Hout Bay Info
Hout Bay (Afrikaans: Houtbaai, meaning “Wood Bay”) is a seaside town in the Western Cape, South Africa situated in a valley on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula, twenty kilometres south of the Central Business District of Cape Town. The name “Hout Bay” can refer to the town, the bay on which it is situated, or the entire valley.
The area was originally made up of two farms, which were slowly subdivided to make way for urban expansion. While still maintaining its rural atmosphere, the area of Hout Bay has more than 5,960 residences inhabited by a population of at least 17,900 people (as of 2011).
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hout_Bay
From remains found in a cave we know that people lived in this cave between 100 AD and 500 AD. These people were known as the late Stone Age people. They had no metal tools or weapons and used stone to make whatever implements they needed. They were gathers of wild plants, shellfish and the seabirds and animals that were washed ashore. They also hunted and fished using Hooks fashioned from Bones and nets made from fibrous plants and the skins of animals.
The Khoi-Khoi and Bushmen were descendants of the late Stone Age people. They were called Khoi-Khoi because of the strange clicking sound of their language. The Khoi-Khoi were also called Strandlopers because they gathered food from the beaches and some people called them Kaapmans, Men from the Cape. Harry could speak a little English and was a great help to Van Riebeeck as an interpreter. The Khoikhoi were gatherers, hunters and Herders this means that apart from gathering and hunting their food they also possessed large herds of cattle and sheep. They lived in huts made of restio mats tied to a Beehive shape frame made of pliable poles. The Khoi often set up camp in Hout Bay. The names Hotnotshuisie and Oudekraal originated from the days when the Khoi camped in these places. The Khoi traded with the early voyagers from Europe who were on their way to the East and had stopped at the Cape in order to get fresh food and water. The Khoi bartered with these early sailors exchanging cattle and sheep for small pieces of copper, brass and tin.
Some hunting tools used by the Khoikhoi people
The first written account of Hout Bay dates to 1607 when John Chapman, masters mate on the English boat, the "Consent" which was becalmed at the entrance to the Bay, was sent in the ship's pinnace at dusk on a chancy venture because Hout Bay was unknown wild country and the time was late afternoon which would make it difficult for him to find the Consent in the darkness.
Recorded in the Rutter (Logbook) by the pilot, John Davis: "Chapman’s Chaunce hath in latitude 34-10 and is a harbour which Leith within the south west point under a little hill like charring cross (a sculptured memorial of a cross on a ornamental mounting in London) close hanging by the sea- side of the S.S.W side of the land " Chapmans Chaunce was the first name given to Hout Bay and it was also the first English name to appear on the maps of Southern Africa.
In 1614 an English sailor records having taken wood from the forest of Hout Bay in order to mend his ship.
When the Dutch established a colony in Table Bay in 1652, a great quantity of good timber was required for construction, shipbuilding and other purposes. There was no large forest in the immediate vicinity of the settlement, mainly because the rainfall was not high enough. It was soon apparent that the colonists would be able to fell wood they needed in the wetter valley that lay on the other side of a low pass (now called Constantia Nek) between the southern end of Table Mountain and Constantiaberg. Van Riebeeck described the forest of Hout Bay as being the finest in the world. It was Van Riebeeck who gave Hout Bay its present name. In 1652 on 22 November Van Riebeeck wrote in his journal about T’ Houtbaaitjen. Since then it has been known as Hout Bay.
In 1662, the year when Jan Van Riebeeck left the Cape, the Boscheuwel road was extended from Kirstenbosch in a rough track over Constantia Nek to Hout Bay.
In 1668 the first permit to cut and saw wood in the Hout Bay forest was granted. In 1677 the first agreement to rent land for farming purposes was signed. In 1681 two farms were established Ruyteplatts and Kronendal.
In 1781 the French built three forts at Hout Bay. These were part of a line of forts known as the French lines that were built in order to protect the Cape from falling into the hands of the English. The west fort at the harbour dates from this time. In the latter half of the 19th Century the farms Moddergat, Nooitgedacht, Oakhurst and Uitkyk were established.
