Hout Bay – Holiday in Cape Town’s secret republic

The "Republic of Hout Bay" is a lovely contained suburb nestled between Camps Bay and Chapman's Peak Drive on the Atlantic Seaboard.

If you are looking for a fabulous, interesting and varied holiday, look no further than the variety of self-catering options available to you in this Cape Town suburb that is known to be "law on its own".

Your Holiday In Hout Bay
Indulge in a diverse and captivating holiday experience within this Cape Town suburb, famously known for its distinct character. Whether you're drawn to the beach, the bustling harbour, or outdoor pursuits such as surfing, sailing, and fishing, Hout Bay offers a myriad of options for every kind of traveler. Embrace family fun, shopping, sightseeing, hiking, and a range of attractions curated for visitors to the unique "Republic of Hout Bay".

Luxury Accommodation In Hout Bay
Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury with our carefully curated selection of upscale self-catering holiday accommodations in Hout Bay. Indulge in spacious apartments or villas that offer stunning views and a range of modern amenities. Your stay in Hout Bay is bound to be a harmonious blend of comfort and elegance, catering to those with a taste for the finer things in life.

Self-Catering Apartments
Opt for a luxury self-catering holiday apartment if you're planning to spend most of your time outdoors pursuing activities such as hiking, biking, surfing, fishing, boating and plenty more.

Self-Catering Villas
Luxury self-catering holiday villas are available in Hout Bay for families who want to stretch out and relax in a comfortable home where they have all the conveniences of an upmarket lifestyle.

Things To Do In Hout Bay
Embark on thrilling adventures and explore the charm of the "Republic of Hout Bay."

Extreme Surfing
Dungeons Beach is accessible only by a 15-minute boat ride from Hout Bay Harbour and is South Africa's most extreme surf beach, serving as the venue of the Red Bull Big Wave Africa contest that takes place annually in winter.

The beach is a collection of shallow open reefs and high-impact zones with enormous waves, making it only suited to professional surfers.

Snorkel With Seals
Embark on a short boat ride from Hout Bay Harbour to Duiker Island, where over 4,000 Cape Fur Seals await your underwater exploration. Immerse yourself in the playful world of these curious creatures and create unforgettable memories beneath the waves. 

Fish The Open Waters
Join fishing charters departing from Hout Bay Harbour, where the thrill of catching Yellowfin Tuna, Cape Yellowtail, and Cape Snoek awaits between September and June. Cast your line into the open waters and revel in the excitement of reeling in a prized catch.

Go Birding
Discover the largest bird park in Africa at World of Birds in Hout Bay. Immerse yourself in an enchanting experience as you come face-to-face with over 3,000 birds and small animals, representing a diverse range of 400 species. This unique adventure takes you through landscaped walk-through aviaries, providing an up-close and personal encounter with the captivating world of avian life. To book tickets to World of Birds, click here

Paint Pottery
At Clay Café, kids love playing outside and painting their pottery creations, from mugs, bowls, and plates to sculptures. Once glazed and fired, Clay Café will contact you to collect your personalized masterpiece, a unique souvenir to remind you of your artistic adventure in Hout Bay.

Browse The Markets
The Bay Harbour Market is a weekend market known for its vibrancy, spirit, diversity and culture. Situated on the water's edge in an old fish factory in the old authentic part of the harbour, this friendly market offers a distinctly South African social, shopping and eating experience at its more than 100 stalls.

Moreover, The Bay Harbour Market goes beyond commerce, actively supporting the Hangberg Social Upliftment Project. Through this initiative, it empowers the local community by fostering the development of essential business skills and sustainable enterprises.

On Sundays, make sure not to overlook the Hout Bay Craft Market on the Hout Bay Common. This gem is one of the Cape's finest markets, featuring an array of African art and curios. From exquisite pottery and intricate wire crafts to ethnic clothing and delectable cuisine, it's a captivating showcase of local creativity and culture.

Hout Bay Weather
Like the rest of Cape Town, Hout Bay shines in Spring, Summer, and Autumn with mild to hot and sunny weather. Winter's rain and occasional storms offer their own charm, perfect for cosy evenings by the fire with a glass of local red wine.

Visit Hout Bay Soon
Escape to the "Republic of Hout Bay" for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Book your Hout Bay accommodation ahead to avoid the school holiday rush and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this captivating harbour town. Your memorable Hout Bay holiday awaits.

Ready to start planning your trip? Find the answers to your travel-related questions in our handy, one-stop Cape Town holiday planning hub – complete with info-packed guides and resources that will make planning your visit a breeze. Take a look here.