Hout Bay is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and, at times, underrated suburbs. This charming seaside village, so rich in history and blessed with cheery demeanour aplenty, is rightfully well-loved among its locals and tourists. Yet, it is perhaps somewhat underexplored by Capetonians at large.
Hout Bay, which is fondly considered its own ‘republic’ (it even has its own passport), is one of my favourite parts of Cape Town. Since I first properly explored Hout Bay in 2014, I have found myself frequently answering its sweet siren’s call.
This post is my local love letter to the Republic of Hout Bay – and hopefully, inspiration for you to discover first-hand for yourself why I love it so much!
Hout Bay’s History: A Tale of Time
Hout Bay, which was originally called Houtbaai (Dutch for Wood Bay), was so dubbed by the Dutch settlers (when they explored this side of Table Mountain) due to the valley’s unmistakably clustered wooded areas.
In time, these woods soon became a source of essential timber, used to repair and build ships, creating lodgings and even build some of the Mother City’s most iconic structures, like the Castle of Good Hope.
It’s understood that ‘Hout Bay’ as a place name dates as far back as 1653. Although it appears this fishing village was established much later on in 1867, when German immigrant, Jacob Trautmann, settled here. He began farming and fishing in this beautiful coastal valley and the rest is, well, history.
Since then, Hout Bay has continued to thrive and grow in size. Today, it remains an integral part of our history, one of the Mother City’s most beautiful residential areas and a huge asset to our local tourism sector.
Some of the historical highlights and attractions in and around Hout Bay include: the bronze leopard statue, the Manganese Mine and of course, the Old East Fort, which is still visible and explorable along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of Hout Bay’s most famous, altogether breathtaking, man-made attractions.
You can read more in-depth about Hout Bay’s historical attractions here.
For now, though, let’s wander through present-day Hout Bay together:
Hout Bay’s Local Icons: Harbour, History and Other Attractions
Marvel at Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is doubtedly one of the best drives anywhere in the world, especially in South Africa.
While this mesmerising coastal drive – which fronts the Atlantic Ocean (with a stunning backward view towards Hout Bay and its mountains, including The Sentinel) and hugs the imposing mountainous cliffs on the other side – has had its share of rock falls, road closures and tragedies, it remains a true, beloved natural icon.
Whether you drive along Chappies to commute, sightsee, enjoy a picnic or chase sunset, it’s an unforgettable experience every time.
Every twist and turn, view spot and rocky outcrop is more mind-blowing and beautiful than the last.
It doesn’t hurt that Chapman’s Peak Drive is also one of our city’s most impressive, award-winning examples of engineering.
While the original road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek was ordered in the early 1900s by Sir Frederic De Waal – the road later had to be widened in 1962; have a bridge added (after a section washed away) in 1977 and finally, closed after several fatal rock fall incidents occurred between 1998 – 2000.
Three years later, in December 2003, the road was reopened, having undergone insanely fast, yet impressive addition of vital road safety measures. These included added rock fall protection measures, half tunnelling, catch fences and a portal canopy. (You can read more about this impressive engineering feat here.)
The 21st century’s cutting-edge developments, paired with the sheer grit and determination of the early 1920s (this is when the original drive was built; it opened in 1922 after a seven-year-construction), Chappies – as it’s fondly called by locals – has won the hearts of travellers, motor enthusiasts, tour guides and drivers from far and wide.
Highlights:
What I love most about Chappies is its timeless beauty, as land, mountain, sky and ocean exist in perfect harmony.
Chapman’s Peak Drive offers sightseeing, picnic spots, view points, hikes/nature walks (including to the Old East Fort/blockhouse), sunset magic and more.
During whale season, you may get lucky and see some whales as your drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek.
And, as mentioned just now, sunsets are spectacular affairs!
Paid entry or free to enjoy:
Provided you have a Day Pass/Picnic Voucher, Chapman’s Peak Drive is free to enjoy only from the Hout Bay entrance up until the Day Pass Control Point.
This pass is valid between 06:00 am – 20:00 pm (October to March | summer months) – and 07:00 am – 18:30 pm (April to September | winter months).
The Day Pass allows you to enjoy the designated picnic areas, mountain trails and idyllic viewing spots.
The Chapman’s Peak Day Pass (or Picnic Voucher) allows the public to use part of Chapman’s Peak Drive for free. It is valid for the designated picnic areas, viewing spots and mountain trails located before the Day Pass Control Point.
For full Chapman’s Peak Drive access, you require either a Frequent User discount membership. Otherwise, you must pay the full tariff fee, according to your vehicle type.
