Hout Bay, known by its residents as the ‘republic of Hout Bay’, has only three means of access. Yet it is only 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre, via the coast road past Llandudno and Camps Bay and commuting is a pleasure. Hout Bay is entirely surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Up to 15 years ago, it was little more than a fishing village, serviced entirely by one superette, but today it has boomed and offers a wide range of restaurants and pubs.

Hout Bay offers one of the safest sailing venues anywhere and its waters are home to the full range of water sports. Hout Bay has one of the most active fishing harbours in South Africa and fish and chips are a local treat. The mountains surrounding Hout Bay provide some incredible hiking and breath taking views and the Disa River supports wetlands that are home to a wide range of birdlife. The World of Birds, a reserve in Hout Bay, is a unique opportunity to view some of these.