In 1873, manganese was discovered in the Constantiaberg. In 1909 to 1911 manganese was mined in Hout Bay. Reminders of these activities are the ruins of the manganese ore jetty and the old mine workings up the mountain. In 1880, Crisp Arnold set up fishing sheds and started curing snoek for export to Mauritius.
In 1895 Walter Gurney built the first church in Hout Bay. It still stands today and is known as St Peter's the Fisherman. The first school in Hout Bay was started in this church.
In 1904 Hout Bay's first crawfish canning factory was established in the wreck of an old sailing ship, The R Morrow that stood where the present South African Sea Products factory is today. For almost 10 years the factory operated successfully exporting canned crawfish overseas and providing work for the local inhabitants. On 31 July 1914 a leak in the acetylene gas supply caused an explosion which blew up the canning factory, killing 7 people including the owner Mr. Lucien Plessis.
In 1922 Chapman's Peak Drive was opened to the public. It had been built by the provincial administration using convict labour. It had taken 7 years to build and had cost (R40 000).
The fishing industry expanded substantially in the 1930s when fish became a popular item on menus and improved facilities for transporting fish inland were created. The Trautman family improved their fishing boats and built more sheds on the beach for processing the fish. They owned Trans Africa Fisheries. The Trautman brothers introduced the valuable frozen rock lobster tail export business and the Dorman family, who like the Trautmans, had originally bought land in the 19th century for farming purposes became more involved in the fishing industry. Duikersklip and Chapman's Peak Fisheries were two companies owned by the Dormans.
Today Chapman's Peak fisheries have expanded to incorporate a fish importing business as well as retailing local catches. Mariners Wharf, South Africa's fish emporium, was opened 1984.
Harbour facilities have improved steadily over the years. In 1937 the South Breakwater was built and in 1968 the North Breakwater was added. The post-war fishing factories spreaded everywhere and at Hout Bay the South African Sea Products Company was established.
Holiday accommodation in the form of the Hout Bay Hotel was built sometime between 1871 and 1889 by Jacob Trautman. Originally known as the Royal Hotel it was a popular honeymoon hotel at the turn of the 19th century.
Chapman's Peak Hotel was originally called the Beach Hotel and was built in 1903 after the original hotel was gutted by fire. It was a beautiful example of an Edwardian seaside hotel until 1981 when extensive alterations were embarked upon.
Flora Bay bungalows had been a favourite camping site for many years before Flora Bay was developed. A large sandy beach, which linked up with the main beach, covered the rocks below this area. The sand slowly disappeared when the breakwater quays were built on the west side of the bay in 1937. A small beach was still there in the 1960s.
University of Cape Town students camped here in the 1920s. The girls were accompanied by a chaperone and camped under the milkwoods on the one side of the bay whilst the boys' camp was set up on the other side. Campers increased to such an extent, especially over Christmas and Easter that Ernest Trautman employed a small measure of control by charging a small camp fee in the 1940s. Later he built rondawels with thatched roofs and today the little bay has accommodation for 130.
Hout Bay Harbour Distillery
Hout Bay Harbour Distillery, South Africa’s only Double World Award Winning Distillery, can be found in the heart of this historic harbour. This genuine small batch distillery is a family run business, that is producing world class vapour infused Gin.
31 Harbour Road (next to the Hout Bay Market)
082 443 9360
www.hbhd.co.za
GPS: -34.054748, 18.346888
World of Birds
World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few bird parks in the world. The Park is an avian, reptilian and wildlife sanctuary for monkeys and over 3000 birds of 400 different species and are uniquely presented in more than 1000 spacious landscaped walks through various aviaries, affording you an intimate closeness with nature.
4914 Valley Road, Hout Bay
021 790 2730
www.worldofbirds.org.za
GPS: 34°01'03.8"S 18°21'45.1"E
Duiker Island
Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, is an island off the Hout bay Sentinel mountain reserve. It is 77 by 95 metres in size and is known for its marine wildlife such as birds and fur seals. It’s visited regularly by tourists taking tours on the tour boats located in the harbour. Two of the most popular Seal Island Cruise Boats are:
Drumbeat Charters: 021 791 4441
Nauticat Charters: 021 790 7278
The Hout Bay Museum
The museum has displays on the history of the Hout Bay valley and its people. It focuses on forestry, mining, and the fishing industry right up to current day. The Museum also organizes weekly guided nature walks into the surrounding mountains.
