Our tour starts off with a visit to the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter where we share its history with the arrival of the Dutch in 1652. The Bo-Kaap has been closely associated with Cape Town’s Muslim Community and is one of the city’s oldest areas. The multicultural community has had a long and colorful history through the years and the first development in the area was begun in 1768. It occupies an enviable position in the City Bowl on the lower slopes of Signal Hill. This picturesque neighborhood is filled with cobbled streets and multi-colored houses. The story of the Bo-Kaap has been intertwined with South Africa’s troubled politics. The first mosque in the Cape was built here at the bequest of Saartjie van de Kaap, a freed slave woman, and is still in use, although much altered, today. During the Apartheid years, it became an exclusive residential area for Cape Muslims and all other religions and races were forced to relocate to other areas. It became one of very few working-class neighborhoods in South Africa that was still close to the city center. Throughout its long history, the Bo-Kaap has left an indelible mark on this city. Your knowledgeable tour guide will uncover this fascinating history and make the story of the people of Bo-Kaap come alive. A short walking tour will be given for a time to take pictures.

The tour then continues to Langa, the oldest black township from 1950 – 1990, the biblical 40 years. The Urban Areas Act of 1923 was the first step in formalizing the racial separation of the people of South Africa. It forced Africans to live in segregated areas away from cities and suburbs. This was the birth of Langa, South Africa’s oldest township. Langa was planned for maximum visibility of the residents and maximum control. Gatherings were not allowed by the police and alcohol was regulated up until 1930. This led to the growth of many illegal distilleries and bars (shebeens) being operated out of houses. With many rural immigrants looking for a better life in the city, Langa became a hotbed of culture and fashion. It also played a prominent role as part of the anti-apartheid struggle. On 21 March 1960, the same day as the Sharpeville Massacre, several people were killed during an anti-pass rally. Hear the story of 16 families leaving under 1 roof for 3 generations.