Take me away to Hout Bay
Hout Bay has always been a popular destination for holiday-makers to Cape Town. Simple pleasures like enjoying fish and chips at the harbour, a boat ride to seal island, chilling on the beach, or trawling the boutiques and artisanal stores keep visitors to Hout Bay entertained year-round.
Simply sophisticated
Our accommodation in Hout Bay is called Hout Bay Villa – an elegant, luxury villa that sleeps 8 guests. The villa offers luxury self-catering facilities and is situated in the highly sought-after neighbourhood of Scott Estate.
Our holiday house in Hout Bay position tourists and holiday-makers ideally on Cape Town’s Atlantic Sea Board. Hout Bay is near Llundudo and Camps Bay, as well as close to Constantia and Bishops Court. The tree-lined and sea-scape routes from Hout Bay to these other regions of Cape Town are scenic and breathtaking
Activities
Beach
Hout Bay beach has been popular since the hamlet was established as a farming and fishing village around 1867. Its name dates back to 1653, when Dutch settlers noticed the abundant forests and great trees that grew in the surrounding ravines. The 2,7km long beach is flanked on each end by majestic mountains. It’s overlooked by a massive rock formation called The Sentinel (also called Hangberg), which rises out of the ocean with sheer cliffs on its sea-facing side.
Hiking and trail running
Mountain lovers and trail runners will be spoilt for choice when staying in Hout Bay. One of the most popular hikes is the Chapman’s Peak hiking trail, a 5km trail of moderate difficulty. The Sentinel hike is 2,6km and is an out-and-back trail. Hout Bay Corner is a 3,5km out-and-back trail that’s popular for both hikers and trail runners. Judas’ Peak and Myburgh’s Ravine hike is an 8km loop that gives you views of the entire Hout Bay shoreline and Chapman’s Peak Drive. Other hikes in the area include Noordhoek Peak, The Dragon’s Passage, Skyline Path, Constantiaberg Mast, Manganese Mines and Klein Leeukoppie.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is recognised as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Hugging the coastline from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, this 9km route has 114 curves and is a favourite spot for sundowners. During whale season (June-November), it’s not unusual to spot whales from the picnic points as they nurse their calves. Chapman’s Peak Drive celebrated its 100 year anniversary in May 2022.
Boat to Seal Island
Drumbeat Charters and Nautical Charters are the two main operators who host cruises to Duiker Island. The roundtrip lasts around 45 minutes and offers excellent views of the Cape Fur Seal colony.
Shopping in Hout Bay
Hout Bay offers a mix of chain stores and boutiques and has everything you might need during your stay. Mainstream Mall’s stores span health and beauty, home and décor, leisure, clothing and accessories, banking and restaurants.
Gym
Hout Bay has a CrossFit as well as Velocity Gym. Velocity runs various classes, including yoga, pilates, boxing, stretch, boot-camp, cardio dance and spinning. It also has a sports gear store where you can purchase all things fitness.
SUP and surfboard hire
Cape Town Surfing is the go-to place for surf lessons, SUP and surfboard hire, and kayaking. Spending time on the water is a beautiful way to explore the coastline in and around Hout Bay.
Nearby Attractions
Cape Point Vineyards
Cape Point Vineyards is on the opposite end of Chapman’s Peak Drive and is well worth the visit. It’s one of the best places to watch the sun go down and offers picnics, restaurants and wine tasting. It also hosts a popular market every Thursday evening that locals and tourists enjoy.
Hout Bay Vineyards
Established in 2001, owners Peter and Cathy planted their first vines in 2003. Despite some initial setbacks, they’ve been harvesting their own vines since 2008. Tastings are by appointment only.
Chapman’s Peak Hotel and Restaurant
Overlooking the beach of Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Hotel and Restaurant dates back to the early 19th century. The restaurant is known for its delicious calamari which diners love to enjoy while overlooking the bay from the terrace.
Cheyne’s Contemporary Asian
Cheyne’s offers mouth-watering Asian Fusion dishes that ignite the senses. You can check out their menu here.