4 Andrews Road, Scott Estate
021 790 3270
GPS: 34°02'25.1"S 18°21'37.0"E
Clay Café
A place to eat, but also a place to create. You can enjoy a meal at the clay café while also painting a large selection of raw crockery that you can collect at a later stage after it has been fired, set and ready. This is also a fantastic party venue for both the young and the young-at-heart. There are four enclosed trampolines, jumping castles, tree swings and plenty of lush green grass to run on.
4080 Main Road, Hout Bay
076 810 5120
www.claycafe.co.za
GPS: 34°01'01.9"S 18°22'48.7"E
Bay Harbour Market (Weekends only)
Situated in an authentic fish factory in a working harbour, people of all ages and cultures gather to enjoy live entertainment, a variety of culinary delights, arts and crafts, children’s play area and curios to buy. The Bay Harbour Market is definitely the place to be on a weekend. Local traders also showcase their products here while a live band entertains in the background. Open every Friday from 5-9pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am-4pm.
31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay
083 275 5586
www.bayharbour.co.za
GPS: 34°03'18.1"S 18°20'50.5"E
Imizamo Yethu Township Walk
Imizamo Yethu, (Xhosa, meaning “Our Efforts” and commonly known as Mandela Park or IY) is an informal settlement in the greater Hout Bay valley area. Visitors can do a 40 minute walking tour if they take the City Sight Seeing bus to this area. A representative will meet you at the bus stop and take you on the tour to learn how IY came into existence. Many locals also invite tourists into their homes where they sell hand-made bead work and jewellery. After your tour, visit the Original T-Bag Designs workshop and meet the team of women who turn teabags into curious. A wonderful way to walk, talk, interact and exchange stories.
Original Tea Bag Designs
This is a fantastic initiative. Jill Heyes, the founder of Original T-Bag Design employs disadvantaged women and equips them with the necessary skills needed to create the products that they sell, all of which are made from or incorporate dried out tea bags. Each artist has their own individual style and pattern. These miniature works of art are then applied to stationery, wooden trays, coasters, fabric items and wall décor. It is well worth a visit. Chat to the staff about the company and hear the amazing stories and possibly support them by purchasing a product or two.
144 Main Road, Hout Bay
021 790 0887
www.tbagdesigns.co.za
GPS: 34°01'55.4"S 18°21'24.1"E
Chapmans Peak Drive (Toll Road)
Chapman’s Peak Drive, situated between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, is a 9km long route which has 114 splendid curves. It is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapmans Peak wasn’t named after a queen or a brave world-known explorer, but after John Chapman, a Captain’s mate of an English ship named the Consent. This highly popular tourist attraction offers driving, cycling, hiking, running, sightseeing and great photographic opportunities.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Town
021 791 8220
www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
GPS: 34°02'59.1"S 18°21'45.7"E
SUP and Kayak Hire in Hout Bay
SUPing (stand up paddling) is fast becoming very popular in our bay. A CTS instructor will pick you up from an allocated area or meet you at the beach. Our top S.A instructors (ISA level 2, SSA level 2) will have you standing up in no time! There are also Kayaks for hire and they offer group tours out into the bay (weather permitting of course)
11 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay
063 686 7524
info@capetownsurfing.com
GPS: 34°02'37.9"S 18°21'01.4"E
Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Dee Sea Fishing in Hout bay can be booked via Hooked on Africa Charters. Perfect for those who wish to charter a private boat or to join a small group. With a large selection of boats, an array of different fishing equipment And Tackle, they are the ultimate Fishing Charter company in Cape Town.
Harbour Road, Hout Bay
083 460 3963
www.hookedonafrica.co.za
GPS: 34°02'59.9"S 18°20'45.6"E
Harley Davidson Tours and Rentals
If you wish to cruise through Cape Town on a Harley motorcycle, then contact Amakhaya Harley Davidson Tours. They offer rentals or chauffeured rides throughout Cape Town, the peninsula and winelands. There are also trips ranging from a half hour duration to a full day ride. Treat yourself to the ride of your life on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
021 790 6474
www.cuincapetown.co.za
GPS: 34°02'43.5"S 18°21'40.1"E
Cycling in Hout Bay
Complete Cyclist is a local bicycle store that provides cycling enthusiasts with the opportunity to hire both national and international bicycle brands. They cater for both beginners to elite riders and across all the major disciplines (Road, Mountain and Triathlon).
