South Africa's constitution outlaws any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, making it one of the most progressive in the world. Big cities are gay friendly, with Cape Town often called "the gay capital of Africa." More information about gay-friendly or gay-only places and events can be found in the Pink Map, a free pocket-size guide available at Cape Town tourism desks, or the more comprehensive Gay Pages, a Yellow Pages of sorts focusing more on the northern regions of South Africa. Alternatively, contact the official gay info center Atlantic Tourist Information at 27/21/434-2382 or www.arokan.co.za.
Wanderwomen is a personalized women's-only travel agent; visit www.wanderwomen.co.za or call tel. 021/788 9988.
Remote rural areas may be less accepting, with both blacks and whites tending to be very conservative, so take care when venturing off the beaten tourist track. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is a virulent homophobe, but establishments at Victoria Falls are safe to visit as a couple.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 800/448-8550 or 954/776-2626; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry. It offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses; go to their website and click on "Members."
