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.
Make your stay in Cape Town complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had a wonderful tour with Christopher! He brought the history of Cape Town and South Africa to life in such a clear and engaging way, weaving together stories that made us truly understand the country’s past and its culture today. His knowledge is deep, but he explains things in a way that’s easy to follow and very meaningful. What we really appreciated is how he connected the places we visited with the bigger picture of South Africa’s history it made the experience so much richer than just sightseeing. We walked away not only with beautiful memories but also with a deeper appreciation of Cape Town’s unique story. "
"What a wonderful experience we had in Cape Town with Rushdi as our guide. His insights into the city’s history gave us such a meaningful picture of not just how it was, but also why it is what it is now. And he did it all with humour, patience and a clear desire to understand what we would want to know and see. He gave us good recommendations and top tips for the rest of our stay. We really had a great time. We would absolutely recommend him as your Cape Town guide. "
"Sebastian was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He imparted a lot of information on the history of Cape Town – much of which we had not known - in an accessible way. Sebastian has a great sense of humour which helped keep things light. We walked and drove and he pointed out many details along the way which we would never have noticed. He was punctual and courteous and always mindful of our surroundings keeping us at ease. He kindly dropped us off at the Waterfront and followed up by sending us recommendations for restaurants going over and above what we expected. A great guide that we would highly recommend to others. "
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
Discover experiences based on your interest
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.
"WOW! Trevor did an outstanding job on a private tour showing us Capetown and providing running commentary and history. His depth of knowledge as a lifetime resident was obvious, as was his enthusiasm and interest in making sure we had a great tour. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
"I can highly recommend going on tour with Sebastian. He cares and knows a lot about history and social developments and is a great story teller."
"Theo was great. We learned much about Cape Town and South Africa through the landscape and the buildings we visited m. "
"Today we had a great Tour with Gilbert. It was our first visit to Capetown (and to South Africa in general). We arrived this morning from Germany and have two days In the course of a cruise. So Gilbert picked us up at the cruise terminal. He then walked us through capetown with a great knowledge of the history of this great city, its important points of interest (geographically and historically) and the history itself. We learned how the city grew and evolved through the time, the people who lived and lives here, the apartheid and how it affects the people still today. If you ever visit capetown, book a tour with Gilbert. It was the best choice to see and learn of the city in the Short amount of time we have here. You will not regret it. Best of wishes for you Gilbert, Christiane, Sabrina and Kim"
"Sebastian ist ein sehr netter, unterhaltsamer und sehr interessant erzählender Guide mit viel Humor, der uns während der kurzweiligen Tour die Geschichte seiner Stadt und Südafrikas näher brachte . Dabei stellte er die gesellschaftlichen und politischen Probleme sehr differenziert dar, so dass wir als Europäer die Verhältnisse nun viel besser verstehen. Wir konnten ihm jede Frage stellen und er ließ uns sogar an seinem persönlichen Familienschicksal während der Apartheid teilhaben. Darüber hinaus gab er uns noch tolle Restaurant-Tipps und gemeinsam besuchten wir den ältesten Gewürzladen Kapstadts, was ebenfalls ein Erlebnis war. Die vier Stunden vergingen wie im Flug! Danke Sebastian für diese tolle Tour !"
"Theo is fabulous. He is passionate about the history of his home, and is easily able to transmit this passion to his guests. We learned so much, and it was so enjoyable, too! We highly recommend Theo!"
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.