35 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay
021 790 7118
www.complete-cyclist.com
GPS: 34°02'31.2"S 18°21'00.4"E
Acrobranch Constantia
Situated on the outskirts of Hout Bay, near the round about at the top of Constantia Nek, Acrobranch is a treetop zip-lining experience dedicated to offering children and adults alike a unique adventure as they move from tree to tree in lush, green forests. There are different obstacle courses suitable for any age and even for the more adventurous. You will enjoy hours of fun, and it’s an awesome way to experience something unique.
1 Hout Bay road, Constantia
086 999 0369
www.acrobranch.co.za
GPS: 34°00'44.0"S 18°24'17.3"E
MyCiTi Bus Routes
Join the public transport revolution with MyCiTi. Meeting strict Euro emissions standards, it’s the environmentally-friendly way to travel and is fully accessible to everyone, including passengers with wheelchairs, pregnant women and the elderly.
0800 65 64 63
www.myciti.org.za
City Sightseeing Red Tour Bus
Known as the “Hop-On-Hop-Off” tour, one can explore the Mother City, as she is affectionally known. With more than 30 stops and taking you to over 50 of Cape Town’s top attractions, the bus allows you to hop-on and hop-off at your leisure to explore as and when you please. Time tables can be downloaded from their site, so you can be assured to catch the next bus at a time that suits you.
021 511 6000
www.citysightseeing.co.za
Catching an Uber
Hout Bay has over eight regular Uber drivers who are very familiar with the area and are very quick in their arrival response time, are courteous, friendly and have many of the local’s positive reviews. Please download the App on your phones to receive this service.
Hout Bay Harbour Distillery
Hout Bay Harbour Distillery, South Africa’s only Double World Award Winning Distillery, can be found in the heart of this historic harbour. This genuine small batch distillery is a family run business, that is producing world class vapour infused Gin.
31 Harbour Road (next to the Hout Bay Market)
082 443 9360
www.hbhd.co.za
GPS: -34.054748, 18.346888
The Beach Bar
Food Types: Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery
Main Road
021 180 2556
GPS: -34.046784, 18.361101
Blue Lotus
Food Types: Chinese and Sushi
Ambience: Relaxed, family
Shop 5-6 Shoreline Centre
Main Road
021 790 0918
GPS: 34°02'45.7"S 18°21'41.6"E
Bootlegger Coffee
Food Types: Coffee Shop
Oakhurst Farm Park Cnr Dorman Way, Hout Bay Main Rd
021 001 7774
www.bootlegger.coffee
GPS: -34.019175, 18.375113
Bucca Buggatis
Food Types: Italian, Pizza, Global/International
Ambience: Relaxed, Family, Inside & Outside, Take Away
40 Victoria Avenue
021 790 6588
GPS: 34°02'27.1"S 18°21'01.6"E
The Butcher's Mermaid
Food Types: Dine-in, Takeaway, Delivery
26 Main Road
021 300 0282
GPS: -34.045316, 18.361383
Casareccio Cucina Italiana
Food Types:Italian, Seafood, Pizzas, Pastas, Coffee Shop, Breakfast
Ambience: Relaxed, Inside & Outside
Shop 1 Bay Beach
Main Road
021 790 0200
wikivillage.co.za/casareccio-cucina-italiana
GPS: 34°02'44.9"S 18°21'41.3"E
Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant
Food Types: Seafood, Grills, Light Meals, Portuguese
Ambience: Relaxed, Views, Inside & Outside
2 Chapmans Peak Drive
021 790 1036
www.chapmanspeakhotel.co.za/restaurant-e.htm
