Individual Experiences for Independent Travellers
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Gay and lesbian trips to africa

South Africa has, within less than a decade, established a reputation as a gay and lesbian-friendly destination for the international visitor. Close Encounters designs customised and luxury holidays to South Africa for gay men, lesbians, and their straight friends.

If you are ready for a dream vacation in a country where environmental splendour is matched by the cultural vibrancy of its peoples, and where your rights as a straight , lesbian or gay man are constitutionally safe-guarded, then challenge us to match your wild, romantic, or plain old wholesome sun-soaked dreams

A dedicated host will plan a customised holiday directly with you using online communications. We invite you to select from the best South Africa has to offer: with door-to-door transportation, luxury accommodation in gay or gay-friendly surroundings, fine dining, sophisticated nightlife, cultural, safari, and eco-tourism, 4X4 adventure trips and personalised service

Gay travel made safe and easy.

Gay Weddings

We can not only offer world-class accommodation and excellent value for money for your perfect holiday, but also host your day of love and commitment in one of the most perfect & idyllic places you could imagine!

The world has recognised Cape Town's thriving Gay culture and is known one of the most Gay Friendly cities in the World. Recently voted by the international media as one of the Top 5 Gay travel destinations, Cape Town is a vibrant city filled with energy, ideal Mediterranean type weather and loads to offer the traveller. A cosmopolitan city offering you the opportunity to make your commitment to your partner in a place of serene beauty… on the white sands of a remote beach, in the vineyards of a world class wine estate or in the shaded privacy of a magical forest.

Below are a few examples of the exotic locations and venues that can be arranged for your wedding. Don't feel constrained by them, since almost any style of venue or location can be organised for your dream wedding in South Africa.

Cape Town Pride
22 February - 2 March 2008

Cape Town Pride Festival

Cape Town Pride: Our Freedom to Love

The events during the ten-day long festivities are many and varied but the focal point is the parade on the second Saturday which aims to showcase the diversity and sense of togetherness within the gay community. {Prizes are awarded and top DJs entertain with constant beats.

Other highlights of the week include the launch cocktail party, a Womyn's Party, fashion shows, art exhibitions and some great parties.

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, Knysna
May 2008

Man in drag at the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras in Knysna offers four days of parties, exhibitions and performing arts – all tinged with glitz, glam and feathers..

Comedy, drama, cabaret, live music, dance, drag shows, drag cabaret, a national drag competition and parties take place at different venues every night.

 

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Johannesburg Pride
September 2008 tbc

Johannesburg Pride 2006 flyer

Pride, South African style

First held in 1990, Johannesburg Pride provides a week of activities leading up to the final Saturday's Pride March. The parade and party attract over 35,000 people - pretty good going considering that prior to Nelson Mandela's presidency, homosexuality was a crime.

The Pride march and party on the final Saturday are preceded by a week-long extravaganza of cultural and club events, theatre and art exhibitions and increases gay visibility in a country emerging into tolerance bringing the black and white communities closer together.

Mother City Queer Costume Party
22 December 2007

Tutu clad partygoers at the Mother City Queer Costume Party

First held in 1994, Cape Town's annual Mother City Queer Costume attracts a diverse crowd of international gays, lesbians and friends. The reason why it's called a costume party is that groups are meant to dress in matching costumes, all connected to a central theme.

It's actually a 24-hour party - held in a specially created queer tribal village - with a unique twist: part way through the thousands of partygoers can watch the sunrise coming up over Table Mountain! Meanwhile the beat goes on with 50 DJs providing the soundtrack to ten dance floors, making it a dance festival par excellence.

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