Sustainability Stories: opening Africa’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive hostel – Soul Fam Hostel
In a city known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, a new hostel will open its doors in a few weeks – one that’s designed around belonging.
When Chase King landed in Cape Town as a student back in 2007, he could’ve not imagined that one day he’d open a hostel there. But after nearly 20 years of travelling, one thing had become clear.
“I never found a place where I could fully be me,” he says.
So, he decided to build it himself.
This June, Chase is opening Soul Fam Hostel – Africa’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive hostel 🌈 in Cape Town, South Africa.
“I want guests to leave Soul Fam feeling more courageous, more connected, and more themselves. Like they were part of something rare, something real, and something bigger than themselves that the world needs,” he says.
We sat down with Chase ahead of the hostel’s opening to hear his story. If you’re headed to Cape Town and this story speaks to you, save the date: Soul Fam Hostel opens on June 27th.
“The adventure felt lonely at times”
Studying abroad in Cape Town was Chase’s first trip outside the US 🌍 and in the same year he also stayed in a hostel for the first time.
“I loved the community atmosphere of hostels and the spontaneously deep connections I formed with travellers from around the world,” Chase tells.
He went on to travel for nearly two decades and worked remotely across five continents 🧳But even though he connected with amazing people during his travels, something was missing.
“I often found myself feeling invisible and struggling to find a more permanent, long-lasting community of kindred souls. As a mixed Black gay man, the adventure felt lonely at times because I constantly had to rely on gay bars or clubs or dating apps to connect with other queer people rather than more organic, real life scenarios.”
A hostel where everyone can be their whole selves
“Queer people of colour like myself can feel out of place or even have to shrink ourselves to fit in,” he tells.
After years of solo travel, Chase had never experienced an accommodation where he could be his whole self. “I’ve never come across a truly inclusive space that allowed me to be my full authentic self among other like-minded individuals who celebrated, supported and embraced me for who I was at the deepest level.”
“Soul Fam was always going to be unapologetically queer, a place where you don’t have to wonder if it’s safe to hold hands or be yourself.”
Cape Town was the obvious choice, a city he had fallen in love with all those years ago, but also as the most inclusive city on a continent where 31 out of 54 countries criminalise consensual same-sex sexual activity.
Inclusion is a daily practice, not a buzzword
Chase is currently renovating a beautiful old home near the waterfront right next to the buzzing queer-friendly neighbourhoods of De Waterkant and Green Point. With plenty of shared spaces for lounging, Soul Fam hostel also has a lush backyard and a pool to relax after a long day of exploring 🌴
Finding the right property was not easy. ”The biggest challenge I’ve encountered was finding the right property because hostels are still often stigmatized as loud, disruptive party havens for 20-somethings that have no regard for the local community,” he says.
But with perseverance and patience he secured the incredible property he’s now transforming into a space of belonging where inclusion is a daily practice, not a buzzword 🏳️🌈
Belonging reaches into every design choice:
✔️all-gender bathrooms
✨pronoun pins
🪧inclusive signage
🛡️safer space guidelines
🧠 staff training rooted in intersectional hospitality
Community means chosen family, honest conversation and shared joy
“My goal is to create a space of radical inclusion where everyone is seen, accepted and loved as they are while forming genuine, long lasting and meaningful connections”, Chase tells.
Think weekly dinners, yoga classes, art nights, and storytelling circles to help guests connect beyond small talk 🎨 Soul Fam Hostel collaborates with queer-led local businesses to offer walking tours, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, so travellers can build real relationships with the people and culture of Cape Town 🤝
Documenting the renovation journey on social media has brought a swell of support. “Queer travellers and allies have come together to support bringing this vision to life. People have become extremely invested in the success of Soul Fam Hostels and that means the absolute world to me.”
In the future, he hopes to host retreats, residencies for artists and activists, and offer grants for queer travellers to explore the world.
But for now, it starts here – with purpose turned into a beautiful hostel 💛
Chase’s ultimate Cape Town travel tip 🗺️
“Forget what you think you know about Africa and come to Cape Town with an open mind,” he urges. “Be bold and don’t be afraid to venture beyond the standard tourist route.”
Explore the various nearby small town on a road trip to find all the hidden gems of the region 🌄Central Cape Town has its charm, but going even 45 minutes outside of the city will lead you to an endless array of adventures.
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