GPS: 34°02'49.4"S 18°21'42.4"E
Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic
Food Types: Retaurant
Chapmans Peak Drive
021 541 0165
www.chefswarehouse.co.za/cw-tintswalo
GPS: -34.065271, 18.368068
Dario's Cafe
Food Types: Breakfast, lunch and light meals
Ambience: Italian, Relaxed, local hangout, Inside & Outside
30 Main Road
021 791 0021
www.darioscafe.com
GPS: 34°02'41.8"S 18°21'39.5"E
Deli Etc
Food Types: Dine-in, Takeaway
28 Victoria Ave
062 412 6515
GPS: -34.041728, 18.350352
Delish Restaurant
Food Types: Global/International, Fusion, Coffee Shop, Breakfast, Deli
Ambience: Relaxed, family, Inside & Outside
8 Beach Crescent Road
021 790 5324
www.delidelish.co.za
GPS: 34°02'44.5"S 18°21'36.8"E
Deus Cafe
Food Types: Dine-in, Takeaway, No Delivery
140 Main Road
021 569 0625
deuscustoms.com
GPS: -34.032296, 18.356453
Dunes Restaurant & Bar
Food Types: Global/International, Light Meals
Ambience: Relaxed, Family, Bustling, Views, Inside & Outside, Bar
1 Beach Road
021 790 1876
www.dunesrestaurant.co.za
GPS: 34°02'44.3"S 18°21'30.1"E
EAT Restaurant
Food Types: Fine Dining, Contemporary
Ambience: Upmarket
5 Baviaanskloof Road (inside Hout Bay Manor Hotel)
021 790 0116
www.houtbaymanor.com
GPS: 34°02'35.3"S 18°21'38.0"E
Fish on the Rocks
Food Types: Seafood
Ambience: Bustling, Family, Views, Outside, Take Away
1 Harbour Road, Hout Bay Harbour
021 790 0001 / 021 790 1153
www.africasfavourite.com
GPS: 34°03'18.5"S 18°20'52.2"E
The Green Orchid
Food Types: Restaurant
4073 Valley Rd
021 790 5080
www.vidanovaretreat.com/restaurant/
GPS: -34.014698, 18.379491
Hout Bay Coffee
Food Types: Coffee Roasters
Mainstream Shopping Centre, Cnr Main and, Princess St
082 516 5838
www.houtbaycoffee.co.za/
GPS: -34.042830, 18.358843
The Indian Oven
Food Types: Indian
Ambience: Relaxed, family
Shop 7 Red Sails
18 Main Road
021 791 4805
www.indianoven.co.za
GPS: 34°02'44.2"S 18°21'42.6"E
Izakay Kukai
Food Types: Izakaya restaurant
150 Empire Ave
021 790 2560
GPS: -34.030659, 18.351132
K1 Sushi
Food Types: Sushi
Ambience: Relaxed, family (conveyer belt sushi)
6a Red Sails
18 Main Road
021 790 4763
GPS: 34°02'44.1"S 18°21'42.3"E
Kauai
Food Types: Health-conscious counter-serve chain for burgers, salads, wraps & smoothies
Dine-in, Takeaway, No-contact delivery
Shop 1A, Rawoot Centre, Victoria Ave
021 569 2566
kauai.co.za
GPS: -34.040625, 18.350221
La Colombe
Food types: Fine dining
Ambience: Smart casual, innovative
Silvermist Wine Estate, Constantia Main Rd, Constantia Nek
021 795 0125
www.lacolombe.co.za
GPS: 34°00'54.7"S 18°24'11.9"E
The Lookout Deck
Food Types: Seafood, Grills, Pizzas, Bistro
Ambience: Relaxed, Views, Inside & Outside
Hout Bay Harbour (Waterfront)
021 790 0900
www.thelookoutdeck.co.za
GPS: 34°03'00.3"S 18°20'45.7"E
Mariner's Wharf
Food Types: Seafood, Mediterranean, Global/International, Breakfast
Ambience: Bustling, Family, Views, Inside & Outside
Hout Bay Harbour (Waterfront)
021 790 1100
www.marinerswharf.com
GPS: 34°02'50.7"S 18°20'54.0"E
Massimo’s
Food Types: Italian, Seafood, Pizzas, Pastas
Ambience: Relaxed, Family, Inside & Outside
Oakhurst Farm Park
Main Rd
021 790 5648
www.massimos.co.za
GPS: 34°01'09.0"S 18°22'31.3"E
Mexicola Locale
Food Types: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery
The Promenade
066 152 9757
mexicolalocale.co.za
