vegasgirl

My husband and I are looking at the possibility of staying in an apartment in the BoKaap area of Cape Town. Is is safe? The reason I ask is that Selwyn wrote the following in January:

Presently there is quite an undercurrent of problem going on in the BoKaap as wealthy white Capetonians are buying houses in the area and gentrifying them which the local Muslim population dont want to happen as they feel that their commuinity life is being intervened. This is a very tricky scenario which still has not been resolved however I have full faith in the fact that as South Africans we will be able to eventually come to grips with this present day problem with our reconiliatory ways.

Selwyn_Davidowitz

vegasgirl,

BoKaap is 100% safe. What I wrote about was an undercurrent in the community with people not liking what was happening around them. The problem is no different from anywhere in the world where some groupings have problems with others in their neighbourhood however that does not make the area unsafe or violent. Please dont think that because you will be in Africa or that the Muslim community is involved that this has to lead to violence because it definitely is not the case and is a horrific misunderstanding that visitors have when they visit Cape Town or for that matter many parts of South Africa. I say again BoKaap is 100% safe.

I happen to notice that by your name you might well come from or frequent Las Vegas. I have spent 4.5 years in the USA and amongst others a lot of that time was spent in Vegas. I am born, raised and still live in Cape Town. In my own lifetime I have unfortunately witnessed 2 drive by shootings and guess what they were both in none other than Las Vegas (just of the strip near the Hard Rock Hotel). If you live or frequent Vegas then let me point out that the BoKaap would be a safer place to be in as I dont think it has ever had a drive by shooting in its history.

Talking about staying in the BoKaap may I suggest that you stay in the De Waterkant area (Next to BoKaap) by staying at the Village Lodge cottages. I discovered these cottages about 3 weeks ago and they are absolutely fabulous.

http://www.thevillagelodge.com/content/cottages.asp

These are fantastic self catering cottages at excellent rates. Very quaint, fabulously furnished with huge, huge, huge amounts of space. Some of the cottages have even got a private pool with magnificent views of Table Mountain. The cottages are also extremely well maintained with excellent management overseeing them. The cottages are right in the middle of where it is all happening near the city centre (10 minute walk away) as well the Waterfront. (20 minute walk away). I had a New York theatre producer and her husband stay in one of the cottages last week for 8 days and she was absolutely blown away by the venue. She even hosted a post theatre party for cast + crew + VIPS of a production that she had brought to SA at her cottage (110 Waterkant Street) and was thrilled as to how successful the venue turned out to be for the event. The cottages are also close to many great little coffee houses, a wonderful deli called Andiamo http://www.eatout.co.za/EatOut/Eat_R...8,1686,00.html ) as well as interesting restaurants like:

Africa Cafe, http://www.africacafe.co.za

Tank http://www.eatout.co.za/EatOut/Eat_R...8,1562,00.html

Ginja. http://www.eatout.co.za/EatOut/Eat_R...8,1327,00.html )

At the coffee houses you can have your morning breakfast seeing that these venues are self catering places of stay and do not include breakfast. The whole area has an artist colony feel about it and staying in this part of the city is always a great experience. Highly recommended in my opinion.

Hope this helps you in your decision making and planning when visiting my city.

Very proudly part of the wonderful nation of South Africa

vegasgirl

Thanks for your prompt reply. And many thanks for all the information. Yes, I live in Las Vegas, and you are quite correct in the high crime rate here.

lisa

When we were in Cape Town my husband and I spent a few hours wandering the streets of BoKaap and taking photos of the colorful buildings which were quite picturesque. We also struck up conversations with several of the residents in the neighborhood who were kind enough to pose for pictures when we asked. It is a terrific area and I would not hesitate to stay there -- although I am not sure there is anywhere in the world that is 100% safe but that is just a fact of life and I would venture to say that BoKaap is safer than most.

jasher

Hello,

The Bo Kaap area is one of my favourite areas of Cape Town, and a top recommendation for Destiny Africa's clients when they want a central location where they can walk to local restaurants and shops. The people are warm and friendly and it has a great atmosphere.

I highly recommend dining at both Africa Cafe and Ginja whilst you are in Cape Town.

Cheers,
Julian

kawh

ttt