The tariff fee applies in both directions, whether you are travelling from Hout Bay – or from Noordhoek’s side.
Please note: Each vehicle falls into its own category and is billed accordingly.
For a full tariff breakdown, please see here.
Check the road status:
Chapman’s Peak Drive is often closed due to inclement weather, rock falls or other traffic incidents.
To check the road’s status before visiting, please see the official website.
Alternatively, contact the customer service line directly: +27 (021) 791 8220.
Website for more info:
Stroll Hout Bay Beach
Situated near the busy harbour, Hout Bay’s popular main beach is one of the more beautiful Cape Town beaches.
With impressive mountain-, ocean- and harbour-views (as well as views of the boats and general harbour activity), this family-friendly beach covers one kilometre of lovely sandy shore, with easy ocean access.
At a certain point, Hout Bay’s river apparently cuts through it, as it runs down from Table Mountain to the Hout Bay wetlands and beach.
The beach is well-situated next to curio stalls, shops, eateries and offers visitors nearby ample parking.
For more info on Hout Bay beach, please see here.
Explore Hout Bay’s Working Harbour
This long-standing harbour is part of the community lifeblood as far as jobs, recreational beach experiences and local tourism goes.
It offers plenty of land- and sea-based attractions, from shops, market stalls, resident fishing boats and yachts to local eateries and popular boat trips. (That go out to places like Seal Island/Duiker Island.)
You can also see natural wildlife, including sea birds and seals who are drawn to the harbour.
Please be advised though: It is illegal to disturb, touch or try feed seals.
Doing so means you are not only openly and brazenly interfering with our Cape’s natural wildlife – you are also putting yourself, others and our seals at risk.
Please don’t be that person. 🙁
Dive Into the Vibrant Bay Harbour Market
While Bay Harbour Market is not my personal favourite Cape Town market (I found it a bit cramped and loud), I can certainly see why it attracts visitors in the intensely chaotic, vibrant way that it does.
This iconic market – which is situated close to the main harbour – feels like a hidden Aladdin’s Cave, where you can find everything from local African wares, precious keepsakes, posters, kids’ clothing, food stalls, coffee stands and even second-hand books and toys in relatively pristine condition.
It’s called Cape Town’s most vibrant market because the vibe inside is jostling and electric. A loud buzz of chatter, laughter and music, with the added smells and sights of a wide assortment of food and drinks.
To put it bluntly, this market is a feast for all the senses – or a sensory overload, depending on your comfort threshold.
But, above all, it is a celebration of Cape Town and all its cultures, crafts and the people who make it so uniquely special.
The market also offers live music and other fun events, like bingo nights and drag shows.
Bay Harbour Market is open on Fridays from 17:00 pm – 21:00 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:30am – 16:00 pm.
For more info on Bay Harbour Market, please visit their website.
Explore Mariner’s Wharf Harbour Front Emporium
A Hout Bay institution of note, Mariner’s Wharf is Africa and the Southern Hemisphere’s first harbour front emporium.
Here, at Harbour Road, close to the main harbour and beach, Mariner’s Wharf offers local restaurants, shops and markets for you to enjoy.
Since its inception in the 1980s by Stanley Dorman, it has consistently remained a popular pitstop for people to admire, photograph and explore.
Another wonderful aspect of Mariner’s Wharf is its classic look and feel. From the famous decor pieces to the fishing boat and wheelhouse near the fresh fish shop and deli, everything here feels authentic, unfussy and overflowing with quirky character and charm.
For more info on Mariner’s Wharf, please see here.
Take a Boat Trip to Seal Island
One of the highlights trips near Hout Bay is undoubtedly taking a boat cruise to Duiker Island. Or, as the locals fondly call it, Seal Island.
Seal Island is so dubbed due to the high concentration of Cape Fur seals who live on, swim about and suntan on this small land mass.
Growing up, I visited Seal Island at least twice. Once with my school (yes, even Montagu schools travel this far to see it) and again in my early 20s as a uni student.
Both times, it was a fun, thrilling sea experience and memorable occasion shared with others.
For me, a standout of this ocean excursion remain the incredible views and unbelievable puddle of seals you see here, as the fresh, salty Atlantic Ocean spray hits your face and wildly tousles your hair.
It’s bracing and exhilarating and, unlike some “nature” experiences, is generally quite respectful to the sea life.
Circe Launches: The OG Duiker Island Boat Operator
If you do a boat trip to Duiker Island, I recommend using Circe Launches.
