The History of Freedom in Bo Kaap
Discover the history of Bo Kaap's famous colors. Originally, the houses were all white while leased. When former slaves were finally able to buy their homes, they painted them in vibrant hues to express freedom.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Bo Kaap with a private, personalized experience led by a local.




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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Our family of four had the best time with Rushdi. He was friendly, very informative and patient with our kids. He made sure that all our points of interest were covered. We really appreciate Rushdi going above and beyond when we discovered a booking mistake on our end and he was still able to work with our schedule and still be our tour guide. We have a much better understanding of Cape Town and its history because of Rushdi. Highly recommend Rushdi to anyone looking for a tour guide in Cape Town!"
"We had a fantastic tour with Trevor in Cape Town. We started at the Town Hall, next stop was the Castle with a great explanation of the history of Cape Town, made our way through the Gardens, and enjoyed a very local and delicious Malay lunch in Bo-Kaap. The tour ended perfectly at a great wine bar with a chilled Chenin Blanc. Trevor has an incredible amount of knowledge, shared with lots of fun facts along the way, and he’s genuinely a very fun and engaging person to be around. Highly recommended!"
"Elizabeth, our guide ,was truly fantastic . We had the best experience over three days . I want to afford Elizabeth the highest accolade and recommend her to you unreservedly. She took us to look places away from the crowds and tailored the itinerary perfectly to suit what we wanted to see. She is outstanding and her knowledge is phenomenal. This entire tour was conducted so professionally and peppered with humour and kindness. "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Cape Town with locals










Our locals will give you the best experiences that Cape Town has to offer
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Step into a real-life rainbow in Bo Kaap! The vibrant colors and rich history of Bo Kaap are a feast for the senses. The best way to experience its magic is on a private Bo Kaap tour with a local expert.
Discover the history of Bo Kaap's famous colors. Originally, the houses were all white while leased. When former slaves were finally able to buy their homes, they painted them in vibrant hues to express freedom.
Bo Kaap is the historic heart of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. Feel the unique spirit, a blend of Southeast Asian and African traditions, expressed through language, music, and strong community bonds.
A trip to Bo Kaap is incomplete without tasting Cape Malay food! This cuisine is a delicious fusion of sweet and savory spices. A local guide can show you where to find the best bobotie and koesisters.
Beyond its photogenic streets, Bo Kaap is a living, breathing neighborhood. Hear the call to prayer, smell home-cooked spices, and see a community that has thrived on these slopes for centuries.
Visit the Auwal Mosque in Bo Kaap, established in 1794, making it the first mosque in South Africa. Its founder, Tuan Guru, was an exiled prince who became a revered spiritual leader for the community.
Don't just see the postcard view, live the story! Your perfect Bo Kaap adventure is waiting. Book a private tour with a passionate local guide now to uncover the secrets behind the colors and create memories that will last a lifetime. Spots are limited, so book today!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.





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"Our tour with Sebastian was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Cape Town! He's incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. We learned so much about the city's history and its people. I highly recommend booking a tour with Sebastian, and if we ever return, we’ll definitely book with him again!"
"We booked a tour with Gilbert to see both the best of Cape Town street art in Woodstock and the highlights around Bo-Kaap and Old Town. Gilbert is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide providing interesting background information and showing us spots we wouldn't have found ourselves. When can highly recommend him."
"What a perfect introduction to Cape Town! Gilbert was really knowledgeable and keen to meet our expectations and requests. He also mixed historical and City knowledge with fantastic political and social insight, in part illustrated by his family’s own experiences. He was outstanding and it was a brilliant walk."
"Our tour guide Theo made our time in Cape Town a memorable and exceptional experience. His depth of knowledge of South Africa and Cape Town was impressive. Most importantly, Theo is a good person. Upon meeting the first time, I perceived that he was genuinely thoughtful and friendly. He made our time in Cape Town truly one of the highlights of our vacation. Thank you! "
"Elizabeth was lovely from the start. She covered so many sites, and had endless knowledge of South Africa in general and Capetown specifically. The entire day felt like we were touring with a friend that we had known for years. "
"We were very fortunate to have chosen Sebastian for our first full day in Cape Town. Super knowledgeable and great style. Also gave us invaluable tips of how to ensure your safety in the city. Highly recommended. "
"Visited Cape Town for the first time. Elizabeth kept in touch right from booking the tour till the end. She planned our tour such that we avoided traffic but were able to see all the things on our bucket list and some. She also provided recommendations on places to eat and shop which were very helpful for us. If you are thinking of booking with her, do not hesitate. She will make sure you have a wonderful time in Cape Town."
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.