Bo Kaap
The tranquil neighbourhood of Bo Kaap can be found in central Cape Town, tucked away against the backdrop of the celebrated Signal Hill, which overlooks Robben Island. When you visit the Bo Kaap, you will be immediately struck by the array of brightly-coloured houses in the neighbourhood against the milieu of religious mosques located in the area. The atmosphere is homely with children playing in the streets and neighbours conversing together in perfect harmony.
Bo Kaap is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage and population. The residents are said to be descendants of slaves brought to the Cape Colony by the Dutch in the 16th and 17th centuries. Many of these slaves came from numerous places such as parts of the African continent, Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of the Asian continent. Many of the residents are referred to as ‘Cape Malays’ because of their direct descent from Malaysian ethnicity. This interbreeding of diverse cultures has led to many unique South African delicacies and cuisines such as the famous Cape Malay curry, made primarily with yellow rice, any meat or vegetable of your choosing and numerous delicious spices of Arabic and Asian origins.
Immerse yourself in the cultural and historical heritage that the Bo Kaap has to offer. Visit the prominent Bo Kaap Museum located at no. 71 Wale Street. The land on which the museum stands was constructed and owned by Jan De Waal in 1763, who also built many of the houses in the neighbourhood. Or visit the famous Kramats or Muslim shrines where you will find the burial sites of the Saints of Islam. For a touch of different cultures across the globe, then visit the Bo Kaap today.
