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LGBTQIA+ influencers Danielle & Anna Parlagreco (@itsvabene) hail from Rome, a married couple dedicated to showcasing pink travel and sharing it with their community of over 140,000 followers. They're well-travelled and always in search of connection, freedom of self-expression, and adventures that will leave an indelible mark. It’s no surprise that South Africa was high on their bucket list, but they had questions, as so many travellers often do when visiting the African continent.
At Go2Africa, we understand how important it is for LGBTQIA+ travellers to find destinations and accommodation that celebrate diversity and inclusion. We wanted them to experience the best the country has to offer, and we paired them up with our Africa Safari Expert & Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist, Emma Hill. Emma has been curating the greatest African adventures for over a decade.
After meticulously planning their gay adventure travel with us, they flew into South Africa, a destination that is well known for its vibrant culture, stunning scenery and most importantly, welcoming atmosphere. Every step of the journey highlighted the essence of Africa LGBTQIA+ travel, with unique experiences that celebrated not only the beauty of the country but the spirit of inclusivity.
The journey began at Winchester Mansions in Cape Town, a city renowned for its vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene. Staying at this iconic hotel, Danielle & Anna experienced luxury and comfort with ocean views right on their doorstep. Cape Town’s inclusivity was palpable throughout their stay, evident in the bustling streets and warm hospitality of locals.
Days were filled with classic experiences such as riding the cable car up Table Mountain, a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach, and a cycling tour through Constantia's picture-perfect vineyards. Pedalling through this wine region, they savoured world-class wines with a history of wine-making spanning three hundred years. Each activity highlighted Cape Town’s inclusive approach to LGBTQIA+ tourism.
They then ventured to the Last Word Franschhoek, a luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Franschhoek, renowned for its rich French heritage, is a beloved destination for enthusiasts of pink travel. Their days were filled with exploration of the surrounding winelands, immersing themselves in wine tastings at prestigious estates. The region’s allure, characterized by rolling vineyards and majestic mountain vistas, created an idyllic backdrop for creating cherished memories.
Each vineyard they visited boasted its own unique ambiance, from historic cellars steeped in tradition to modern tasting rooms brimming with innovation. The blend of heritage and contemporary flair in Franschhoek’s wine culture added an extra layer of enjoyment to their experiences. They weren’t just sampling wines; they were delving into the stories and passion woven into each bottle.
The final part of their journey took them to the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. This luxurious lodge embodies the quintessential safari experience, blending lavishness with the rugged beauty of the African wilderness. A standout moment was their night spent in a sleepout, an unforgettable experience beneath the starry sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is an intimate and immersive safari adventure, with expertly guided game drives providing close encounters with the Big Five and other captivating wildlife. The lodge’s dedication to sustainability and conservation enhances its appeal, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious travellers. Their sleepout experience was enchanting, allowing them to forge a profound connection with nature in ways they had never before imagined.
Danielle and Anna reached out to me for help planning their first safari experience in Africa. The first concern for LGBTQIA+ travellers is safety, and I couldn’t wait to chat with them on a call, to discuss this element, and how best we could work with their time frame for an experience they would not forget. It is always rewarding to tailor a trip where I know the expectations are going to be met and exceeded. They were always responsive and truly immersed themselves in all the experiences. It was an absolute pleasure to build their first trip to Africa!
– Emma Hill, Africa Safari Expert
Whether you're dreaming of a safari adventure, a wine-tasting expedition, or a romantic getaway, Go2Africa is your gateway to unforgettable Africa LGBTQIA+ travel experiences, speak to one of our Africa Safari Experts: