On the Red City Tour of the City Sightseeing bus, we had the opportunity to hop off at the Gold Museum – STOP 11. You can hop back on another bus that will pass this bus stop at 20 minutes intervals, until 16 October 2009 the last bus will be at 17:25. From 17 October 2009 – 22 March 2010 the last bus will be at 18:10.

GOLD-building, Strand street

Entering the golden-yellow building you are welcomed by a beautiful smiling gentleman, as if you’re royalty.
It’s all about the gold and it is definitely a golden experience, which is quite fitting, as you enter the reception to a photo wall with Kings – from all over Africa to greet you.

Giant Mali African Puppet

Upstairs, is the Gold of Africa Museum (open until 16:30, and you need +- 45mins).
Beautiful artifacts are showcased – dedicated to the history and artistry of African gold.

Walking through the 1783 courtyard – the pulse of Mali drumming, staff in warm autumn-coloured patterns,
and spicy aromas welcome you. You forget you are in the centre of Cape Town.

Be aware some of the artifacts come to life when you come close – like the eerie buck that shuffles your way!

African eerie-buck greeting us!

We joined in for a drumming session, each person get to learn different sounds and rhythms of Africa with the djembe drum, (nobody can hear if you are off beat!)

In true African attire; the singers twirl and swirl towards you, one singer got the crowd in awe with her pure voice – singing out of her heart. (watch the video to hear her golden voice)

The very tall Mali puppets were slightly frightening to my toddler, but he warmed up to them when they came to shake our hands. They have a kiddies holiday programme in September, which is a great idea – at the moment I cannot say it isn’t child friendly, but as kids are – we had to walk around with him not to get bored (and naughty).

The menu is set, therefore you have no choice but to devour everything, a whole of 14 servings (you need +- 3 hours and a big appetite) at R200 per person, excluding refreshments. www.goldrestaurant.co.za

Afican-cuisine and entertainment at GOLD restaurant

The waiters are the performers as well, and disappear and reappear between servings to sing and dance for you – as if you are the king & queen they are honouring.

Quiet moments in between the performances may feel a bit bare, but then… the next serving of 14, arrives and your mouth pulsates with the flavour & spices from all over Africa, from the Cape Malay kitchen.

Cuisine inspired by traditional African dishes: indian tomato soup(hot!) bobotie samoosas with chutney, smoorvis, peri-peri prawns, pap & spinach, roti… to name a few, including some local South African delicacies. The most delicious malva pudding I have ever tasted! (Sorry Tannie Sarie!)

Dinner ended off with a basket with fresh fruit, with the energetic waitresses (even kitchen staff) & performers singing and dancing that you just cannot resist in joining in – which is fine by them.

A definite must see for every tourists in Cape Town and even locals that want to go back their roots – to experience the African heartbeat in the centre of the city.