GPS: -34.045319, 18.359241
Muriel's Munchies
Food Types: Dine-in, Takeaway, No delivery
Hout Bay Harbour (Waterfront)
079 165 6594
murielsmunchies.co.za
GPS: -34.045319, 18.359241
Nippon Sushi
Food Types: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery
38 Victoria Ave
084 363 6888
GPS: -34.040930, 18.350258
Papino’s
Food Types: Wood fired Pizza, Global/International
Ambience: Relaxed, Family
14 Earl Street
021 790 4077
GPS: 34°02'26.0"S 18°21'03.2"E
The Pelican
Food Types: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery
37 Victoria Ave
060 756 5183
www.thepelican.co.za
GPS: -34.041887, 18.350337
Piccolo Posticino
Food Types: Dine-in, Takeaway, No-contact Delivery
2 Shoreline Center, 13 Beach Crescent
067 393 1653
www.posticino.co.za/
GPS: -34.046333, 18.361489
Quentin's at Oakhurst Barn
Food Types: Steaks, Seafood and more
Ambience: Smart casual, innovative, no children under 12 for evening dining
Oakhurst Farm Park
Main Road
021 790 4888
www.oakhurstbarn.com
GPS: 34°01'10.0"S 18°22'33.7"E
Simply Asia
Food Types: Casual Thai chain for curries & noodles
Shop 2 & 3, Porto Bay Building, 5 Main Rd
021 791 4014
www.simplyasia.co.za
GPS: -34.045930, 18.361790
Snoekies
Food Types: Seafood
Ambience: Rustic, Bustling, Family, Inside & Outside, Take Away
26 Harbour Road, Hout Bay Harbour
021 790 6677 / 021 790 1153
GPS: 34°03'16.3"S 18°20'49.8"E
South Yeaster Bakery
Food Types: Bakery
4 The Promenade
www.southyeaster.co.za
GPS: -34.045224, 18.359913
Souvla Stix
Food Types: Mediterranean restaurant
15 Earl St
021 790 7849
GPS: -34.040712, 18.350398
Veldt (opening 1 February 2025)
Food Types:
Ambience:
Main Road
GPS: 34°02'37.5"S 18°21'32.9"E
The Vic Bistro and Bar
Food Types: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery
6 Victoria Ave
087 701 2486
the-vic-bistro-and-bar.business.site
GPS: -34.043489, 18.350599
Woodcutters Arms, Ale House and Gastro Pub
Food Types: Pub meals, light meals
Ambience: Relaxed
37 Main Road, Hout Bay
021 790 6060
www.woodcuttersarms.co.za
GPS: 34°02'35.5"S 18°21'32.7"E
Yesca's Teahouse
Food Types: Reservations required · Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes
35 Main Road, Hout Bay
084 451 8888
GPS: -34.043303, 18.358824
Hout Bay is divided into several neighbourhoods. The Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch describes 28 distinct areas. Suburbs include Scott Estate, Hanging Meadows, Baviaanskloof, Hillcrest, Bergendal, Penzance, Imizamo Yethu, Meadows, Tarragona, Oakwood, Bokkemanskloof, Overkloof, Silvermist, Longkloof, Valley, Victorskloof, Nooitgedacht, Beach Estate, Northshore, Mount Rhodes, Klein Leeukoppie Estate, Ruyteplaats, Tierboskloof, Kronenzicht, Hangberg, Hout Bay Heights and Hughenden Estate. Llandudno an entirely separate village of about 200 houses lies over the "Suikerbossie" pass from Hout Bay.
Hangberg is a neighbourhood of Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated on the mountain slopes between Hout Bay Harbour and The Sentinel peak, and many of the residents are employed in fishing and other industries related to the harbour.
Under the apartheid system, the Group Areas Act designated Hangberg as a coloured residential area. Poverty and unemployment in Hangberg are high, and it has been the site of a number of political protests.
