Hout Bay
Encyclopedia
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
with a mix of neighbourhoods from the very rich to the very poor. It lies in a valley
Valley
In geology, a valley or dale is a depression with predominant extent in one direction. A very deep river valley may be called a canyon or gorge.The terms U-shaped and V-shaped are descriptive terms of geography to characterize the form of valleys...
on the Atlantic Seaboard of the Cape Peninsula
Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula is a generally rocky peninsula that juts out for 75 km into the Atlantic Ocean at the south-western extremity of the African continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope...
and is twenty kilometres south of the Central Business District of Cape Town. The name Hout Bay can refer to the town, or the bay on which it is situated, or the whole valley.
History
When the DutchNetherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
established a colony
Colony
In politics and history, a colony is a territory under the immediate political control of a state. For colonies in antiquity, city-states would often found their own colonies. Some colonies were historically countries, while others were territories without definite statehood from their inception....
in Table Bay
Table Bay
Table Bay is a natural bay on the Atlantic Ocean overlooked by Cape Town and is at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula, which stretches south to the Cape of Good Hope. It was named because it is dominated by the flat-topped Table Mountain.Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to explore this...
in 1652, they required a great quantity of good timber
Timber
Timber may refer to:* Timber, a term common in the United Kingdom and Australia for wood materials * Timber, Oregon, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
for building and other purposes. There were no large forest
Forest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
s in the immediate vicinity of the settlement, mainly because the rainfall was not high enough. It was soon apparent that the colonists would be able to get the wood they needed in the wetter valley that lay on the other side of a low pass (called Constantia Nek
Constantia Nek
Constantia Nek is a low pass over the Table Mountain range in Cape Town, South Africa, linking Constantia to Hout Bay in the west. It is one of three passes connecting Hout Bay to the rest of the city, and, with Ou Kaapse Weg is one of the two passes over the mountain range between the city centre...
) between the southern end of Table Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
and Constantiaberg
Constantiaberg
Constantiaberg is a large, whalebacked mountain that forms part of the mountainous spine of the Cape Peninsula in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa. It lies about 7 km south of Table Mountain, on the southern side of Constantia Nek. The mountain is 927 m high and was...
. The area was originally made up of two farms, which were slowly subdivided to make way for urban expansion. While still maintaining its rural feel the area now has more than 12 000 residences inhabited by a population of about 42 000 people.
Neighbourhoods
Hout Bay is divided into several neighbourhoods. The Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch describes 28 distinct areas. Suburbs include Scott Estate, Hanging Meadows, Baviaanskloof, Hillcrest, Bergendal, Penzance, Imizamo YethuImizamo Yethu
Imizamo Yethu , is an informal settlement in the greater Hout Bay Valley area.The 18 hectare settlement houses approximately 33 600 people with little or no infrastructure for sustainable living....
, Meadows, Terragona,Oakwood, Bokkemanskloof, Overkloof, Silvermist, Longkloof, Valley, Victorskloof, Nooitgedacht, Beach Estate, Northshore, Mount Rhodes, Klein Leeukoppie Estate, Ruyteplaats, Tierboskloof, Kronenzicht, Hangberg, Hout Bay Heights and Hughenden Estate. Llandudno
Llandudno, Cape Town
Llandudno is a residential suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula. There are no shops or commercial activities, and the suburb has some of the most expensive residential property in South Africa...
an entirely separate village of about 200 houses lies over the "Suikerbossie" pass from Hout Bay.
Geography
Hout Bay is surrounded by mountainMountain
Image:Himalaya_annotated.jpg|thumb|right|The Himalayan mountain range with Mount Everestrect 58 14 160 49 Chomo Lonzorect 200 28 335 52 Makalurect 378 24 566 45 Mount Everestrect 188 581 920 656 Tibetan Plateaurect 250 406 340 427 Rong River...
to the North, East and West and the Southern Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
to the South. In the North it is bordered by Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park, previously known as the Cape Peninsula National Park, is a national park in Cape Town, South Africa, proclaimed on May 29, 1998, for the purpose of protecting the natural environment of the Table Mountain Chain, and in particular the rare fynbos vegetation...
comprising the Orangekloof Nature reserve and the bottom slopes of Table Mountain beyond that. To the North-West it is bordered by the backside of the Twelve Apostles, known as the Oranjekloof. To the West it is bordered by Little Lion's Head (Klein Leeukop), Karbonkelberg
Karbonkelberg
Karbonkelberg is a small peak forming part of the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa. It forms a prominent landmark overlooking the harbour at Hout Bay. An unusual feature is that sand has been blown up it by the wind, causing a dune-like feature...
, Kaptein's Peak and the Sentinel. To the East it is bordered by the Vlakkenberg, Skoorsteenskopberg and Constantiaberg. The world famous Chapman's Peak Drive is carved out of the mountainside and leads towards Noordhoek
Noordhoek
Noordhoek may refer to:* Noordhoek, Cape Town, South Africa* Noordhoek, Bloemfontein, South Africa* Noordhoek , the Netherlands* Noordhoek , the Netherlands...
and onwards to Cape Point
Cape Point
Cape Point is a promontory at the southeast corner of the Cape Peninsula, which is a mountainous and scenic landform that runs north-south for about thirty kilometres at the extreme southwestern tip of the African continent in the Republic of South Africa. Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town...
