Drive
up to Chapman's Peak Take
a trip to Seal Island Climb
the Sentinel Have
lunch at Mariner's Wharf Visit
the World of Birds Have
coffee at Renaissance Hout
Bay market on Sundays Swim
in the icy Atlantic
The 'Republic' of Hout Bay, as it has long been called, is
only 20 minutes drive west along the coast from Cape Town's
city center. It was for many years a small, secluded
fishing village and
harbour, but has since mushroomed into a busy seaside resort
town with restaurants, shopping malls and residential estates.
Fortunately, it has
still maintained its charm with country lanes, an
equestrian center and tracts of natural forest enhancing the
rural atmosphere.
Hout Bay is flanked by two imposing and distinctive
mountain peaks. To the south is Chapman's Peak,
traversed by a mountain route that features some of the most
spectacular
views in the Cape and takes you through to the village of Noordhoek.
To the west is the Sentinel, a sheer granite
buttress that guards
the entrance to the harbour.
This little Atlantic port has supported a thriving fishing
industry for many years and is a hive of activity on most days.
Shoppers will find a variety of local arts and crafts for
sale on the quayside as well as stores selling souvenirs, shells,
gifts and maritime artifacts.
There are several places to buy fresh fish,
so try some Yellowtail, Monkfish, Red Roman or Angelfish. If
you're going for a seafood
lunch, Mariner's Wharf serves delicious fare
and you will also find plenty of kiosks and eateries serving
hot food to
go. Also housed within the harbour are the yacht and powerboat
marinas - both popular stopovers for craft from
all over the world.
Hout Bay beach is safe for swimming with a wide sweeping shoreline
that is perfect for a romantic evening walk or picnic on the
dunes. The small sea swell makes it a favourite launching place
for kayakers wanting to paddle out into the bay.
For those seeking an unspoilt mountain experience mere minutes
from the town, organised hikes to Orangekloof just west of
Constantia Nek, will show visitors through pristine examples
of Milkwood forest and Cape mountain fynbos. A permit needs
to be obtained from the Parks Board office.
Drive
up to Chapman's Peak
Freestate 