The main informal settlement in the Hout Bay area, Imizamo Yethu, is situated within a community consisting of both affluent and middle income citizens. Relations between the residents of Hout Bay and those of Imizamo Yethu have been strained for several years following the national elections in 1994 and 1999. The initial response to Imizamo Yethu was not favourable, and residents of Hout Bay, represented by the Hout Bay Ratepayers' Association and the Hout Bay Residents' Association, strongly objected to the location and management of the informal settlement and also the suggestion of an increase in the land used for the settlement in 2001.
Both associations feared that the land invasions at the time were racially motivated, whereas the African National Congress feared that the Residents Association of Hout Bay was creating a racially charged environment and refusing to develop land for housing. Current issues between residents of Hout Bay and Imizamo Yethu are focused on service delivery for the informal settlement. The 18 hectares (44 acres) area supports 20,000 people, with many of these living in cramped and squalid conditions with no plumbing, roads or any discernible infrastructure for sustainable living. This is in sharp contrast to the affluence of residences in much of Hout Bay. In addition to much middle income housing for local South Africans, there are also a number of multi-million rand mansions, luxurious holiday homes and some small wine estates. As of 2007, political differences between the Democratic Alliance and African National Congress have hampered the building of houses for the residents of Imizamo Yethu.
Because of its location and the overcrowding, Imizamo Yethu is vulnerable to hazards like floods and fires. A particularly devastating fire broke out on March 11, 2017, fanned by dry weather and high winds. Hundreds of families were left homeless and there was an outpouring of support from across Cape Town to help the victims.
Hout Bay is surrounded by mountains to the north, east and west and the southern Atlantic Ocean to the south. In the north, it is bordered by Table Mountain National Park comprising the Orangekloof Nature reserve and the bottom slopes of Table Mountain beyond that. To the north-west, it is bordered by the backside of the Twelve Apostles, known as the Oranjekloof. To the west, it is bordered by Little Lion's Head, Karbonkelberg, Kaptein's Peak and The Sentinel. To the east it is bordered by the Vlakkenberg, Skoorsteenskopberg and Constantiaberg. Chapman's Peak Drive is carved out of the mountainside and leads towards Noordhoek and onwards to Cape Point.
The sheltered bay of Hout Bay has a white sand beach, an attraction for tourists and locals alike. Hout Bay has one of the busiest fishing harbours in the Western Cape with an established tuna, snoek and crayfish industry. The harbour is home to the Hout Bay Yacht Club and several restaurants.
There are three roads leading to and from Hout Bay, all over mountain passes. One goes to Llandudno and Camps Bay through the pass between Judas Peak (part of the Twelve Apostles) and Little Lion's Head. This pass is known as "Suikerbossie" (known as the toughest hill on the Cape Argus Cycle Race). Between Hout Bay and Noordhoek there is Chapman's Peak Drive, which was closed for many years and finally reopened in early 2004 with a controversial toll booth. Lastly a road leads to Constantia over the Constantia Nek pass between Vlakkenberg and the back slopes of Table Mountain.
Off the coast of Hout Bay, is a Big Wave known as "Dungeons". The annual Red Bull Big Wave Africa competition was held here but has been suspended. Swells of up to 47 feet (14.3 m) have been recorded here as well as numerous deaths as a result of boating, diving and surfing-related incidents in the area. The spot itself consists of various reefs. The most popular is called "2.5" since it is 2.5 metres (8.20 ft) deep. Behind it is "3.5", which is 3.5 metres (11.48 ft) deep. There is also a reef that is reputed to be able to hold a 100-foot-high (30 m) wave, should one ever come. Before the use of jet-skis to enter and leave the area, the surfers who braved these waters had to paddle through a dark and deep channel, through to where the waves break.
Hout Bay is the base port to rich marine life and offers some of the finest yellowfin tuna (Thunnus Albacares), longfin tuna (Thunnus Alalunga), and yellowtail (Seriola Lalandi) fishing in the world along with a huge variety of pelagic sea birds with many different species been sighted at different times of the year.