Massimo’s
Massimo’s is an epic culinary institution as much as a restaurant. They serve their iconic and most delicious pizzas – as well as other outstanding Italian dishes – seven days a week. Massimo’s is not to be missed, and their homemade Limoncello is the stuff of legends.
Quentin at Oakhurst
Quentin at Oakhurst serves a mix of traditional and modern cuisine created with fresh country ingredients. They have a broad menu with something to suit every taste.
Horse Riding
Hout Bay is an equestrian hub that caters to all levels of horse riders. The Riding Centre offers pony rides, vaulting, livery, leasing and lessons for riders of all ages and abilities. The facility is also available for birthday parties. A scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak will take you to Noordhoek where you can enjoy a beach horse ride with the adept riders from The Dunes.
Fishing
Hout Bay offers a variety of fishing charters for fishing enthusiasts. Visit Fishing Booker to find the right charter for you and your fellow fishermen.
Cycling
Cape Town is home of the world renowned Cape Town Cycle Tour, the largest timed cycle race in the world. The route traces its way over Chapman’s Peak, through Hout Bay, and onward via Lundudno, Camps Bay, and Bantry Bay to Sea Point where the race ends. The cycle routes from Hout Bay are scenic and suitable for intermediate to strong cyclists.
Trail running
Trail running has become increasingly popular in South Africa, and Cape Town offers some of the finest trail running routes. One of our favourite routes is from Constantia Nek to Cecilia Forest via the contour path. Essentially, most hiking trails can be used for trail running but to check out the routes, visit All Trails.
Tintswalo Atlantic
Part of the luxury Tintswalo group, Tintswalo Atlantic has a one-in-a-million location. Built on the shoreline of Chapman’s Peak bay, each individually themed room is unique, warm and inviting. If it’s not in your budget to spring for an overnight stay, you can still enjoy a spot of luxurious dining.
La Parada Constantia Nek
La Parada at Constantia Nek is a hot favourite for locals and visitors to Cape Town. Serving delicious meals from a broad menu, they remain popular for their outstanding tapas and cocktails.
Harbour House Constantia Nek
Harbour House gained its reputation from its flagship restaurant in Kalk Bay. Found next to La Parada, the group opened a sister restaurant on Constantia Nek. It’s named Restaurant @ The Nek and serves South African cuisine, including a good mix of seafood, vegetarian, vegan and meat courses. They’re dedicated to using the best seasonal produce to ensure sustainability and freshness.
Beau Constantia – Chef’s Warehouse
Offering an exceptional but casual fine-dining experience, Beau Constantia overlooks the Constantia wine valley. Continuing the legacy of the classic Chefs Warehouse tapas-style set menu, Chefs Warehouse uses seasonal ingredients to create South East Asian flavours. Much of the fresh ingredients are grown on the Beau Constantia farm. By all accounts, the food, wine and setting are outstanding.
Beau Constantia – Wine Tasting
Overlooking the lush Constantia wine valley, Beau Constantia’s vines are planted at around 350m above sea level. The farm produces wines that are celebrated and enjoyed throughout the globe. But don’t take our word for it, visit Beau Constantia wine farm for a wine tasting experience to remember.
La Colombe
The winding road that leads you from Constantia to Hout Bay will take you past Silvermist Estate, home of the world-renown restaurant, La Colombe. For good reason, it appear on S.Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and offers a dining experience that caters to a discerning palate. La Colombe is as much a visual feast as it is a gastronomical feast.
The Beach Bar
The Beach Bar’s strapline “Fine tipple and elegant comfort food” could not have summed it up better. Found on the beach front in Hout Bay, at the foot of the Chapmans Peak drive, The Beach Bar offers a sophisticated but unpretentious menu. In the morning, the aroma of freshly ground African coffee and hearty breakfast will greet you. From lazy lunches to delicate dinners, you can punctuate your deliciously crafted cuisine with cocktails and fine wine. Offering a broad menu – including seafood and vegan fare – The Beach Bar prides itself on serving sustainably sourced meat and the freshest ingredients.
We know Hout Bay very well (it’s our home-town!), so don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you need more specific information or if you want the scoop on what’s hot and happening.
