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!
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.
Make your stay in Cape Town complete with these things to do






Cancel and get a refund up to 7 days before
Easily reschedule your booking
Fast, secure checkout in your currency
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had a wonderful experience with Sebastian on what was a very memorable walk around Cape Town. Sebastian is incredibly knowledgeable and he was especially mindful, kind and generous in spirit, particularly with one of our group who has hearing challenges. We cannot recommend Sebastian and this walking tour more highly - we did it early into our visit in Cape Town and we left with so many ideas on how to spend the rest of our trip! Sebastian also recommended great restaurants and things to do (and we have already eaten in 2 of his recommendations). Sebastian - thank you again!!"
"A tour of District 6 and Cape Town City Center with Gilbert. We had a wonderful day with Gilbert, who not only showed us the many facets of his city but also what makes its people special. He told us about the past and present and took us to places we would never have seen without him. Thank you, Gilbert, also for every little refreshment and the treats on this hot day. It was fantastic, and we highly recommend a tour with Gilbert."
"I had a wonderful time with Christopher on an introductory tour to Cape Town. He was friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and adept at changing course when halfway through the walking tour, it started to rain heavily. We covered a lot of the history of the city from the Dutch to apartheid through to the present. I highly recommend him."
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

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.
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.
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!
"We had a great time with Trevor. He gave us an insightful guide to the City and its history. We enjoyed his company and the discussions about Cape Town's development. Starting with it's key position in the trade between East & West right up to current times. The stops for refreshments along the way were great - a coffee shop with a difference, food influenced by the Cape Malay and of course South African wine! "
"My wife and I had the pleasure of having Sebastian as our tour guide on a 4 hours trip in Cape Town. Sebastian gave us a tour where we saw and heard exactly what we needed about Cape Town. Sebastian is a great guide and person. We can only give him our best recommendations. "
"Trevor was a really great guide for my first time visit to Cape Town. His enthusiasm for the city and its history was brilliant and I enjoyed every minute."
"We had a well informed lively foot tour of central Cape Town. Sebastian clearly loves his city and wants to share it with visitors. A very interesting way to spend a morning of our vacation."
"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 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."
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.




Discover experiences based on your interest