The Bo-Kaap is certainly one of Cape City’s most traditionally wealthy neighbourhoods, with a lot to see, style, and expertise that we extremely suggest including a go to to your Cape City itinerary.
Right here’s our information to what you merely can not miss whereas visiting the Bo-Kaap.
A Transient Historical past
Located on the foot of Sign Hill, on the perimeter of the town centre, and previously often known as the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap’s origins date again to the 1760s when quite a few ‘huurhuisjes’ (rental homes) have been constructed and leased to slaves. These people, often known as Cape Malays, have been introduced from Malaysia, Indonesia and the remainder of Africa to work within the Cape.
The Vibrant Homes
The homes in Bo-Kaap are a mixture of Cape Dutch and Georgian structure, positioned in distinctive multi-coloured rows on steeply cobbled roads. The selection of color is alleged to be attributed to the truth that, whereas on lease, all the homes needed to be white. When this rule was finally lifted, and the slaves have been allowed to purchase the properties, the homeowners painted all the homes vivid colors as an expression of their freedom. Bo-Kaap is house to predominantly Muslim households who’ve been dwelling there for generations. Right now, the Bo-Kaap group is a big a part of the town’s cultural heritage.
What to See and Do
A five-minute stroll from the town centre and De Waterkant and a 20-minute stroll to the V&A Waterfront, the Bo-Kaap is greatest accessed by foot alongside Wale Road. Discover the Islamic “kramats” (shrines), mosques and meals and craft markets, and uncover the scrumptious Cape Malay cooking fashion. Please observe that you do not want a allow to stroll Bo-Kaap and surrounding streets within the Metropolis Centre.
Take an Audio Tour
Beginning on the Bo-Kaap Museum, this 20-minute Audio Tour is guided by Shereen Habib, who has served as a information for over 20 years- her household has lived right here for nearly a century. Take a leisurely stroll as she guides you on a deeply private loop by means of the historic coronary heart of this space. Along with her assist, you’ll quickly see why this place is so near the hearts of hundreds of individuals the world over.
Obtain the Audio Tour: voicemap.me/tour/cape-town/bo-kaap-walking-tour
Bo-Kaap Museum
The Bo-Kaap Museum is a must-see attraction for anybody within the historical past and tradition of Cape City. The museum, housed in one of many oldest and best-preserved homes within the neighbourhood, dates to the 1760s. The museum presents guests a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Bo-Kaap group, which has a singular mix of Cape Malay, African, and European cultures. The displays embrace historic paperwork, images, artefacts, and interactive shows.
Location: 71 Wale St, Schotsche KloofWorth: Worldwide adults, kids aged from 5 to 17, and pensioners: R80. South African residents: Adults R40, Youngsters 5–17, Pensioners & College students R20 (with ID), Free entry on commemorative days
Auwal Masjid
Nestled within the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap, the primary and oldest mosque in South Africa, the Auwal Masjid, or Auwal Mosque, stands as a testomony to the wealthy cultural heritage of this various group. With its placing white façade and towering minaret, the mosque’s historical past dates to the early 18th century. The Auwal Masjid continues to function a religious and social hub for the Bo-Kaap group and guests.
Location: 39 Dorp Road, Bo KaapContact: E-mail information@auwalmasjid.co.za
Cooking Excursions
Expertise the meals and life-style of the Bo-Kaap group by becoming a member of a cooking class hosted by an area. From folding samosas and making rotis to mixing spices for a standard Cape Malay curry, you’ll each study and savour each chew. Immerse your self in a day within the lifetime of the Bo-Kaap group, ending with the scrumptious meal you’ve ready.
Excursions to think about:
Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour: www.bokaapcookingtour.co.zaFaeeza’s Residence Kitchen: faeezashomekitchen.com/Cape Fusion Excursions: capefusiontours.com
Scootours
Scootours take you on an adrenaline-pumping journey down Sign Hill to the Bo-Kaap on a big-wheeled scooter. Powered solely by gravity and momentum, that is an thrilling approach for the entire household to expertise the town. When you arrive within the Bo-Kaap, you’ll be whisked again up Desk Mountain to your second journey down.
Contact: Go to www.scootours.co.za
The place to Eat
Listed below are some eating places to take a look at:
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
Bo-Kaap Kombuis is an genuine Cape Malay restaurant that pays homage to its environment. ‘The Kombuis’, because the restaurant is affectionately recognized, is owned by Yusuf and Nazli Larney and has been serving visitors for greater than 17 years. The menu consists of every thing from Cape Malay curries, vegetarian dishes, and snacks like potato waras and samosas. And, for many who need a couple of possibility, the restaurant has included a tasting platter on their menu, with choices of fish curry, butter hen and lamb curry.
Location: 7 August St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape TownContact: Name 021 422 5446 or e-mail nazli@bokaapkombuis.co.za, or go to www.bokaapkombuis.co.za
Biesmiellah Restaurant
This family-owned enterprise has been round for greater than 4 a long time. Located within the vibrant space of Bo-Kaap, this conventional Cape Malay restaurant serves up an assortment of tantalising delicacies that celebrates locals and their tradition. Biesmiellah, which interprets to ‘within the title of Allah,’ is a strictly halaal institution recognized for its reasonably priced meals. The menu is expansive, providing every thing from completely spiced curries to mouthwatering seafood dishes and beloved snacks just like the chili chew, potato wara and samosas.
Location: 2 Wale St & Pentz St Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof, Cape TownContact: Name 021 423 0850
Rose Nook Café
Whereas this café won’t be the place to take a seat down for a meal, folks journey from far and large for his or her ‘heat worsies’ (sizzling, pink sausages) and conventional koesisters (the spherical, spiced Cape Malay reply to a doughnut). It additionally presents quite a lot of different café-type gadgets and spices.
Location: 100 Wale St, Bo-Kaap
Bo Kaap Deli
Award-winning Bo Kaap Deli serves Cape Malay-inspired delicacies within the coronary heart of Bo-Kaap. This aesthetically pleasing eatery presents a various menu, that includes every thing from koesisters and curry to burgers and breakfast. The deli additionally boasts an outside seating space that showcases a few of the space’s prime views.
Location: 114 Church St, Bo-KaapContact: Go to www.instagram.com/bokaapdeli/
Marco’s African Place
Marco’s African Place is a 220-seater restaurant that celebrates African tradition and worldwide delicacies. Delight your senses with a culinary journey that includes indigenous African and Cape delicacies, together with the Pan African Platter with Springbok, Kudu, and Ostrich, Crocodile, and conventional Xhosa dishes. As you dine, take pleasure in performances by marimba bands and different dwell acts
Location: 15 Rose St, Schotsche KloofContact: Go to www.marcosafricanplace.com/
The place to Store
The Diamond Gallery
The Diamond Gallery presents probably the most unique diamond and Tanzanite experiences in Cape City. Go to their showroom, which options South Africa’s solely Tanzanite emporium, to accumulate a timeless souvenir. The welcoming crew will reply all of your questions and showcase the perfect of their jewelry and gems.
Location: 15 Jordaan St, Cape City Metropolis CentreContact: Go to www.thediamondgallery.co.za
Atlas Buying and selling
This family-owned spice emporium is the place you’ll discover each flavour you’ll ever want (and ones you by no means knew you wanted). Established in 1946, Atlas Buying and selling is managed by brothers Shouket and Wahab Ahmed who deliver wholesale spices to the group and public at an excellent worth.
Location: 104 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape TownContact: Go to www.atlastradingcompany.co.za
