Cape Malay cooking class and Langa Township Half Day Tour

Cape Town , South Africa

Cape Malay cooking class and Langa Township Half Day Tour

Active

(5 reviews)

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into my world on this deeply personal and immersive cultural tour through Langa, one of Cape Town’s oldest townships. Walk the very streets where I grew up and ran barefoot as a child. Meet the Xhosa people who shaped my journey. This is more than a tour and an invitation into my life and my community.

Your experience begins with a pickup from your hotel and our first stop is the community center, where locals showcase their talents in pottery, beadwork, and traditional art. From there, we will take a walking tour through the township while I share stories of our culture, the challenges we face, and victories.

After our walk, I will introduce you to a fellow South African woman from the Cape Malay community. She will host you in her home for a hands-on cooking class, where you will learn to prepare beloved Cape Malay dishes. Together, you will cook and share a meal.

Come with an open heart and leave with unforgettable memories, and a true taste of South African culture.

Available options

Cape Malay cooking class and Langa Township Half Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

3 Course meal Cape Malay Lunch

drop off in Cape town

pickup from Cape town

Professional and well spoken tour guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Langa is a township located 15 minutes east of Cape Town’s city center. Established during the Apartheid era as a settlement for nonwhite South Africans, Langa has since evolved into a community where culture, sport, and small businesses thrive in a uniquely South African way.

Pickup will be from your accommodation in Cape Town and once you arrive in Langa, one of our local guides will welcome you and lead you on a walking tour through the township. You will explore its rich history, experience its vibrant culture, and connect with its people.

If you are interested in browsing the daily craft markets, your guide will take you to the Langa Community and Arts Centre. Here, local artisans create and display beautiful clay pottery, beadwork, paintings, and more – offering you the chance to support community talent and take home a meaningful souvenir.

After your experience in Langa, the tour continues to Bo-Kaap neighborhood for another layer of Cape Town’s cultural mosaic

Stop 2

Next stop is Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood that offers a striking contrast to the clicking languages and vibrant African culture of Langa. Here, a unique Cape Malay culture takes center stage. A Dutch dialect dominates the streets, and the unmistakable aroma of Cape Malay spices fills the air, as if to say, Welcome to Bo-Kaap.

As we arrive, you'll be greeted by rows of brightly painted Cape Dutch style houses. It's no wonder this neighborhood has become a favorite for photographers, influencers, and more.

The shift between Langa and Bo-Kaap can feel dramatic. Different languages, faces, and traditions offer a glimpse into South Africa’s rich cultural mosaic. Your guide will help make sense of these contrasts, sharing how Bo-Kaap, despite its central location, is also classified as a township with a unique identity.

To conclude the experience, we will be welcomed into the home of a local resident for a well-earned Cape-style lunch, a delicious reward after a day of walking and discoveries

Few places in the world offer the kind of cultural blend that South Africa does. Here, a short drive can transport you to an entirely different language, tradition—and of course, cuisine. You might be in Durban enjoying a fiery Indian-style meal today, and by tomorrow, in Johannesburg, where the local braai spots are more beloved than royalty.

In Bo-Kaap, the flavor journey continues with the rich traditions of Cape Malay cuisine. During your visit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to join a local host in preparing an authentic Cape Malay meal right in her home. Together, you’ll cook and then share the meal around her table—just like family.

The experience typically includes chilli bites and samosas to start, a fragrant chicken curry served with warm roti for the main course, and to end on a sweet note, a beloved local dessert: the Koesister—a fried doughnut rolled in desiccated coconut unlike anything you've had before.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Cape Town

Cape Town is a stunning coastal city known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the iconic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cosmopolitan living, and historical significance.

Top Attractions

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic landmark and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It offers breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.

Nature 2-4 hours Moderate (Cableway ticket: R380 return)

V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place to experience Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, with varying costs for activities and dining

Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It's a powerful reminder of South Africa's apartheid history.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (Tour ticket: R500 including ferry)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken or lamb. It's a popular street food dish with Indian roots.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Cape Malay Curry

A flavorful curry made with spices, herbs, and often includes meat or vegetables. It's a staple of Cape Malay cuisine and is typically served with rice.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but traditionally contains meat.

Biltong

A dried, cured meat similar to jerky, but with a unique South African flavor. It's a popular snack and can be found in various flavors and cuts.

Snack Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Hiking Paragliding Shark cage diving Surfing Mountain biking Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the summer season, characterized by warm, dry weather and long daylight hours. It's the peak tourist season, perfect for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Afrikaans
Widely spoken: Xhosa, Zulu
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cape Town is a generally safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation. Violent crime is less common but can occur, particularly in certain neighborhoods and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
• Use reputable transport services

Getting there

By air

Cape Town International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Cape Town Station

By bus

Cape Town Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The MyCiTi Bus system is efficient and affordable, with dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cape Town City Centre Camps Bay Bo-Kaap

Day trips

Stellenbosch

50 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Stellenbosch is a charming university town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, known for its historic architecture, world-class wine estates, and vibrant student culture. It's a great place to explore South Africa's rich history and indulge in some of the country's best wines.

Hermanus

120 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Hermanus is a coastal town known for its stunning whale watching opportunities, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal walks. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy some of South Africa's most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope

60 km from Cape Town • Full day recommended

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are two of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks, offering breathtaking views, scenic hikes, and a rich history. It's a great place to explore the country's diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Festivals

Cape Town International Jazz Festival • March (annual) Cape Town Carnival • January (annual) Cape Town Fashion Week • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit Table Mountain early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong winds
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the vibrant Bo-Kaap to the upscale Camps Bay
Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands to sample some of South Africa's best wines
Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Take a harbor cruise for stunning views of the city and Table Mountain