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Bo-Kaap: Authentic Local Experience with Qualified Tour Guides
4.9
146 Ratings
Cape Town
Experience the rich history and culture of Bo-Kaap with authentic local tour guides. Discover the hidden gems beyond the postcard pictures.
Experience the rich history and culture of Bo-Kaap with authentic local tour guides. Discover the hidden gems beyond the postcard pictures.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bo-kaap - Bo-Kaap is a beautiful, quaint, and colourful suburb that nestles at the foot of Signal Hill in the City Bowl of Cape Town. Its history however is steeped in Slavery and it is also known as the ‘ Birthplace of Islam’ in the Cape. Enslaved people, artisans and political exiles were brought here from Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and…
- Bo-kaap - Bo-Kaap is a beautiful, quaint, and colourful suburb that nestles at the foot of Signal Hill in the City Bowl of Cape Town. Its history however is steeped in Slavery and it is also known as the ‘ Birthplace of Islam’ in the Cape. Enslaved people, artisans and political exiles were brought here from Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia amongst other places.
- Wale Street - We will meet at 71 Wale Street for an introduction to the area, providing an overview of the history of Cape Town and Bo-Kaap.
- Atlas Trading Company - We then stop at Cape Town’s famed spice shop Atlas, where you will smell the heady aromas of spices used in everyday Cape Malay cooking. These are the same spices used by slaves as an expression of freedom in their ‘masters’ kitchens.
What's Included
- Snacks
- Snacks
Additional Information
As offspring of the slaves transported to the Cape by early Dutch colonists to Bo-Kaap, we are deeply rooted in and tied to the profound history of this place. It’s this profound bond that motivates us to introduce you to this remarkable and intricately designed culture - one that’s unparalleled globally. As locals and accredited tour guides with…
As offspring of the slaves transported to the Cape by early Dutch colonists to Bo-Kaap, we are deeply rooted in and tied to the profound history of this place. It’s this profound bond that motivates us to introduce you to this remarkable and intricately designed culture - one that’s unparalleled globally. As locals and accredited tour guides with abundant experience, we offer you an immersive experience of Bo-Kaap beyond mere holiday snapshots.
Location
71 Wale St
Wale Street
The museum is directly opposite Rose Street Corner cafe shop. Please meet me in front of the museum and not inside the museum.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(146 Ratings)
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Sarah_m
Oct 3, 2025
Amazing educational tour - We had the most amazing experience walking around bo kaap with Sedick our guide! His personal stories about growing up in the area and his love for the community was felt throughout the tour, and we learnt so much about the history! I would highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Viator
Sue_l
Oct 1, 2025
Very informative tour highly recommended - It was really interesting to hear about the history of Bo-Kaap from a local guide whose family had lived in the area for many years. Our guide was very friendly and informative and we really enjoyed our tour. I would thoroughly recommend it
Review provided by Viator
Joshua
Sep 27, 2025
A must-do if you are visiting Cape Town - Our tour guide, Sedick, was wonderful. He was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, and could even give us dates of historic events dating back centuries covering all the history of Bo Kaap.
Being a local born and raised in this area, he introduced us to many neighbors, and even showed us some of the homes of his community. It was an experience I will cherish forever.
If you are staying anywhere near Bo Kaap or the garden district, I cannot recommend this tour enough. Sedick showed us Bo Kaap in all its glory. With the ever-evolving and changing world, this area’s history and culture needs to be remembered and preserved. I wish he and his family good health and a very happy future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessical7834
Aug 30, 2025
Book now!! - Somehow I was lucky enough to get Rafiq all to myself for this exceptional tour of Bo-Kaap. I've been to Cape Town numerous times, so was looking for unique, immersive experineces this time around. This tour far exceeded my expectations. I knew this tour would be special as soon as Rafiq introduced himself. He was friendly and welcoming and also must have greeted a dozen or so people within the first 15 minutes of the tour. It was abundantly clear how ingrained in the community this life long Bo-Kaap resident is.
This tour went well beyond the surface level story of the colorful facades of the Bo-Kaap houses. Rafiq provided the historical context of the neighborhood as well as insight into the ongoing struggles of this unique enclave within a continually and rapidly changing Cape Town. Rafiq gamely answered both my informed and more naive questions with grace, intelligence, warmth and humor. As I saw other others entering Bo-Kaap for a quick photo op or with outsider tour guides, I couldn't have been happier to be on this tour with a true insider. If you're in search of something unique and genuine, this is your tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_k
Aug 19, 2025
Great Tour - Worth Your Precious Vacation Time! - Rafiq was an excellent tour guide. Deeply knowledgeable about Bo-Kaap’s history and culture. He showed us not only the area but also introduced us to its local cafes and pointed out its cultural and teligious gathering places which are a hige part of the community of Bo-Kaap. You will be impressed with Rafiq’s knowledge and deep connections to this very unigue and historic neighborhood. SCK and CK
Review provided by Viator
Debraca_r
Aug 13, 2025
Educated by a gentleman & scholar - He was extremely friendly. He made sure we got the pictures we wanted while walking. He kept a nice pace so we did not feel rushed. He jokes were pretty good. Definitely would recommend 15/10
Review provided by Viator
Inge_b
Aug 8, 2025
Great tour - It was great to have a tour by a local and to get to know about the history.
Would recommend to take a tour through a local.
Review provided by Viator
Adamdbowles
Aug 6, 2025
Compelling tour with a guide who has roots here - This was such a compelling tour of the history of Bo-Kaap! Our guide, Sedick, used to live in the neighborhood and still has family and many friends here who said hello to him along the way. That personal connection made this extra special. The community is an amazing place and the colors speak to their resilience and joy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Espanablue2020
Aug 6, 2025
Personalized historical tour - The tour started on time and the guide was very informative. He took the time to explain the Bo Kaap history and went at our pace on the walk. Would definitely recommend for those looking for a historical background of the area. The sweet treat at the end was excellent. My family truly enjoyed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meraaikraai
Aug 1, 2025
A new perspective on Cape Town’s history - We had a brilliant tour of Bo-Kaap with Sedick. He gave us an extremely engaging, insightful and personal tour of the area, which greatly added to our understanding of Cape Town’s history. His local perspective helped us to get a stronger sense of the lived experience of this fascinating community. We’d highly recommended this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor