Hout Bay, a beautiful fishermen's village 20 minutes outside of Cape Town, is a highlight of any visit to the Cape.
It has has a wonderful long and sandy beach, safe for swimming and water sports like sea kayaking or sailing. Apart from activities in and on the water, one can take a scenic drive over Chapman's Peak Drive, a stroll through the harbour, pay a visit to the bird park World of Birds or book a cruise to Seal Island through DrumBeat Charters.
Or join Craig Hepburn of Green Turtle on a walk through Hout Bay's township Imizamo Yethu, to meet the people, to learn about their culture and history and to listen to their stories.
The name "Hout Bay" (Wood Bay) was given by Jan van Riebeeck, who, after his landing in Table Bay in 1652, found dense forests providing the timber needed for the construction of ships and of the Castle.
Current residents call the town the 'Republic of Hout Bay', because they feel aloof from the rest of Cape Town.
