BO-KAAP – the colourful gem of Cape Town
Bo-Kaap – known as the “Malay Quarter” or “Cape Muslim Quarter”
Visitors to Cape Town immediately recognise the Bo-Kaap district by its many colourful houses, the landmark of the Bo-Kaap, also known as the “Malay Quarter” or “Cape Muslim Quarter”. The Bo-Kaap, which measures about 1 km by 1 km, lies at the foot of Signal Hill within the Cape Town City Bowl.
The Bo-Kaap district still exudes the charm of times long past, when freed slaves from the former Cape Dutch colony settled on the slopes of Signal Hill in the 18th and 19th centuries, bringing their culture and customs with them. Among them were many craftsmen who built small houses in a mix of Cape Dutch and English styles. The construction style and architecture have hardly changed to this day. Historic buildings can be found on every corner. Another characteristic of the Bo-Kaap are the narrow cobblestone streets, some of which lead rather steeply from the city centre towards Signal Hill.
There are also many mosques in the neighbourhood, and a large proportion of the residents are Muslim. There are currently 10 mosques spread throughout the district, giving Cape Town a slight Arabic touch. The Auwal Mosque, the first house of worship of the Islamic community, opened its doors in 1798. Imam Abdullah Kadi Abdus Salaam, also known as Tuan Guru, served as the first Iman here. Until 1850, the Auwal Mosque, located in 34 Dorp Street, was the main religious institution of the Islamic community.
Cape Malay cuisine
The former slaves also brought their own dishes from their respective homelands to South Africa. Today, dishes such as biryani, sosaties, bredies, curries and boboties are classic South African dishes that are best enjoyed in the Cape Malay restaurants of the Bo-Kaap. We highly recommend visiting the Cape Malay restaurant Bokaap Kombuis
Cape Malay Cooking Course
Learn how to cook some of these local specialities with a resident of the Bo-Kaap. Part of the special experience is eating your home-cooked meals afterwards in a cosy atmosphere.
Walking tour of the Bo-Kaap district
A visit to the Bo-Kaap is part of the standard programme of every Cape Town visitor. You can explore the Bo-Kaap by yourself or join a guided tour. There’s a lot to discover while walking through those narrow streets. If you are there at the right time, you can hear the muezzins calling to prayer. In the Bo-Kaap museum, one of the oldest, still standing houses from the mid-18th century, you can learn more about the local culture and what life was like back in the day.
High Noon Gun
Above Bo-Kaap on the slopes of Signal Hill is the Noon Gun, which fires a cannon shot every day except Sundays and public holidays at 12 noon sharp. In the early days, cannon shots were used to announce the arrival of ships in the harbour, which had to replenish their provisions, hence the name Signal Hill. Since 1833, a single cannon shot was used to help both residents and ships to set their clocks correctly, making it one of the oldest continuous tradition of the country. The Noon Gun can be reached driving up Military Road.
Cape Carnival
On 2 January each year, the Cape Malays have a big street party known as the Coon Carnival. Thousands of Cape Coloureds parade through the city centre in colourful costumes and marching bands, a spectacle not to be missed. The origins of this parade lies in the slave history of the Cape. The 2 January used to be the only day off for slaves of the Cape Colony.
Accommodation in the Bo-Kaap
Guest House La Rose
La Rose is an eclectic mix of French, Indian, Cape Malay and African influences, where old world and modern embrace. Each en-suite bedroom is unique and stylishly decorated with funky pieces of art which reflect the colourful Bo-Kaap and South Africa. La Rose has 8 rooms with a cosy little garden.
Rouge on Rose Boutique Hotel
This is a chic boutique hotel in 25 Rose Street. The hotel offers a total of 9 suites in different categories including a full breakfast.
Signal Hill Lodge (4 stars)
This 16-room guesthouse offers a wonderful view of Table Mountain and the colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap.
