Auwal Mosque
Mosque Oldest mosque in South Africa, located in Cape Town
Cape Town’s Auwal Mosque in Bo-Kaap (late 18th century) is South Africa’s first mosque; visitors arrive for its history, Cape Malay heritage and simple period architecture.
The Auwal Mosque is a mosque in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town, South Africa and is recognised as the oldest mosque in the country. It holds a central place in the religious and cultural history of Cape Town’s Muslim community.
The mosque contains prayer space for the local congregation and is visited for worship and community activities. It also attracts interest for its historic significance and ties to early Muslim leaders in the Cape.
The mosque was established in the late 18th century and became an important institution for freed and enslaved Muslim communities under early Cape colonial society. Its role has continued through successive generations as a centre of Islamic practice in Cape Town.
Located in the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood of Cape Town, the mosque sits on the slopes above the city near the central peninsula. It is within walking distance of central Cape Town landmarks and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area.
- Historical significance: Recognised as the oldest mosque in South Africa and a central site for Cape Malay Islamic heritage.
How to Get to Auwal Mosque #
Auwal Mosque is in the Bo‑Kaap neighbourhood near Wale Street in Cape Town. It is a short walk from the Company’s Garden and within easy reach of central Cape Town by taxi or by walking from the city centre.
Tips for Visiting Auwal Mosque #
- Ask permission before photographing worshippers inside - the mosque remains a place of prayer as well as a historical site.
- Visit adjacent to the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood to combine the mosque visit with a walk through old Cape Malay streets and markets.
Best Time to Visit Auwal Mosque #
Visit in autumn or spring for moderate weather and a quieter experience of Cape Town's historic districts.
Weather & Climate near Auwal Mosque #
Auwal Mosque's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (570 mm/year).
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 15 mm, mostly sunny skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
