The colourful Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town, South Africa 21 Sep 2016

Posted on 21 Sep 2016
The colourful Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town, South Africa
The colourful Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town, South Africa
The colourful Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town, South Africa

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Bo-Kaap, Cape Town's Malay Quarter, is worth a visit for its pastel-coloured houses, steep cobbled streets and minarets, as well as the Jamai (or Queen Victoria) Mosque, Cape Town's oldest, dating back to 1850. The Malay community are mostly the descendants of slaves brought from Southeast Asia in the late 17th century. Muslim of Indian extraction also live in this district, which survived the relocations of the apartheid era. Ironically, the character of the Malay Quarter is now threatened by the end of residence restrictions, as well-heeled outsiders have started buying up property here.

The best way to discover Cape Town is on a private tour of the city as part of Insight Guides' Cape Town Explored holiday. This trip also takes in a wine tasting in one of the area's best wine estate as well as a chance to meet the Big Five on a game safari.


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Fahranaaz, our local expert, is ready to create your holiday: submit a trip request now or browse suggested itineraries


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