Hout and About
Hout Baai (Afrikaans for Bay of Wood) so named because back in 1652 the much-needed timber for making and repairing ships for the Dutch settlers in the Cape was found here.
Though there is a Tourist Passport Book which gives one discount coupons for various retailers in Hout Bay, the Republic of Hout Bay nickname stems from a much darker past. During the Apartheid years, this suburb was classified as a “whites only” residential area and any non-white person entering or leaving had to display a “passbook”. Failure to do so could lead to imprisonment. This form of identification was used by the former regime to control the movement of non-white people.
Beside the seaside
This seaside suburb on the Atlantic Seaboard is a bustling historic and still working fishing village. Besides the obvious tourist attractions such as Mariner’s Wharf, boat trips to seal island and the infamous snoekies fish and chips haunt, there’s so much more to be explored in Hout Bay.
Starting the day off with a picturesque hike down to “Duiker Island” with Brent from Karbonkelberg Tourism, who is very knowledgeable and passionate about his neighbourhood.
Duiker Island is home to a large Cape fur seal colony as well as a variety of birds, including the Cape cormorant.
Chapman’s Peak
In this secluded suburb over the mountain, one can find the most scenic drive in SA, over Chapman’s peak. Chapmans Peak is named after John Chapman who was the first mate of an English ship called the ‘Consent’ which was becalmed near Hout Bay in 1606. Every year thousands of cyclists cross this drive in the epic Cape Argus Cycle race. This is a race of endurance, stamina and countless scenic insta-drool worthy stopping points. On my bucket list: Cycle up Chappies, as it’s affectionately known by the locals. This year thanks to Go Now Electric bicycles my dream came true! With zero endurance training required and a full battery pack, I zipped up Chappies in no time to snap a 1000 breathtaking shots of the bay.
Zippidy Doo Dah
Another adventure first for me that I can happily cross off my bucket list is ziplining. Thanks to Cape Town ziplining for my incredible airborne experience at Silvermist Wine Estate. There’s nothing quite like the rush of risking your life by dangling off a harness. Swinging full speed over a great abyss. Amidst my second thoughts, from the moment of signing the indemnity waiver for the longest ride up a mountain. To standing at the first zip line, my FOMO conquered my fear!
The encouraging “Whoops”, “Woohoos” and “You go girl!” from my newly found zipline support group, as well as the memory immortalization from Go-Pro Guy, emboldened my every move.
I can honestly say that this safe woman’s alternative to the bungee jump, is worth every fleeting second. Danger & excitement are short-lived, no sooner are you strapped in rearing to go, and then like the fun rollercoaster ride it’s over.
End of day treat
We rounded off the day with drinks and tapas at La Parada on Constantia Nek. They serve a great non-alcoholic Ginger Beer, by the way.
Thank YOU
Many thanks to Hout Bay Tourism and Hout Bay Tourism Connect . They hooked me up with this fantastic prize won at a Travel Massive CT event. Also included were gifts from Original T-Bag Designs and wine hamper from Hout Bay Vineyards.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled fun day, you simply have to go Hout and About.
