Drive for 20 minutes next to the ocean, on a winding coastal road, with a visual surprise around every bend and Hout Bay will welcome you. Hout is the Afrikaans word for wood. Jan van Riebeeck gave the name Hout Bay because of the dense forest he found there with much needed timber for his ships and the building of The Castle of Good Hope.

WHAT TO DO IN HOUT BAY

Your first visit has to be the harbour. A busy working harbour with seagulls fighting the local fishermen for fish. The local fishermen are in a class of their own. Their colourful language and expressive ways create an impromptu theatre experience for the onlooker. The Mariner’s Wharf is the first harbourfront emporium in Africa and consists of restaurants, shops and markets.

At the Mariners Chest you will be overwhelmed by the variety of shells and local crafts. While expensive it is still cheaper than the shops at the Waterfront in Cape Town.

At Pearls in the Oyster you choose an oyster, guaranteed to contain a pearl.

Memorabilia from Shipping Lines (past and present), ship equipment, Naval books and ship models in a bottle, are but a few of the products at The Shipwreck Shop.

A boat trip to Seal Island is available every half an hour from the harbour. Seal Island is tiny and hosts around 6 000 seals. On very windy days opt for the catamaran Nauticat.

For a cruise with a culinary experience take a trip on Tigger Too from Hout Bay to Kommetjie. Experience the crayfish catching and enjoy the prepared feast afterwards.

WHERE TO STAY IN HOUT BAY

Hout Bay is perfect for those who want to be close to all the attractions but needs a quieter area than the busy city of Cape Town.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel ,on the coastal road, about 5 minutes from Hout Bay has the most magnificent view of all. The sunset view from the terrace can’t be beaten. A complimentary car transfer service will deliver you to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront when needed. Luxury at its best is to be found in the beautifully designed rooms and suites. A spoil at the best Spa in Africa will add extra quality to your stay.

For Self-catering the Atlantic Beach Apartments ,with a wonderful view of the Bay, is a good option. These up market modern apartments are close to the beach, shops and mountain. The apartments can be rented on a day to day base or discounted prices are available for monthly rentals.

Backpackers are not really catered for in Hout Bay. The Harbour Lodge and Sunbird Mountain Retreat are reasonable for people sharing but single rates are much higher than that of Backpackers Lodges.

WHERE TO EAT IN HOUT BAY

The Mariners Wharf will cater for all your seafood needs. It seems a bit unfair to all the other good restaurants in the area but once you’ve been to the restaurants at the Wharf you don’t feel like going anywhere else.

The Wharfette Bistro is cafeteria style, with plain fish and chips their most popular dish. There is, however, nothing plain about this fish. It is so fresh you can taste the sea. Portions are generous and very affordable. For something more exotic there are also lobster, prawns, sole and snoek. Sit on the veranda with a view over the white beach and the mountains watching the hundreds of seagulls waiting for some leftovers. During whale season you might see some whales from here.

For a classier affair go upstairs to the Wharfside Grill with very distinct shipping and harbour ambience. Sit outside on the balcony for spectacular views. Try a seafood curry or Calaprawnia (skillet of prawns and calamari) for an ultimate feast. A Crème Brûleé or Cape Brandy tart will finish off the experience. If that seems like over indulgence (which it probably is) have a cappuccino or espresso. Vegetarians and meat lovers are also catered for.

The Lookout Deck, Comida, Chapman’s Peak Hotel Restaurant and the cosmopolitan Renaissance Café are also popular choices.

Experience the true fishing lifestyle of the locals right here at Hout Bay with the on- the- go Cape Town city life within easy reach.