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The historical narrative of Muslims and Islam in South Africa traces back to the late 17th century when Muslim prisoners from the Far East were brought to the Cape Region for resisting the Dutch colony. These early Muslims were not ordinary individuals; they were noble and highly knowledgeable, many of them belonging to royal lineages.
The founding fathers of Islam in South Africa are highly respected by the Muslims of the Cape region. Their dedication and sacrifices, including sleepless nights spent in Tahajjud prayers and Quran recitation, contributed to the exponential spread of Islam. As a result of their efforts, there are now more than 150 mosques in the Cape region alone.
If you’re planning to visit Cape Town from the UK, getting there is relatively straightforward. There are direct and indirect flights from most UK airports to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, which takes around 11-16 hours. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Cape Town, which is less than two hours. Return flight prices range between £600-£800. Cape Town airport is conveniently located about 20 km from the city center with excellent transportation links.
British citizens visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days do not require a visa.
To explore Cape Town and its surrounding areas, renting a car provides freedom and flexibility. It is one of the best ways to discover off-the-beaten-path locations. Alternatively, Uber is a convenient option within the city, and the MyCiTi buses offer a great transportation option for traveling around the city center and Atlantic suburbs. It is advisable to purchase a myconnect card to use these buses. The MyCiTi bus can also take you from the airport to the city center. Minibuses are available but tend to be overcrowded, so they are not recommended.
When it comes to accommodations, the City Bowl neighborhood is recommended for those who want to stay in the heart of the city. Although it can be expensive, it offers a wide range of restaurants and transportation options. Bo Kaap is another excellent area, particularly for those interested in a historic neighborhood. Here, you’ll be close to the first mosque in South Africa and the colorful historic houses belonging to the descendants of the Cape Malays who were exiled there in the mid-17th century. If you prefer a coastal setting, Sea Point is a good choice, and other options include Clifton, Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, and Kalk Bay.
The Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Bo Kaap area is recommended, as it provides a prayer room for guests and a fully Halal restaurant. Each room is equipped with a marked prayer direction on the ceiling.
There are numerous attractions and activities in Cape Town depending on the season. Cable Cars to Table Mountain offer stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The City Sightseeing bus provides a convenient way to visit major tourist sites and even includes a sunset cruise option. Hiking in Table Mountain National Park is popular, and Signal Hill offers outstanding sunset views. Historical sites like the first mosque in South Africa in Bo Kaap and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, are worth exploring. For beach lovers, Hout Bay and Boulders Beach, known for its African penguin colony, are recommended.
Cape Town is known for being one of the most halal-friendly cities globally, with many halal-certified eateries. The Butcher’s Wife offers diverse menu options, with their rump steak being highly recommended. Fish on the Rocks is a great place for seafood, particularly their Hake and Chips. Moro Gelato serves excellent ice cream, and Mugg and Bean is a popular spot for coffee and baked goods. Biesmillah Restaurant in Bo Kaap offers authentic Cape Malay food, and the Denning Vleis dish is a must-try.
With over 150 mosques, Cape Town is an ideal destination for Muslim travelers. Many mosques have facilities for women, allowing for convenient prayer stops during the day. The Auwal Mosque, established in 1794, is a significant historical site with a handwritten copy of the Quran. The Habibia Soofie Saheb Masjid is another notable mosque with its distinctive architecture. Cape Town is known for its historic mosques such as Mosque Shafee, Coowatul Mosque, and Palm Tree Mosque, which are over 200 years old.
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Money can be exchanged before or upon arrival, and cash machines are widely available, accepting most debit/credit cards. Contactless payments are widely accepted, reducing the need for cash in many places.
Cape Town experiences its summer during the UK’s winter months. From June to September, temperatures generally stay below 18 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for activities like hiking Table Mountain. For warmer weather, November to February is recommended, with longer days and plenty of sunshine.
