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Offered languages
- German
- English
Awarded Silver at WTM Africa by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism for Cultural Diversity, this immersive experience invites travellers to explore Bellville’s “Little Mogadishu” through its food, stories and community.
This experience is for those willing to go beyond usual routes and engage with an unfiltered side of Cape Town. Through visits to local restaurants, coffee spots and traditional stores, guests are introduced to the lived experiences of East African immigrant communities.
Bellville’s “Little Mogadishu” has undergone significant change, with growing entrepreneurship and renewed public spaces, highlighting the role immigrant communities play in Cape Town’s evolving food culture.
Along the way, guests meet small business owners and gain insight into food, identity and everyday life in the area.
• Visit independent restaurants and community kitchens serving Somali, Ethiopian and local dishes
• Experience traditional coffee culture and explore cultural shops
Example Menu
Main
Red Sea Region
A shared selection of dishes reflecting the diverse influences of Somali, Egyptian, Syrian and South Asian cuisines
Starter
South African Braai (Shisanyama)
Braai tasting of grilled meats in the style of shisanyama, prepared by local vendors from Burundi and Malawi
Main
Ethiopian Shared Meal
Authentic vegetarian injera (beyaynetu), a mixed platter of Ethiopian dishes, followed by freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee
Main
Somali Coffee and Pancakes
Traditional Somali coffee (qaxwo) served with freshly prepared sweet pancakes
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We'll meet you in front of The Old Granary Building on Buitenkant Street, from where we will get a shuttle to Bellville.
What to expect
You’ll meet your guide in Cape Town’s city centre and travel together to Bellville. From there, the experience continues on foot, with stops at local restaurants, coffee spots and traditional stores.
Along the way, you’ll sample Somali and Ethiopian specialities, as well as local favourites. The experience includes shared meals, tastings and drinks across multiple stops, with time to sit, eat and engage with the spaces and people around you.
You’ll also experience traditional coffee culture and visit cultural shops unique to the area. Throughout the tour, your guide provides context about the neighbourhood, its communities and how food connects to identity, migration and everyday life.
The pace is relaxed, with a walking distance of approximately 2 to 3 km. Return transport between Cape Town and Bellville is included, and the experience ends back at the original meeting point.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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