Where Queer Travellers Belong: Inside Africa’s First LGBTQ+ Hostel

When Chase King opened Soul Fam Hostel in Cape Town, he wasn’t just launching a business, he was answering a deeply personal call. 

After two decades of traveling the world, King realised that what he longed for most was the very thing he had never found: a space where queer travellers, especially people of colour, could feel fully seen, safe, and celebrated.

“Soul Fam was born out of a deep desire to create the kind of inclusive space I always longed for while traveling,” says King. “Too often, queer people have to shrink themselves to fit in. I wanted to build a place where we could exist loudly and joyfully, a sanctuary for kindred spirits.”

Originally from Los Angeles, King grew up in the USA but has now permanently settled in Cape Town. While the city’s mountains and ocean are breathtaking, he says the choice to make it home was about more than the scenery.

“Cape Town is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities in the world, but what drew me here wasn’t just the mountains and the ocean – it was the energy. It’s a place where creativity, culture, and diversity intersect in powerful ways,” King explains.

“For queer travellers, Cape Town is a rare gem on the African continent. It has an active LGBTQ+ scene, visible Pride celebrations, and a growing network of queer-owned businesses. But despite this vibrancy, I noticed there was no dedicated, queer-inclusive hostel – a gap I felt compelled to fill.”

That joy is woven into every corner of Soul Fam. Guests can choose from boho-chic dorms with memory foam mattresses or private rooms for those craving extra comfort. Shared spaces, from the lush garden and sparkling waterfall pool to the sunny terrace, braai area, and laid-back lounge, are designed for connection as much as relaxation.

“Everything here is intentional,” King explains. “From the design of our spaces to the way we greet each guest, it’s about making people feel at home. Soul Fam is meant to be the place where you can exhale and know you’re safe.”

Each morning begins with a free, wholesome continental breakfast, setting the stage for conversations and connections over fresh fruit and coffee. But the true magic of Soul Fam lies in the people. Daily events, art sessions, and weekly connection circles give guests a chance to share their stories and form bonds that often last long after they’ve checked out.

“Guests often arrive as strangers and leave as chosen family,” King says with a smile. “That’s the most beautiful part of what we do. It’s why I wake up every day excited to be here.”

Being queer-owned and queer-run shapes everything, from the art on the walls to the way guests are welcomed. House rules protect the dignity of all identities, bathrooms are gender-neutral, and staff are intentional about honouring pronouns and privacy.

“When a space is queer owned, it changes everything,” says King. “Decisions are made with lived experience in mind. Queerness is the norm here, not the exception. You never have to explain yourself; you just get to be.”

Soul Fam is also plugged into Cape Town’s vibrant queer scene, collaborating with local LGBTQ+ artists, wellness practitioners, and businesses. Signature events like Queer Fam Fridays bring locals and travellers together for storytelling, music, and shared meals, a joyful antidote to the loneliness so many queer travellers know all too well.

“We see Soul Fam as part of a bigger movement of queer liberation and visibility,” King explains. “Every time we host an event, promote a queer-owned business, or introduce guests to local artists, we’re helping to grow that ecosystem of support.”

King recalls one guest who arrived after a painful breakup, withdrawn and unsure. “We invited him into our daily events, and slowly he opened up,” he says. “He ended up staying a month and called Soul Fam his home away from home.

Moments like that remind me why we exist. Soul Fam isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s a place to heal, to belong, and to be celebrated exactly as you are.”

For LGBTQ+ travellers seeking more than a bed, a place to connect, recharge, and be seen, Soul Fam is ready to welcome you home.