They are the original boat operator to Duiker Island, having first established themselves in Hout Bay in 1973.
They possess a flawless track record spanning over 50 years.
In my twenties, I went on Circe Launches’ famous Calypso vessel, a beauty that first launched in 2001.
She has 150 seats spread out (meaning everyone gets great views) and a clear, glass viewing ports at her base.
Best of all, Calypso is another proud Hout Bay local, as she was built here.
Circe Launches’ boat trips are a highlight for young and old (although even kids under 13 require a boat ticket).
You board at Hout Bay Harbour and navigate the icy Atlantic waters, past impressive Sentinel mountain to the island.
On the trip, you can marvel at the seals playing in the water or tanning lazily on the island and see incredible sea- and bird-life.
You may spot everything from kelp forests to dolphins, African penguins or even our seasonal whale visitors.
In total, the boat trip takes roughly 45 minutes.
Cruises leave daily at 09:00, 09:45 and 10:30 am and 15:00 pm.
According to their website, they also offer an additional weekend and public holiday cruise at 12:00 pm.
On board Calypso, you can buy snacks and drinks. However, you can also bring your own food and drinks (even alcohol) along.
For pricing, bookings and other info, please visit Circe Launches website.
Spot a Leopard (Statue)… or Host a Lavish Event at a Dragon-Guarded Castle
Hout Bay has some pretty unique attractions if you know where to look.
For example, did you know there’s a leopard statue and a dragon-guarded castle here?
Let me explain:
The first is the bronze leopard statue, located near Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Designed to honour the last leopard of the Cape Peninsula, which was spotted for the last time at Little Lion’s Head in 1937 – this statue pays mournful homage to the wild cats who once roamed our mountains.
It’s a poignant reminder that, if we don’t respect and preserve the wilderness habitats of our animals and creatures, they, too, will vanish, leaving behind only stories, photos and statues in their place(s).
The leopard statue of Hout Bay was placed on a rocky outcrop, pensively overlooking the sea, on 14 March 1963.
The statue now appears more blue than bronze due to the harsh sea climate it sits near.
But this +/- 295 kg work of art, sculpted by talented, famed sculptor, Ivan Mitford-Barberton, remains an important part of Hout Bay and our Cape’s history.
A Castle by the Sea – Not Open to the Public
As for the dragon-guarded castle? Well, that’s another story entirely.
Lichtenstein Castle, a striking replica of the Gothic Schloss Lichtenstein Castle in southern Germany, looks like something straight out of your favourite fairytale.
Perched on the expansive Karbonkelberg Mountain, overlooking scenic Hout Bay, this castle is sadly not open to the public.
So don’t expect to just drive up the road and enter it.
The good news, though? You can hire this luxury events venue out for your magical weddings, fancy corporate events and film- and photography-shoots.
It’s the perfect place to live out your fantasy dreams, be they Game of Thrones- or Beauty and the Beast-inspired.
For more info or to enquire after event bookings, please visit the castle’s website or contact them directly.
Please note: Access to the castle is strictly by appointment only.
Local Cafe Culture, Fresh Bakes and Continental Cuisine
Hout Bay isn’t just about local attractions, rich Cape history and scenic locations though.
There is plenty of good food and drink to enjoy in this little republic!
Some of my personal favourite places to eat or enjoy a great cup of coffee include:
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Sentinel Cafe for ocean-facing views and good brews.
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Cafe Collective for delicious all-day breakfasts and coffee.
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South Yeaster Bakery for the best bread and baked goods in the valley.
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Nostos Greek Restaurant for truly authentic Greek cuisine and Mediterranean dining magic.
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IceDream for the most authentic Italian gelato in the Mother City.
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The Lookout for romantic (but quite pricey) meals by the sea.
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The Deli Social for intimate coffee dates and cosy brunches.
Family Adventures and Day Trips Around Hout Bay
Hout Bay has so many wonderful family attractions and experiences on its doorstep and indeed, in this picturesque valley itself.
And, while most of them do depend on fair weather, there is still fun to be had indoors!
Get Creative and Play at The Clay Cafe Hout Bay
I haven’t visited this Clay Cafe branch but my partner has and he found it great.
In fact, he rates it far more highly than the Clay Cafe in the City branch we visited together for a relaxed painting date.
Another great thing about this branch is it has an incredible kiddies’ play area, boasts a family-friendly restaurant and welcomes young and old to come paint some special clay pieces together.
