Bo-Kaap
Bo-Kaap
Stop in the Bo-Kaap (Cape Malay Quarter) for a photo opportunity with colorful houses, which carries great historical significance. You may even have a chance to greet some of the locals if they are in sight. Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, on the fringe of the city center, the Bo-Kaap’s origins date back to the 1760s when numerous rental houses were built and leased to slaves. These people were known as Cape Malays and were brought from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the rest of Africa to work in the Cape. The choice of color is said to be attributed to the fact that while on the lease, all the houses had to be white. When this rule was eventually lifted, and the slaves were allowed to buy the properties, all the houses were painted bright colors by their owners as an expression of their freedom.
Highlights:
- Stop in the Bo-Kaap (Cape Malay Quarter) for a photo opportunity with colorful houses, which carries great historical significance.
- Meet and greet the locals who's heritage includes Indonesia and Malaysia, hence the name Cape Malays. Shop for some spices and sample some traditional foods like koeksisters, samoosas and melktert.
- Learn More about Slavery in Cape Town from your tour guide
Why Go?
Learn about the history of the colorful houses in the Bo-Kaap and what the meaning is behind each one of them.
Why not book one of the locals' cooking sessions in their very own homes and learn how to cook their traditional foods like Cape Malay curry, samoosas, koeksisters, and rotis.
When To Go?
The Bo Kaap can be visited all year round.
Where To Go?
Steeped above the city of Cape Town at the foot of Signal Hill you will find the vibrant colorful houses of the Bo-Kaap, also known as the Cape Malay Quarter. Discover Bismillah Restaurant with its authentic Cape Malay Cuisine. Take a half-day lesson regarding the Cape Malay culinary right here in Bo-Kaap
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