Discover the vibrant spirit of Africa at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront

At the V&A Waterfront, our home sits right at the tip of the African continent, on the edge of Cape Town’s harbour. It’s a home that welcomes people from around the world to step into a neighbourhood where Africa’s warmth, hospitality, friendliness and creativity can instantly be felt.

On 25 May 2024, we’re celebrating Africa Day, but the joy of this place we call home is being spread throughout the year. Our pedestrianised walkways are filled with song and dance, delicious aromas waft through our doors, and inspiration in so many colourful forms seeps into the air as we greet visitors and locals to the one place in Cape Town that gives you the all-round African experience.

Between our cycling paths and shopping districts, alongside fishermen and sunset cruises, you get to experience the rich cultural diversity of a continent like no other. We’ve made it our business to honour Africa through the people and places that are the core of the Waterfront. You’ll find unique things to do (alone, or with family and friends), attractions that only exist right here on our shore, and a whole host of special products that have been lovingly crafted in Africa.

Celebrate Africa Day and Africa Month at the V&A Waterfront by discovering authentic African experiences and attractions in Cape Town.

No visit to the V&A Waterfront is complete without happening upon an uplifting open-air performance by one of the groups and individuals who form part of the V&A Busker Programme. Mimes who make you jump for joy, singers who fill your heart with song, gymnasts who contort their bodies in crazy ways and musicians who get you dancing are all part of the dynamism that we call African energy. Follow the fun around every corner of the Waterfront, and leave with a piece of the African vibe in your soul. Keep an eye on the V&A Amphitheatre too – it’s always dishing up incredible local acts.

If African art is your thing, then Zeitz MOCAA will cater to this calling. As the most prestigious museum dedicated to contemporary art from the African continent, this institution in the Silo District is a Mecca for art aficionados as well as those wanting to learn more about our continent’s diverse talents. Down the alleyway lies another cultural hotspot: Southern Guild not only serves art, but is the international gallery taking collectable, one-off pieces of African furniture and design to the world. For a one-stop African art-and-design immersion, the V&A Waterfront is the place!

We call Watershed Cape Town’s design story, but it’s so much more than that. In this converted railway shed you’ll discover the best handcrafted designs made with ingredients and materials from around Africa – sometimes by communities who live as far afield as Uganda or Kenya. African fashion, beauty products, craft and homeware are continental treasures for you to take home. In other parts of the V&A, you’ll find African brands that have made a name for themselves around the world, such as Maxhosa Africa, Pichulik and Africology. For even more, visit the Aafricaa store at The Alfred, where you can shop for a curated selection of top African design under one roof.

We welcome all flavours at the V&A Waterfront, and cater to every taste profile, but this Africa Month we encourage you to savour our African heritage through dishes that speak of generations of heart-warming nourishment. Chef Nolu Dube-Cele dishes up the traditional flavours she grew up with, at Seven Colours Eatery at Battery Park (with a food truck at the Cape Wheel too). Say hello to pap, chakalaka and wors with a modern twist. Pitso’s Kitchen at Makers Landing is equally passionate about celebrating local heritage, with dishes such as mutton tripe and chicken feet. At Karibu you can also find meat, poultry and seafood prepared the South African way.

We’ve got it all waiting for you right here in the heart of our home, at the V&A Waterfront, where every day is Africa Day.

Join us seven days a week and experience what it means to be part of this African neighbourhood filled with excitement and adventure. Our home welcomes everybody.