

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a fascinating webinar (you can imagine the virtual campfire crackling!) with two incredible guests: Joshua, a seasoned traveller, and Lee from African Overland Tours. Joshua shared his deeply personal and insightful journey of planning an overland trip through Southern Africa with his husband, Jay, and their 17-year-old niece, Hannah. Their experience offers a wealth of wisdom for any queer traveller looking to explore this magnificent continent.

The Initial Spark & The “Not-Like-Shopping-for-a-Sweater-on-Amazon” Reality

Joshua’s desire to travel to Africa with his niece, Hannah (an “animal nut”), was clear. The family has a wonderful tradition: taking each niece and nephew on a trip to Asia, Africa, or South America around age 17 or 18. Hannah set her sights on the African continent.

But as Joshua put it, planning this trip felt “nothing like shopping for a sweater on Amazon.” The initial Google searches for “African safari” were overwhelming, presenting a barrage of ultra-luxury, high-cost options. “I remember walking down to my husband and saying I don’t think we can afford this… This is a $1000 a person a night kind of stuff,” he recalled.

He then refined his search: “Okay, how about go try see if there’s some LGBT friendly ones?” The result? “Our people have not helped, they’re even more expensive!” This highlights a common hurdle: the perception that LGBTQ+ friendly travel automatically means a premium price tag.

The LGBTQ+ Lens: Research is Your Best Friend

A crucial part of their planning involved Hannah researching potential destinations. Her initial list included Madagascar, Mauritius, Botswana, Uganda, and South Africa. Joshua then gently guided her: “Hannah, I would like you to go back and take a look at how some of those countries are for LGBT folks. I need you to do a little homework.”
This is a vital step for any LGBTQ+ traveller. As Joshua noted, “Uganda, it’s not safe for LGBT folk.” Hannah returned, having learned and decided, “Well, I learned that we’re not going to Uganda.”

They eventually landed on Botswana, known for being more queer-friendly, alongside starting in South Africa and ending in Zimbabwe. This proactive research ensured their “not so traditional family unit” (two men traveling with a young woman) would feel safe and welcomed. This due diligence is echoed by many LGBTQ+ travel bloggers, like Nomadic Boys, who often detail country-specific LGBTQ+ rights and safety, or Once Upon A Journey, who share their experiences as a lesbian couple travelling the globe.

Discovering The Term “Overland”: The Game-Changer

The breakthrough came when Joshua stumbled upon the term “overland.” This shifted the search away from expensive fly-in or luxury glamping tours to more participatory, budget-friendly, and immersive adventures. “That suddenly got rid of a lot of the options we weren’t looking for and started feeling like oh we could do this,” he explained.

When presented with the option of a shorter, high-end tour versus a longer, overland camping experience, Hannah’s response was immediate: “Oh, we’re going to be in Africa, we’re going camping!”

Want a Taste of Joshua, Jay & Hannah’s Adventure? Check Out The Tour They Booked:

The Power of a Personal Connection: Finding the Right Guide (and Tour Operator!)

This is where Lee, stepped in. Joshua emphasized the importance of her guidance, contrasting it with the impersonal “check a box on a website” experience. With around 30 emails exchanged, Lee helped them navigate the options. She understood their unique family dynamic and ensured they were on a “family tour” suited for intergenerational travel, rather than one aimed at 18-35 year olds.

Lee’s personalized touch was evident when Joshua asked about luggage. Instead of a generic answer, “Lee came back a few days later with a photo of herself in front of one of the overland trucks showing kind of it in proportion to herself and then also to the lockers.” This “so personal” approach built immense confidence.

This kind of support is invaluable. Many specialized LGBTQ+ travel agencies and blogs like EveryQueer or resources from IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) also stress the importance of working with operators who understand the specific needs and concerns of queer travellers.

On-the-Ground: Feeling Celebrated and Embraced

While planning involves caution, the on-the-ground experience in Southern Africa was overwhelmingly positive. Joshua shared a particularly heartwarming story from Victoria Falls. Their Drifters tour guide, Stephen, connected them with his friend Moffa, a local cab driver. This wasn’t a simple transaction; it was a handoff. “Basically kind of did this handoff right…from Stephen to Moffa, my friend to my friend Josh, to my friend Moffa.”

Moffa then took them under his wing, driving them to their new hotel, to the Zambian border, and even introducing them to his friend, Dennis, in Zambia, who then showed them around. “This kind of this handoff from person, trusted person to trusted person… it was an incredible experience, just it was very loving, very kind, very compassionate and also just friendly.” They even had dinner with Moffa and his family.

This beautiful example of Ubuntu – the spirit of human interconnectedness – highlights the warmth and hospitality that often defines African travel, transcending any preconceived notions.

Key Takeaways for LGBTQ+ Travellers to Southern & East Africa:

• Do Your Homework: Research LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance in potential destinations. Resources like government travel advisories, local LGBTQ+ organizations, and blogs like Asher & Lyric Fergusson’s LGBTQ+ Danger Index can be helpful starting points.
• Choose Wisely: You have the power to support destinations that are making progress or are already welcoming.
• Consider Overlanding: It’s an affordable, immersive way to see the continent and often fosters a strong sense of community within your travel group.
• Find a Knowledgeable Consultant: Someone like Lee, who understands your needs (including LGBTQ+ considerations and family dynamics), can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions!
• Documentation is Key: Especially when travelling with minors who aren’t your biological children, ensure you have all necessary paperwork (like unabridged birth certificates and letters of consent). Lee was instrumental in guiding Joshua through this.
• Be Open to Connection: The human element is often the most rewarding part of travel. Joshua’s experience with Moffa is a testament to this.
• Safety First, Always: Lee emphasized that reputable tour operators “would not take you into a place if they felt it was unsafe.” Trust their expertise.’

Joshua’s Parting Advice:

When asked for final advice for the queer community thinking of travelling to Africa, Joshua’s message was simple and powerful: “Actually, it’s not specific about travel to Africa, but a big one is just let’s go. Let’s get out there. We have to be thoughtful, we have to be culturally appropriate, but I don’t want anything, whether it’s an ability, whether it’s being LGBT, being a single woman… we can figure out how to do this.”

His journey, and that of his family, is a beautiful reminder that with research, thoughtful planning, and an open heart, Southern and East Africa can offer profoundly enriching and welcoming experiences for LGBTQ+ travellers. It’s a big world, and as Joshua is showing his nieces and nephews, it’s navigable, awe-inspiring, and waiting to be explored.

Catch The Full Episode Here:

What are your experiences or tips for LGBTQ+ travel in Africa? Share them in the comments below!

Feeling inspired? Catch more of our episodes of the African Overland Journal Here