Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest, yet wealthiest province. Developed on the back of gold discovered in the region in the 1880s, it is now the economic powerhouse of the country and boasts its largest gay population. At its heart is the country’s biggest city – Johannesburg, also known as “Egoli” or “the city of gold“. Gauteng is also home to South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria, the sprawling township of Soweto, the most famous settlement in Africa, and the shopping mecca of Sandton. Other towns of the province include Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging . On the East Rand are the suburbs of Springs, Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan and Germiston. On the West Rand, Krugersdorp, Randfontein and Roodepoort. Gauteng is vibrant, sophisticated and cosmopolitan. It offers visitors a wide variety of cultural and leisure pursuits.
NOTE: While we do our best to ensure that information is current, due to the frequency with which clubs and bars open and close, it is suggested that you contact a venue, where possible, to confirm its details. Should you have any updated information on a venue, or wish to list a hotspot, please contact us.
Gay Cafe’s & Restaurants
AMUSE CAFE
Gay owned and gay friendly funky lounge / cafe / restaurant in Linden. Shop 12, Manlam court, Corner 4th Avenue & 5th Street. Tues – Sat: 4 pm to 12 am. Tel: 084 555 5252. – Facebook
BEEFCAKES JOBURG
Popular gay bar and diner with some of the best burgers in town. Look out for drag show nights. Conveniently located next to Joburg’s Babylon bar/nightclub. Make sure to book! 011 447 5266. Secure, covered parking. 198 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg. Facebook
Gay Clubs, Bars, Steambaths & other meeting places
BABYLON JOBURG
Joburg’s more intimate version of the Babylon club in Pretoria. Sexy barmen, stylish decor and crowd. Secure, covered parking. Open Wed, Fri and Sat from 7 pm. Oxford Centre, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo. – Facebook
CAMP DAVID
Nude Bar in Pretoria. Open 7 days a week. Dark room, slings. For More information please call 072 497 2500. – Website
DAY HIKING GROUP
Gay and Lesbian day hiking group in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounds. Website / Facebook
ETC-ZONE CENTURION
Gay bar. Gables Shopping Centre, Ivan Street, Bronberrick, Pretoria. Facebook
FACTORY
6th Street, cnr Voorhout, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg. Macho cruise bar, uniform, leather, fetish – next to Ellis Park sports grounds. Dark rooms, sling room, and cubicles. Email, 083-965-2227. – Facebook
FUNNY FARM LODGE
An LBGTQI operated lodge, straight friendly nestled on a farm, surrounded by lush green gardens and bush with a quad track, bar and heated swimming pool, the ideal weekend getaway from the city rush. 30 minutes’ drive from Tshwane City (Pretoria) or 50 minutes from O.R Tambo International Airport catering for all genders. Website
H LOUNGE & BAR
A space exclusively for men, with a bar and back rooms for cruising. H is on the Upper Ground Floor, Manor Gardens, corner of The Avenue and Plantation Roads, The Gardens. Call or whatsapp on 076 469 8125. Facebook
KIKI COQTAIL LOUNGE
Gay owned and friendly venue in Centurion offers patrons an unique experience of premier coqtails, food and entertainment. Venue is also available for event bookings. 073 798 9565 / Email – Facebook
LIQUID BLUE
Johannesburg. Liquid Blue cocktail lounge, bar and restaurant in located in the heart of Melville. Cool House, R&B and commercial music. 7th street, Melville.
RAMRODS
Adult store and cruising spot. Under Adult World, Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall (opposite the Colony Shopping Centre).
RASPUTIN PTA
Gay pub and entertainment venue. Meyer St (14th Ave), Pretoria. Facebook
RATZ BAR MELVILLE
Gay owned and gay friendly bar and live performance venue. With classic cocktails and 80s rock and disco diva classics. No 9, 7th Street, Melville. Facebook
REC ROOM
The biggest gay steam bath in Johannesburg, with secure and discreet parking. Fully licensed. Sunday to Thursday: 13h00 to 01h00, Friday and Saturday: 07h00 to 03h00. Tel: (011) 792-1288. Malibongwe Drive, Phoenix Centre, Shop 1, Randburg, Johannesburg. – Website
SIMPLY BLUE
Johannesburg. A gay bar and nightclub for people of colour and those that apperciate colour. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm till late. 36 Rogers Street, Selby. – Facebook
TROUBLE GAY BAR
A back-to-basics gay bar situated at Olivedale Corner Shopping Centre (Cnr. President Fouche Drive & Olive Road, Olivedale). Open Tuesdays till Sundays from 4pm till late. Free entry. Call 082 875 9230 – Facebook
VOELKOP
Men only, clothing optional. Holiday resort, open 7 days a week. – Website
For the Girls
MAMBAGIRL.COM
For listings of lesbian and lesbian-friendly venues go to www.mambagirl.com; South Africa’s leading lesbian lifestyle website. – Website