It is no wonder why so many gay men come to Cape Town for New Years, and 2005 will be no different! From Cape Town's stunning beaches and active gay nightlife, to 5 star safari lodges just a short plane ride away, South Africa truly has it all. And, like the pioneers they are, gay men have their fingers on the pulse of this exciting destination.

Once in Cape Town, visitors are amazed by the beauty of the city, its fun beach scene, and its attractive, active nightlife. There is a wide array of activities to enjoy in and around Cape Town, including rock climbing, wine tasting, shark diving, abseiling and more. One can visit the baboons at the Cape of Good Hope and see the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, or venture out to a penguin colony just minutes from Cape Town!

During New Years, the gay scene in Cape Town increases its numbers, and the atmosphere becomes incredibly hip and international. Sexy pool parties pop up all over the city, and hotels and B&Bs are sold out everywhere. During the week surrounding New Years, clubs get going around Midnight and remain packed until 5 or 6 AM. And on New Years Eve, some of the world’s best DJs spin through the night and morning at incredible dance parties.

While the parties, excursions, and the "scene" are great features of celebrating New Years in Cape Town, what most tan-hungry gay men truly appreciate is the weather. Leaving their cold US winter homes behind, they take out their swimsuits and embrace South Africa's hot, sunny summer. For one week, gay men make the stunning beaches, excellent hip restaurants and nonstop nightclubs of sun-kissed Cape Town their personal playground.

But, when they’re not at the beach, touring the countryside, or dancing the night away, gay men make use of one of Cape Town's other charms: shopping! This is a place where it’s a good idea to bring an extra travel bag. The strong dollar coupled with fine local crafts will bring out the "shopper" in anyone! Fine African crafts such as wooden masks, statues beaded articles, and hand-crafted textiles can be purchased at large street markets in the city at incredible prices! One can easily spend hours shopping these markets, without spending a lot of money.

The perfect thing to finish off a week of celebrating is a trip to South Africa’s majestic, serene bush, and Cape Town enjoys close proximity to some of Africa’s finest game viewing, located in and around Krueger National Park. Anyone who has done it will say that taking a safari is something everyone should do before they die. Travelers return from a safari somehow transformed, somehow better. Plus, many fine safari lodges in South Africa combine luxurious 5 star accommodations with rustic game drives, leaving one feeling exhilarated as well as pampered. Experiences like enjoying gourmet dinners under the African sky and stars after a thrilling safari are things we take with us the rest of our lives.

Every year, South Africa becomes a safer destination for the gay traveler, but it is a great (and economical) idea to travel with a group. Zoom Vacations, a Chicago based gay vacation company offers an incredible gay vacation to South Africa for New Years from December 27, 2004 to January 5, 2005 including accommodations in Cape Town as well as 5 star safari in Krueger National Park for only $3,399.

While in Cape Town, guests enjoy exclusive pool parties, incredible restaurants, a wine country tour, complimentary cell phone rental and more. After Cape Town, travelers enjoy their own private safari lodge chalet with private Jacuzzi, gourmet meals, complimentary South African wines and two game drives daily. You can read more about this vacation by going to the Zoom Vacations website at http://www.zoomvacations.com, or call 866 966-6822.