|
With its tongue firmly in its cheek, the once sleepy fishing village and now bursting-at-the-seams town of Hout Bay likes to tout its existence as an independent republic.
Its montage of villas, townships, cluster homes and architectural oddities (there's even a castle perched on a hillside) reflects its diverse nature: a blend of harbour life, bustling tourism and ordinary South Africa.
If your not staying at a Hout Bay Hotel you'll need your own transport: Hout Bay is 20kms south of Cape Town on the Atlantic coast – a taxi will be prohibitively expensive, although you could brave a local mini bus.
Take a slow winding drive along the M6, also known as Victoria Road, or drive there via the southern suburbs feeder – the M3 – and arrive in Hout Bay by way of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Constantia Nek.
There's no question that Hout Bay is postcard pretty: extravagant arms of mountains enfold an achingly blue sea – drive along Chapman's Peak Road (Hout Bay's south-bound toll road) for swooning views.
The beach itself is a long crescent of sand with plenty of parking but not much shade. In fairness, it's not a great swimming beach: it can get windy in summer, the water is cold and not always particularly clean but it's popular with families and walkers.
All the shops you could want can be found in the town itself, with numerous bars, coffee shops and restaurants strung out along the main road.
The legendary Dunes bar is situated in the middle of the beach and is perfect for kids and parents in need of strengthening refreshment.
If that's not enough, then there's a collection of shops and restaurants at the northern end of the beach called the Mariner's Wharf.
Take a wander around the working harbour – fishing trawlers, seals and sailing boats - to work up an appetite for Hout Bay's legendary fish and chips.
Hout Bay also has a portfolio of things to do, both on and off the sea. Short boat cruises to seal colonies and jet boat adrenaline rides provide aquatic action, while the World of Birds boasts 3 000 birds and some cute furry animals to keep the kids happy.
|
