Audio Guide: Bo-Kaap Quarter Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cape Town

Bo-Kaap is Afrikaans for "above the Cape." The Bo-Kaap District is above Cape Town's city center, on the slopes of Signal Hill. It is the historical center of Cape Malay culture. In the 1760s, Jan de Waal bought land here and built houses he rented to his slaves.

Slaves came from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa. Many of these slaves were Muslim, and this area celebrates Islamic culture and history. Muslims continued to arrive and built Cape Dutch and Cape Georgian-style homes.

The building at 71 Wale Street was erected by de Waal in 1763 and is now the Bo-Kaap Museum. This small facility, furnished as a typical 19th-century Muslim dwelling, gives visitors an insight into a 19th-century Muslim family's daily lives.

Today, the Bo-Kaap District is treasured for its multicultural community, cobblestone streets, and distinctive architecture. You can't miss the Boorhaanol Islam Mosque, which was built in 1884 and features Cape Town's first minaret. As you stroll up Wale Street, the colorful architecture and small boutique shops are sure to catch your eye. Visitors can find unique beaded works of art at Monkeybiz, a craft store with a mission of empowering local women.

Treat yourself at Marco's African Place; it's the perfect place to enjoy a traditional African meal and some local entertainment. Take this self-guided tour for a walk down the cobblestone streets of the Bo-Kapp District and experience the unique Cape Malay culture in this beautiful part of Cape Town.