Hout Bay
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Nestled in
the shadows of the Karbonkelberg with the Sentinel standing guard is the
village of Hout Bay. Originally known as Chapman's Chance, it was
Jan van Riebeeck who, in the 1600's, wrote in his diary about the finest
forests in the world and named it Hout Bay (Wood Bay). The village
played a strategic role in the battle for occupation of the Cape Sea Route
by the French, the Dutch and the English and ruins of some of the forts
and batteries, built in the 1700's are still standing, complete with cannon.
The working
harbour was built in 1930 and fishing boats land their seasonal catches
on the quayside where bystanders can often make their choice at bargain
prices. |
| Today Hout
Bay is a popular tourist destination with beautiful safe beaches, walking
trails, horse riding, arts and crafts and wonderful heritage sights.
Hout Bay is
lucky to have Chapman's Peak Drive; one of the most spectacular scenic
drives in the world. It opened in 1922, took seven years to complete.
The drive is currently under construction but is still open up to the picnic
spots and viewing sites.
Whale Watching
In recent years the Southern Right
Whale has been seen in ever increasing numbers in the bay between June
and November. Make use of the numerous lookout points along Chapman's peak
drive. |
| Flora and
Fauna
Hout Bay falls into the area known
as The Cape Floral Kingdom, which boasts over 1 100 indigenous plant species,
making it one of the richest botanical wonderlands in the world.
Bird life is varied and although no longer seen in any great numbers due
to development, small mammals and reptiles add to the diversity of the
fauna.
Walking
and Hiking
Hout Bay lies in a verdant valley
surrounded by dunes, mountains and shoreline. Enjoy the many walking
trails - as a casual stroller or as an adventurous hiker along the strenuous
routes - because there's something for everyone. |
 |
| Hout Bay's
Famous Bronze Leopard
This bronze
leopard was sculptured by Ivan Mitford-Barbeton and placed on its rocky
pedestal at the foot of Chapman's Peak Drive in March 1963. It was
his gift to the people of Hout Bay - a memorial to the leopards, last sighted
in the 1930's, that once roamed the village.
When you've seen all that Hout Bay
has to offer, there are other places to visit:
-
10 minutes drive: Kirstenbosch Botanical
Gardens; Camps Bay.
-
20 minutes drive: Cape Town city centre;
the famous V & A Waterfront; the table mountain cableway.
-
45 minutes drive: Cape Point; the wine
routes.
Climate
Mild winters (8 – 20 degrees centigrade)
with rain at times, and warm, dry summers (15-30) offer an ideal seasonal
mix. The south-easterly wind, known as the Cape Doctor, cools in summer
and is so called because it clears the air of pollution and supposedly
blows away all ills. |
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