The early Dutch settlers sent a party to explore the bay behind Table Mountain and found a beautiful heavily wooded valley surrounded by protective mountains and good fishing. The trees became the main source of timber for ship building and repairs and it became known as Houtbaai (Wood Bay). Residents call it the ‘Republic of Hout Bay’ because they feel aloof from the rest of Cape Town.

Hout Bay is a sociable village with people chatting in cafes and a main street of interesting shops and an excellent craft market in the harbour every Sunday. There are 2 main supermarkets. One is based very closely on "Marks and Spencer's". The busy harbour is the centre for the tuna and cray fishing fleets with fantastic Restaurants overlooking the harbour. The beach is long and sandy and safe for swimming and water sports like sea kayaking or dinghy sailing.

Don't miss the chance to take a short boat trip (literally 5 mins!) out to Seal island, where there are thousands of seals playing on their own little island. The more adventurous may wish to take a jet ski tour out to the island.

Only 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town, Hout Bay is a lovely place to base your holiday. Check the availability of our South African holiday home here.