The Bo-Kaap region of Cape Town (also called the Malay Quarter) is known for its impressive multi-colored buildings, spice shops, and delicious Cape Malay food. Learn more about the origins of this neighborhood by going on a guided tour with a guide who is a descendant of the slaves brought to the area by early Dutch settlers. Find out personal stories about the area that you wouldn’t discover otherwise, and ask questions along the way.

Visit Bo-Kaap with a guide who lives in the area and hear personal stories
Go to one of the oldest mosques in South Africa—Auwal Mosque
Stay hydrated—a cup of rooibos tea/coffee and a tasty snack are included
Great for photographers—see one of South Africa’s most photographed streets

What's Included

Snacks

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

71 Wale St
71 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
The museum is directly opposite Rose Street Corner cafe shop. Please meet me in front of the museum and not inside the museum.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Bo-kaap

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wale Street

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Atlas Trading Company

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travellers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travellers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

5.0

44 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 44 reviews

Delightful time in Bo-Kaap

Maja_W, Mar 2023

We had the most amazing time with Rafiq and his cousin. We learned a lot about Bo-Kaap, we had a chance to walk in whole district and feel safe. Rafiq is an incredible guide : he teached us a lot about the story, about him and we also had a chance to talk about other very interesting topics. I definitely recommend to book this tour !

A “must do” experience!

Carolyne_D, Mar 2023

This was a wonderful experience! Rafiq was a brilliant guide and story teller. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him, learning about Bo Kaap and the history of the area. A must do when in Cape Town!

Very interesting tour.

Beverley_M, Mar 2023

Dry interesting walk around this historic part of Cape Town with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

No time for questions. Repetitive.

Hazel_D, Mar 2023

Guide was lovely. Very Knowledgable however…. No chance to ask questions. Most of the tour was spent standing in the sun. If you want people to listen find a shady place where people can perhaps sit. This was build as a 1 hour tour. After 11/2 hours we literally just insisted on leaving to get something to eat. A real shame as the guide was truly lovely

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for your review. Please note that during the debriefing after the tour, the Guide's feedback was as follows. A lovely group who enjoyed the sunshine, as mention was made of the 'very cold weather back home',when asked if they were ok to stand in the sun. (We have a checklist that we follow throughout a tour to see that guests are comfortable.) As we are mindful of time for guests, the Guide said she checked with the group at the 2nd stop about their time constraints due to the interesting discussions the group raised. Hazel and partner, originally from SA, contributed much to these discussions. The group was fine with the tour ending between 13:15 and 13:30. The tour ended at 13:30. The suggestion by the Guide to sit on a stoep in the sun was welcomed by the group. The Guide was being sensitive to the fact that Hazel had hurt her back on a recent hike. It is unfortunate that you feel the tour was worth 2 stars. We hope that from a historic and cultural perspective, you found the tour informative.

Very little history. I...

Oscar_V, Feb 2023

Very little history. I think the walk is totally overpriced. there is so much to give and so much to tell people. But there was a lack in energy levels.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Dear Sir. Thank you for your review. We met with our Guide regarding your feedback. As owners of Bo-Kaap Roots, we take full responsibility for the lack of enthusiasm and information that you and your family recieved on the tour. Our guide on the day has never had a bad review. We are however still engaging her in discussions around this. We would appreciate it if you would provide us with an opportunity to do this tour again, at no charge, to leave you with a fulfilled tour.

Amazing location, friendly guide

Remi_J, Feb 2023

Guide was super friendly and knowledgeable, and shared so many interesting stories. Beautiful location with such a rich history, great way to see the area.

Bo Kaap

Sharon_P, Nov 2022

Most incredible history that we have learned ever that are not in the history books. Loved our tour guide Rafiq he even had me in tears with our history. But because of his input im sooooo proud to be a South African with my Heritage. Thank you Rafiq

Wonderful tour of Bo-kaap

valree76, June 2022

Rafiq was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable and passionate about telling the story of his community. Even though we went over the allotted time, I still wanted more! :)

A gem of a colorful neighborhood, not only the homes but the people.

Judith_S, June 2022

Our guide, Shereen, was amazing!!! She lives in Bo Kaap, is an active member of the community & it seems everyone knows her. Her knowledge of the Bo Kaap area, both current & historical is incredible. She shared not only the areas information but her part in South African history, including participation in June 16 student marches. Bo Kaap is a beautiful & colorful area in the heart of Cape Town. It includes the oldest house in the area, art, amazing food & very friendly people. You have to experience this little gem while you’re in Cape Town! And a guide is a must to give you all the insights that make the area come alive.

Great guide that was a...

Scott_B, June 2022

Great guide that was a local. Lots of knowledge and he knew every person we passed many of whom stopped to chat with us.

The best tour of Bo Kapp

Susan_R, Feb 2022

A fabulous walk with an excellent tour guide, very informative and he gave us a wonderful insight into the history and life in Bo Kapp with tastes of local sweets and a visit to Atlas store with information about local cooking spices. I can thoroughly recommend this tour.

Thank you Rafique for a...

Flavia_I, Jan 2022

Thank you Rafique for a great tour of your area. Interesting facts and history shared. Enjoyed the Koeksisters you arranged.

Special tour of our colourful history.

zahnasteynberg, Dec 2021

Beautiful day with family, getting to know a part of Cape Town and our history we didn’t know before. We especially remember the fantastic koesiesters, and Bilkies helping us decyphering the spices and their uses at the spice shop. The walking was not too strenuos with some welcome shade on a warm day.

Fun, informative morning well spent!

Delicia_B, Nov 2021

It was fun spending time with Ilyas. He also managed to introduce us to quite a few of the locals, and told us parts of history we knew nothing about! And made it all fun! Even in the rain....

Experience the generosity of the coulorful Bo-Kaap

Sue_B, Oct 2020

The tour exceeded our expectations! Rafiq Jacobs shared the history with colourful stories and interesting facts. We were introduced to locals and showered with generosity in their homes. We will never forget aunt Nissie's freshly baked koesisters. She welcomed us like family. Rafiq even went the extra mile by arranging a lovely roti lunch at Faeezah's home!

Amazing Tour of History of Bo-Kaap

Ariel_T, May 2019

Rafiq was a lovely informative guide, his history and knowledge of Bo-Kaap tell of a very special place in the heart of Cape Town. I saw, did and heard the history and present day struggles of a people that still have to fight to be heard, and Rafiq's voice was loud and clear, Bo-Kaap Matters! Many Thanks, Ariel #BOKAAPMATTERS

Authentisch

peter_g, Dec 2022

Authentisch, informativ, hautnah, kompetent, lebhaft. Der Guide kennt alles aus eigener Erfahrung, weil er seit Geburt dort lebt.