There are tours on offer or just explore at your own pace.
A good place to start would be in the oldest building in Wale Street which houses the Bo-Keep Museum
The houses were all white originally and this changed when the slaves were allowed to buy their houses. As a celebration of their freedom, the houses were painted in bright, vibrant colours and this tradition lives on today. The architecture is a mix of Cape Dutch and Georgian.
Gentrification is currently an issue in this vibrant community and this is clearly seen in the number of Art Galleries that have sprung up. Whilst great in their own right, having upgraded the buildings and hosting amazing exhibits, it does mean the slight loss of the Malay culture.
One building currently houses an enormous display of art, all made from recycled material
Nathan Chikoto also exhibits in Brussels, Belgium. The hours and hours that must have been spent creating these works of art is mind-blowing. Photography is allowed provided that you place a donation in the donation box.
Another interesting gallery, especially for photographers, is the Chad Henning Gallery. This artist captures Bo-Kaap, Wildlife, Nature and Landscapes. No photography is allowed in the gallery! Chad Henning works on numerous commercial briefs from clients and photography can also be purchased online.
We chatted to a local artist who was painting small, square fridge magnets depicting Bo-Kaap scenes.
Zachariah lives in the Bo-Kaap and had a small stall on a corner. He was telling us how many folk are selling their homes at huge prices and that this will change the way of the Bo-Kaap community eventually. As it still remains such an iconic part of Cape Town, one hopes that the colourful houses will always remain and that the spirit of the locals will still resonate in the cobbled streets of this community.
The Auwal Mosque (1794) is situated in Dorp Street. This was the first mosque established in South Africa.
For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa
