Houtbaai Travel Guide

 
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  •   Houtbaai
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  •   Off The Beaten Path
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  •   Things to Do
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  •   Things to Do
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  •   Restaurants
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Explore Houtbaai

Things to Do  

World of birds
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mvtouring 3809 reviews

The largest bird park in Africa offers sanctuary to nearly 4000 birds. Over 350 different species can be seen up close and as if they were in their natural habitat as you walk through the large, landscaped aviaries.

In addition to this brilliant array of indigenous and exotic birds, the beautiful park is also home to small animals such as meerkat and squirrel monkeys ensuring that it is a worthwhile destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.

For those who love plants, you have to see the exotic plants they have here.

Written Dec 7, 2008

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Chapmans Peak drive
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Chapman’s Peak Drive winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular marine drives anywhere in the world.

The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman's Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg. The drive offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.

Written Dec 7, 2008

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Boats at Houtbaai
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cleocat 230 reviews
Boats at Houtbaai

Take a boat trip from Houtbaai or just sit around and watch the action. The scenery is beautiful, there are nice souvenir shops and some locals selling their authentic African products.

Written Jun 27, 2005

Related to:
 Sailing and Boating
 Budget Travel

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Hout Bay
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The sea at Hout Bay

Take the coastal road out of the city to seapoint and just keep on driving past Camps Bay , clifton and llandudno and you will end up in hout Bay. Go down to the harbour there is a great seafood restaurant and a fish and chips take away that is very popular. Hundreds of seagulls are hanging around for a bite. the ocean views on the road is breathtaking. It's a short drive and very wothwhile.

Written Jul 8, 2004

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Budget Travel

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Hotels  

The Tarragon

 314 Opinions

Hotels  

Hout Bay Manor: Hout Bay Manor ~ Colonial and old world

Hout Bay Manor: Hout Bay Manor ~ Colonial and old world, Houtbaai

 Jenniflower Says:  We got married in a stone chapel in the forest, and had our reception at Hout Bay Manor.This is in Hout Bay, a sheltered valley about 35 minutes from Cape Town city centre.We had a perfect day, where everything ran smoothly, thanks to the Manor staff. The service, food and... 

Restaurants  

Pirates Pub: Pirates Pub
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mvtouring 3809 reviews

My friend held her 50th birthday bash here. We were all extremely impressed with the food that was served. Very tasty and well prepared even though we were a group of approx 60 people. The waitron's were excellent and the guy that does the music on a Friday & Sat evening there was good. Never took a break.

Favorite Dish: Calamari, cause it was so soft and tender and tasty.

Written Jul 5, 2009

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Mariner's Wharf: Great fish
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cleocat 230 reviews
Mairner's wharf Hout Bay

The biggest part consists of an outside verandah. It's very informal and you have a nice view over the mountain and the sea.

Favorite Dish: The fish. It's fresh and affordable.

Updated Jun 27, 2005

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Budget Travel

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What to Pack  

How should one dress?
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Jenniflower 1567 reviews

Luggage and bags: Luggage with wheels is always a good idea, wherever you are travelling.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Some ideas:

Light coloured clothing that doesnt absorb the sun as much as dark clothing. If you're going on safari, pack comfortable walking shoes and khaki, brown or beige casual clothes.

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites.

A cap/hat that covers your head and neck.

Long socks if you are going hiking (extra protection against snakes if you come across one).

Sunglasses.

Comfortable sandals and tackies/trainers/sneakers.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Sun screen (Factor 35), headache tablets (from being in the car during the sun all day, may bring on a headache), and usual little things like some plasters for blisters, Tabard for the mossies (mosquitos), cotton wool, germolene etc.

Photo Equipment: Your camera, with charger, and a SOUTH AFRICAN plug extension.

Bring along the best lens you can - a zoom lens will be needed as the animals are often in the distance and may only look like tiny specks in your photos when they are developed.

Miscellaneous: Have a map of the area handy, plus a local bird, flower and tree book. For this you also need a pair of good quality binoculars

This is so that you don’t get lost, plus can appreciate all that’s around you that much more.

It is not just a place to sight-see, but a place to learn from too.

Written Mar 24, 2009

Related to:
 Eco-Tourism
 Photography
 Birdwatching

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Off The Beaten Path  

Cape Point
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mvtouring 3809 reviews

Cape Point is situated within the Southern section of Table Mountain National Park, the Cape of Good Hope entrance.

The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) encompasses the incredibly scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south and the seas and coastline of the peninsula. The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope.

Written Dec 7, 2008

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Map of Houtbaai