Explore the Constantia Wine Valley
Constantia Wine Valley is a hop, skip and a jump away from Hout Bay but it’s well worth the drive. Especially as its very scenic!
I love driving past or visiting the horse paddocks, forested estates and beautiful wine farms between Hout Bay and Constantia’s wine farms.
And, because I have visited most of the Constantia estates, I can assure you that they are well worth checking out.
Hop On the CitySightseeing Red Bus
If you want to explore Hout Bay in a uniquely fun way, why not try the CitySightseeing Red Bus’s Blue or Red routes?
This hop-on, hop-off bus experience allows you to see the Mother City in a fun, touristy way.
Best of all? You can see so many of Cape Town’s most popular, well-loved attractions and choose where and how your journey ends.
Blue Route:
This scenic, two-hour loop takes you past Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park (another popular, family-friendly Hout Bay offering), Imizamo Yethu Township, Hout Bay Harbour, Bay Harbour Market and the Groot Constantia Wine Estate region.
(At Stop 21 of the route, you can switch onto the Purple Wine Route for a short wine estate-focused loop. Thereafter, the Blue and Red routes merge together at Stop 5. They share several stops before returning to the V&A Waterfront.)
Red Route:
Key stops on this CitySightseeing route include: V&A Waterfront (Stop 1), Long Street/Bo-Kaap area (Stop 5; also for walking tour departures), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Camps Bay beaches, Hout Bay Harbour and boat cruises to Seal Island (Stop 24) and some of the Constantia Wine Valley estates (Stop 21)
It’s also important to add that the Red route connects with the Blue and Purple routes. It gives guests access to 30+ stops and 50+ attractions in total. What’s more, all three ticket types (Classic, Premium, Deluxe) include this route.
Note on CitySightseeing Bus Tours
I have done all three routes – Blue, Purple and Red – and I highly recommend trying the Blue or Red routes as part of your Hout Bay travels.
- If you do the Blue route, stop at Kirstenbosch in the morning and then finish your afternoon in Hout Bay before returning home to the V&A Waterfront office.
- If you do the Red route, I would check out Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (if time and queques allow), Camps Bay beaches and then explore Hout Bay a bit.
- For me personally, the Purple Route, which is included in your standard Hop-On, Hop-Off ticket, is worth enjoying on its own though. Truthfully, you need a few hours to explore the wine farms and really savour all they have to offer.
Curl around the Coastline
Another thing I love about Hout Bay is how it leads to so many other beautiful parts of the Mother City – and beyond.
If you drive along Chappies, you can visit Deep South/False Bay suburbs, like Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Misty Cliffs, Scarborough, Simon’s Town, Glencairn, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg.
Visit the Cape of Good Hope
And, if you are feeling even more adventurous, why not take a day trip from Hout Bay to the world-famous, insanely beautiful Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope National Park?
There is so much to discover here, from historic lighthouses, hidden hikes and beaches, incredible bird- and wildlife, monuments, picnic- and braai-spots and so much more!
It’s a wonderful outing for the whole family and a place I feel every South African should experience at least once.
Where to Stay in Heavenly Hout Bay
Luxury Apartment Stays at DK Villas’ Self-catering Trio
I haven’t stayed in Hout Bay too extensively- but I do have one stellar accommodation recommendation: DK Villas.
DK Villas, run by lovely owners Johann and Petra, who are themselves Hout Bay locals, who know a true gem in the Cape Town hospitality/accommodation scene.
They know this part of the city inside out and love to explore all of Hout Bay’s new- and existing-experiences and foodie spots).
More than that though, they offer three beautiful, immaculate Hout Bay apartments.
These self-catering apartments are the three-bedroom Harbour View, two-bedroom The Boardwalk and one-bedroom Riverview respectively.
We have personally stayed at Harbour View (read my full review here) and it absolutely blew us away!
It was one of our best, most relaxing and meticulously clean stays anywhere in SA.
It doesn’t hurt that we had luxury amenities and appliances, quality furnishings and decor, a central Hout Bay location, secure, underground parking and gorgeous views of Hout Bay.
For more info or to book a stay, please visit DK Villas’ website.
Alternatively, you can browse their handy blog here.
Note: I want to add a disclaimer that, while I freelance write for DK Villas – my blog views and opinions are my own anf remain strictly separate.
This recommendation is in no way biased towards DK Villas. I simply love their accommodation offerings and find them to be hugely passionate, kind and professional hosts.
Hout Bay, You Beauty
As you can hopefully see, Hout Bay offers so much for locals and tourists to enjoy.
I hope you get to experience it for yourself. 🙂
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