Hout Bay

Affectionately called "the Republic of Hout Bay" by its residents, the town is only a 20 minute drive from the Cape Town city centre.

The name is a Dutch name and when translated means Wood Bay as it was here where timber was cut to help build Cape Town.

The Beach extends from the beginning of Chapman's Peak Drive curving around to the Harbour.

The beach is a lovely family beach, but it's also popular with horse riders, dog walkers and kayakers.
The Horse riders have easy access to the beach for early morning rides from stables close by.

The protected bay is almost always calm and offers safe swimming and a range of water sports from paddling to kite surfing and sailing.
Dolphins, whales and seals can sometimes be spotted in the bay.


The beach	Mariner's Wharf

What to do

Hout Bay Accommodation

Mariner's Wharf

The focal point of the town, is the harbour complex called Mariner's Wharf. (Buy yourself fish and chips at the Seafood Bistro and enjoy it on the harbour wall - yummy!)

The Hout Bay Yacht Club is situated in the harbour and provides moorings for both recreational, fishing and sailing boats.
From here you can do game fishing, sea kayaking, sunset champagne cruises to the V&A Waterfront and boat trips to Seal Island.

The Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing contest

The Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing contest is held on the other side of the Sentinel mountain, at the famous Dungeons.
Some of the biggest waves in the world are found here and these attract surfers from all over the world.
The competition can only be held during May to August, when the waves reach heights of 15-20 ft.

Video clip of The Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing contest

Drives

The only way to get into town, is by using three extremely scenic drives.

Chapman’s Peak
Although a toll road, it remains one of the most beautiful and awesome routes in Cape Town.
It has recently undergone renovations to ensure the safety of travelers using the route.

Suikerbossie Hill
The route over Suikerbossie Hill to Llandudno and other Atlantic beaches of Cape Town, is equally inspiring.

Constantia Nek
The road that joins up with the Constantia Wine Route, over Constantia Nek, provides a view of False Bay and takes you into the beautiful Constantia Valley.

World of Birds

Situated on four hectares in the Hout Bay valley this tropical garden setting with more than 400 species of birds, makes World of Birds a must visit attraction.

More attractions in the vicinity

Cape Point Nature Reserve	Llandudno Beach
Groot Constantia Wine Estate	Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Great hotels in Cape Town

Ambassador Hotel	Derwent House Boutique Hotel
Blackheat Lodge	Four Rosmead Guesthouse
An African Villa	Steenberg Hotel
Kensington Place Hotel	Cape Grace Hotel
Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel	Mount Nelson Hotel