Bo-Kaap is a neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa, that was originally settled by freed slaves brought over by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th Century. Bo-Kaap is situated on the slopes of Signal Hill, west of the City Bowl. Steep streets are lined with colorful traditional houses, painted in vibrant colors. The Cape Malay community is proudly Islamic. There are several mosques dotted around the cobbled streets and you’ll see many of the locals wearing traditional dress.

Bo-Kaap was settled by the descendants of slaves brought over by the Dutch in the late 17th and 18th centuries. They originated from different parts of Southeast Asia, but were collectively referred to as “Cape Malay”. Cape Malays were a mixture of political exiles, convicts, skilled craftsmen, artisans, scholars and religious leaders. The first South African Mosque was built in this area in 1794.

The Afrikaans language is thought to have developed as a lingua franca for the slaves, as well as their masters, to be able to communicate effectively. Educated Muslims were in fact the first to write texts in Afrikaans.

While the majority of Bo-Kaap’s residents are still of Cape Malay origin, the housing boom in the past fifteen years has seen an influx of foreigners buying up the beautiful, quaint, historical homes of Bo-Kaap. But despite the apparent “gentrification” there are plenty of little local restaurants still open to sample the traditional cuisine. The streets are safe to stroll around during the day and the unique Islamic culture still appears to be intact and thriving.

Bo-Kaap Attractions

Today the Bo-Kaap area is an attractive place to stroll around. The cobbled streets are lined with colorful houses providing the perfect opportunity for some wonderful snap shots. Walking tours as well as culinary tours are readily available.

The Bo-Kaap Museum is housed in one of Bo-Kaap’s oldest buildings and is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm. It documents the history of the Cape Malay community and is furnished in traditional 19th Century Cape Malay style.

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You’ll probably see a lot of stray dogs in towns, cities and villages, when you visit any country in Africa. The general condition of these mongrels may distress you, if you’re a dog lover. They’re often hungry and a bit on the mangy side. But don’t be tempted to pet or feed them. Throughout Africa, rabies is very common and usually a bite from an infected dog is how humans get the virus.

According to a BBC report, 71 children died in Angola in just the past 3 months from rabies. The Angolan authorities are now taking action and rounding up any stray dog or cat they can find. In Malawi, the authorities would set aside a few days every year where all dog owners would have to leash their dogs throughout the day. During this time they would shoot any dog that was not tied up (sometimes narrowly missing the owner by mistake).

I was bitten by a pet/guard dog in Malawi who had been attacked the previous day by some stray dogs, and so I had to get 14 shots in my stomach to prevent the onset of rabies. At the age of ten I wasn’t so sure if I’d rather die than be subjected to that many injections, but thankfully these days it’s just a couple of shots, and you’re done. I’d recommend you get vaccinated against rabies before you travel to Africa. Because once rabies has established itself in your system it is likely you will die.

In general stray dogs are quite harmless and a shout or a wave of a stick will discourage any contact. Stray dogs aren’t treated very well and are usually quite quick to skulk away. Find out more about avoiding rabies in Africa and play it safe; even pet dogs in Africa are guard dogs first and foremost.