The 14 Workshops in Cape Town That Earn Their Place on the Itinerary

1.Malay Cooking Class and Lunch in Bo-Kaap

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 515 reviews · 2h 30m · from $49Our pick

Learn Cape Malay cooking in a Bo-Kaap home, explore colorful streets, and enjoy a spice-filled lunch with local chef Faldela.

“It was one of the best things we did in Cape Town and that's saying something because we had an amazing time. Faldela's dry wit and warmth made her a fantastic teacher and she imparted so much wisdom about each dish and the spices used. The end result was a delicious lunch shared with a small community. It was a lovely afternoon and I'd strongly recommend to anyone visiting Cape Town.”

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2.Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 120 reviews · 2 hours · from $52

Cook samosas, roti, and Cape Malay curry in a Bo-Kaap home while learning local food traditions from a welcoming host.

“The cooking class was absolutely wonderful. My family and I truly enjoyed this experience and would definitely try it again. The host was very hospitable and was understanding of our dietary restrictions. Overall I give this experience a 10/10.”

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3.Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 105 reviews · 4 hours · from $68

Explore Bo-Kaap with a local guide, learn Cape Malay cooking in a home kitchen, and enjoy curry, roti, samosas, and koesisters.

“Faldela was very warm and welcoming. She is a true local and many people within the street stop and say hello. She is very knowledgeable of the area and history. Her cooking class was excellent and we all left, full of new cooking tips, recipes and stomachs. If you are not into cooking, don’t let this put you off as this is a truly a great experience and you won’t regret booking.”

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4.Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $26Top rated

Learn to surf privately in Muizenberg with a coach, board, wetsuit, lockers, showers, and flexible instruction for all skill levels.

“We had a great time surfing - it was my second time and my sister’s first time. I was able to wear my own wetsuit, but wetsuits, boards, etc. were provided. The surfing coach was super knowledgeable and patient, and went through everything step by step. Would definitely do this again!”

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5.Private Surf Lesson in Cape Town – Transport & Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $184

Learn to surf in Cape Town with private coaching, beach transfers, gear, and photos included in a flexible 4-hour beginner experience.

“Well organized, great first time surfing, fantastic instructor. The water and waves were just right. The pick up was on time. Try surfing in Cape Town....it's a don't miss experience.”

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6.Muizenberg Cape Town: Private Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 1 hour - 80 minutes · from $34

Learn to surf at Muizenberg Beach with expert coaching, gear discounts, ocean safety tips, and a 20% Hudsons meal discount.

“Always wanted to try surfing but never really had the chance (and i was also a bit scared I might lack the strength/skills). Tammy took away all of that from the very beginning - she reached out beforehand to check availability and make sure I planned enough time to get there. From the first minute, she was pure sunshine: super warm, motivating, and instantly calming any nerves. I loved that the lesson was very much learning by doing - straight into the water, just trying, no pressure. She focused on what I was already doing well, gently reminded me when I was too much in my head, and made the…”

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7.Private Cape Malay Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $100

Cook Cape Malay specialties in Lorette and Desmond’s Cape Town home, then share rotis, curry, bobotie, and malva pudding together.

“My husband and I spent wonderful evening with Lorette and Desmond learning about Malay food, history and culture. Preparing the food was enjoyable and we were allowed to have hands on experience cooking not just observing Lorette. The conversation over dinner was fun, entertaining, and educational. We highly recommend this cooking class.”

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8.Koeksister and Samoosa Class by the Malay Cook Up

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9 reviews · from $23Best value

Learn Cape Malay samoosas and koesisters in a Bo-Kaap home kitchen, with local stories, hands-on cooking, tasting, and warm conversation.

“Though our host was lovely and very welcoming we found the actual cooking experience a bit disappointing. The samosa pastry was store bought and there was no insight into how to make the pastry from scratch. I understand it is a complicated and long process but even a partial experience with homemade dough would have been nice. The fillings were pre-done, so one missed out on tasting and smelling and working with the ingredients. The Koesister part of the class was a more interactive and thus more enjoyable and they did taste very good. All in all we had a pleasant experience, just not quite as hands on as we…”

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9.2-Hour Surf Lesson in Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $56

Learn to surf in Cape Town with equipment, patient instruction, ocean-safety guidance, and lessons for beginners or improving surfers.

“Ive always wanted to learn how to surf and this experience exceeded my expectations. Thanks to Jesse from Atlantic Surf Collective who helped me with my first attempts at this! He was very supportive and instructed me well. Would definitely do it again!”

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10.African Art Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $29

Paint with Cape Town artist Tozamile Mnapu, learn about Langa, and take home your own African artwork in a small group.

“The whole experience was amazing! We got a short tour and just learning about the Langa township was truly moving. The art part of the excursion was great, I learned some new skills and was able to talk to the guide about social issues going on in Cape Town and in the States. I definitely recommend doing this excursion.”

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11.Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $92

Cook Cape Malay family recipes in a Manenberg home with Colleen and Ruth, then share samosas, tomato bredie, rice, dessert, and drinks.

“Such a memorable day from start to finish. I was by myself and felt like I was with friends the entire time, Coleen and Ruth really make you feel at home. The food was amazingly flavorful and well explained. I’m so happy I booked this, easy Uber there and back, and had plenty Read more”

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12.Langa Township and Bokaap Cooking Class Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $142

Explore Langa, Bo-Kaap, District Six, and Cape Malay cooking on a guided half-day tour from Cape Town.

“Had a wonderful tour with Kelvin as our guide. Our first stop was Langa Township with Glen as our local guide. It was a real eye opener as to the hardships these people live under and something we will never forget. We then went to the CasRead more”

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13.Cape Malay/Creole Cooking Class and Local Shopping in Salt River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $74

Shop Salt River, see its street art, and cook a three-course Cape Malay meal with local home cooks in this small-group Cape Town experience.

“Very interesting tour and Nadia is absolutely lovely! Great for anyone who wants to explore a different part of the city and appreciates street art”

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14.South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $82

Cook Cape Malay and township dishes with Annika in her 1934 Cape Town home, then share a private meal and family recipes.

“Being able to participate in the food preparation from scratch and learning her mother’s cooking secrets.”

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