Hout Bay

Situated 20km south-west of Cape Town is the picturesque seaside town of Hout Bay which boasts safe beaches, walking trails, horse-riding, beautiful homes and wonderful heritage sights. It is also the gateway to Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastal road in the world. Although this fast-growing satellite settlement has managed to keep hold of its village atmosphere, its dependence on tourism is beginning to threaten its authenticity. The majority of the population is made up of transient holiday-home owners and weekend commuters, and the basic amenities reflect this. That aside, Hout Bay still boasts a small working harbour and a couple of adequate local schools, but major commercial and after-hour activities are in desperately short supply.