As a historic and still-working fishing village, Hout Bay's local colour and scenery make it a tourist attraction among both local and international visitors. There are a variety of restaurants in the village as well as two hotels (the Hout Bay Manor and the Chapman's Peak Hotel), a number of bed and breakfasts and self-catering accommodation options. The harbour has restaurants, fresh fish outlets and craft stores, with views of the bay and boat rides to Duiker Island and around The Sentinel. Chapman's Peak Drive is a scenic mountain drive and underwent renovations to ensure the safety of travellers using the route. The East and West forts built by the Dutch in the 18th century can also be visited, with the original cannons and barracks still standing on the slopes of Chapman's Peak. The East Fort is the oldest operating gun battery in the world. The mountains surrounding Hout Bay also have hiking trails. In the same area is a bronze statue of a leopard on a rock at the water's edge, looking out over the ocean.
The Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing contest is held on the other side of the Sentinel mountain, at the Dungeons. Some of the biggest waves in the world are found here and these attract surfers from all over the world. The competition is held during May to August, when the waves reach heights of 15 ft (4.57 m) to 20 ft (6.10 m).
The Hout Bay Yacht Club is situated in the working harbour and provides moorings for both recreational, fishing and sailing boats.
Since Hout Bay has a number of attractions, during the Christmas holidays (which is also summer in South Africa), Hout Bay is buzzing with people. Traffic builds up quickly and the small village can be congested by midday. The Hout Bay Harbour market is one of the places which gets filled quickly during this busy time. The market is used by both tourists and locals alike. Here handmade arts and crafts can be bought and a range of foods is available. The World of Birds is a bird sanctuary and zoo found along Valley road which is commonly visited by families with young children. Hout Bay Museum has a small information centre located in its premises.
Prominent people from Hout Bay
- Denis Goldberg, anti-apartheid activist
- Sydney Skaife, entomologist and naturalist
- Paul du Toit, artist
- Pieter Jansz van der Westhuizen, founding ancestor of the van der Westhuizen family
- Michaela Strachan, English-born television presenter
- Frank Solomon, big wave surfer
- Roelof Botha, U.S.-based technology entrepreneur and former CFO of PayPal
Crime within Hout Bay increased markedly up to 2003, particularly in property crime such as housebreaking and vehicle theft. In response, the Hout Bay community formed a neighbourhood watch group which has been effective in greatly reducing crime in the valley. Initiatives of this group include further policing, roadblocks, CCTV monitoring, radio network, day and night patrols and the establishment of a 24-hour emergency call centre.
Emergency Services
| Bee Hive Removal | 073 418 6120 |
| Deep Blue | |
| Control Room (24/7) | 021 790 7901 / 021 790 1365 |
| Shift Commander (24/7) | 061 498 7814 |
| Electricity | 0860 103 089 |
| Emergency Services (24/7) | 10177 |
| Fidelity – ADT | 086 121 2300 |
| Flying Squad / Police Emergencies | 10111 |
| Fire | |
| Hout Bay | 021 791 7960 |
| Mountain Fires (24/7) | 021 590 1900 / 021 791 8300 |
| Hout Bay Police | 021 791 9300 / 021 791 8660 |
| Locksmith A1K | 081 715 2020 |
| Locksmith AA SOS | 083 790 5568 / 021 790 5568 |
| Locksmith AAA | 021 790 3800 / 072 369 2625 |
| Metro EMS / Ambulance | 10177 |
| Mountain Rescue | 021 937 0300 |
| NSRI Sea Rescue Services (24/7) | 021 449 3500 |
| Pet Emergency (24/7) | |
| Hout Bay Vet | 021 790 2640 |
| Penzance Veterinary Clinic | 083 270 5784 |
| Poison Information | 021 931 6129 |
| Snakes | |
| Garth Loots | 076 909 4624 |
| Grant Spooner | 083 590 0808 |
| Guido Lamberty | 072 411 1077 |
| Jarrod Ball | 082 880 1058 |
| Michael Bowen | 076 604 0485 |
| Watchcon | 021 790 9333 |
| (WhatsApp) | 060 345 3514 |
| Water | 0860 103 089 |
Disclaimer: The information above is correct at time of posting and in no event can iwantacode be held liable for incorrect details. Should you know that any of the details above is incorrect, please contact us and we will update accordingly.