Cape Town Holidays: Bo-Kaap and Khayelitsa: By Rachel Hill

Bo-Kaap is an area of Cape Town that used to be known as the "Malay Quarter." It is technically a township and is located on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre. It is an historical centre of Cape Town's Cape Malay culture and is home to the Nurul Islam Mosque, which was founded in 1844.

Bo-Kaap is a multicultural area that is rich in history. It is well-known for its romantic cobble-stoned streets, making it a perfect place for you and your significant other to visit on your Cape Town holidays. Due to Cape Town's current economic expansion and development, property in Bo-Kaap is becoming highly sought after for its location, its unique architecture, and the quaint cobbled streets.

Bo-Kaap Museum

The Bo-Kaap Museum originated back in the 1760s and is the oldest house in this area that still has its original form. Its architecture shows the contributions that Muslim settlers made in this area. These settlers were known for being quite skilled at building, shoemaking, tailoring, and carpentry.

The Museum has 19th century furnishings, including a fine Cape drop-leaf dining table. It also has a bridal chamber to match the bride's dress and Cape Regency-style chairs.

The Bo-Kaap Museum is especially distinguished by its front porch or terrace (known as a "voorstoep"), with a bench at each end of the terrace. This was to show the polarising aspects of Cape Muslim culture.

The history and knowledge wrapped up in this museum make it a must-see historical location to visit on your Cape Town holidays.

Khayelitsha Township

Khayelitsha Township is reportedly the largest and fastest-growing township in South Africa today. It is a partially informal township that is located in the Western Cape, on the Cape Flats, about 40 km away from Cape Town. The name "Khayelitsha" means "New Home."

One of the most popular places for people on Cape Town holidays is the Look-Out Hill tourist facility on the corner of Mew and Spine Road. Here, you'll find an art and science centre, an information kiosk, a gift shop, and a restaurant. In addition, you'll find a lookout point on the highest dune that has a 360-degree view of the surrounding region - including Groot Drakenstein, Helderberg, False Bay, and the Hottentots Holland Mountain Range.

Another place to check out is the Khayelitsha Craft Market at the St. Michael's and All Angels Anglican Church. There are many fabric paintings, beadwork, pottery, baskets, and hand-made curios to purchase. All of these items are made by the local community in an effort to boost themselves out of poverty. You may also hear a marimba band while you are in this area.

The Gugu le Africa restaurant is a great place to stop and have a delicious meal in Khayelitsha. You can get a traditional Xhosa meal that has much Cape flair to it.

If you need a place to stay in Khayelitsha while on your Cape Town holidays, Vicky's V&B is an excellent choice The proprietor is known for her wonderful entrepreneurial spirit and hospitable accommodation.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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