.
The Hout Bay bay has a whitesand beach, a popular attraction for tourists and locals (and their dogs) alike. Hout Bay has one of the busiest harbours in the Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
with an established tuna
Tuna
Tuna is a salt water fish from the family Scombridae, mostly in the genus Thunnus. Tuna are fast swimmers, and some species are capable of speeds of . Unlike most fish, which have white flesh, the muscle tissue of tuna ranges from pink to dark red. The red coloration derives from myoglobin, an...
, snoek
Snoek
-People with the surname Snoek:*Hendrik Snoek - Belgian show jumper*Paul Snoek - Belgian poetSnoek or Snook is used in various forms as the common name for several species of fish...
and crayfish
Crayfish
Crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads – members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea – are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters, to which they are related...
industry. The harbour is home to the Hout Bay Yacht Club and several restaurants.
There are three roads leading to and from Hout Bay, all over mountain passes. One goes to Llandudno
Llandudno, Cape Town
Llandudno is a residential suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula. There are no shops or commercial activities, and the suburb has some of the most expensive residential property in South Africa...
and Camps Bay
Camps Bay
Camps Bay is an affluent suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. In summer it attracts a large number of foreign visitors as well as South Africans looking for a beach holiday. It is renowned for its white sandy beaches fringed by palm trees and has a trendy nightlife.-History:The first residents of...
through the pass between Judas Peak (part of the Twelve Apostles) and Little Lion's Head. This pass is known as "Suikerbossie" (known as the toughest hill on the Cape Argus Cycle Race
Cape Argus Cycle Race
The Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour is an annual cycle race hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, usually 109 km long. It is the first event outside Europe to be included in the International Cycling Union's Golden Bike Series.The race is one of South Africa's three 'largest sporting events' in...
). Between Hout Bay and Noordhoek there is Chapman's Peak Drive, which was closed for many years and finally reopened in early 2004 with a controversial toll booth. Lastly a road leads to Constantia
Constantia
- People :* Flavia Julia Constantia, daughter of Roman Emperor Constantius Chlorus and Flavia Maximiana Theodora* Flavia Maxima Constantia, daughter of Constantius II and his third wife Faustina...
over the Constantia Nek pass between Vlakkenberg and the back slopes of Table Mountain.
Surfing
Hout Bay, also known as "Dungeons" to the surfing community, is one of the sixteen recognised big wave spots around the globe. The annual Red Bull Big Wave AfricaRed Bull Big Wave Africa
The Red Bull Big Wave Africa is a surfing competition held annually in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.The event is held at "Dungeons", just east of The Sentinel, a peak in Hout Bay, Cape Town. The reef has been known since the 80's as a site for large Atlantic swells breaking over a reef...
competition is held here. Swells of up to 47 feet (14.3 m) have been recorded here as well as numerous deaths as a result of boating, diving and surfing-related incidents in the area. The spot itself consists of various reefs. The most popular is called "2.5" since it is 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) deep. Behind it is "3.5", which is 3.5 metres (11.48 ft) deep. There is also a reef that is reputed to be able to hold a 100 ft (30.5 m) high wave, should one ever come. Before the use of jet-skis to enter and leave the area, the surfers who braved these waters had to paddle through a dark and deep channel, through to where the waves break.
Leisure and Tourism
Bed and breakfast
A bed and breakfast is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast, but usually does not offer other meals. Since the 1980s, the meaning of the term has also extended to include accommodations that are also known as "self-catering" establishments...
s and self-catering accommodation where visitors can stay. The harbour is a worthwhile visit, as there are spectacular views of the bay and boat rides to Duiker Island
Duiker Island
Duiker Island or Duikereiland is an island off Hout Bay near Cape Town South Africa. It is 77 by 95 metres in size, with an area of about 0.4 hectare. The island is renowned for its marine wildlife such as birds and fur seal. It is visited regularly by tourists and photographers by boat via...
and around the Sentinel. Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the world's most scenic mountain drives and has recently undergone renovations to ensure the safety of travellers using the route. The East and West forts built by the Dutch in the 18th century can also be visited, with the original cannons and barracks still standing on the slopes of Chapman's Peak. The East fort is the oldest operating gun battery in the world. The mountains surrounding Hout Bay also make for good hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
trails. In the same area is the bronze statue of a leopard looking out over the ocean.
The Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing contest is held on the other side of the Sentinel mountain, at the famous Dungeons. Some of the biggest waves in the world are found here and these attract surfers from all over the world. The competition can only be held during May to August, when the waves reach heights of 15 ft (4.57 m) to 20 ft (6.1 m).
The Hout Bay Yacht Club is situated in the working harbour and provides moorings for both recreational, fishing and sailing boats.
People
Hout Bay is often called a microcosm of the rest of South Africa, with a vibrant and diverse mix of poor people integrated with rich people living in some of the finest properties in Cape Town.Prominent people from Hout Bay
- Denis GoldbergDenis GoldbergDenis Goldberg is a South African social campaigner, who was active in the struggle against apartheid and was imprisoned along with other key members of the anti-apartheid movement....
, anti-apartheid activist - Marga Haywood, DA Councilor
- Sydney SkaifeSydney SkaifeSydney Harold Skaife D.Sc FRSSAf. was an eminent South African entomologist and naturalist. His career and educational publications covered a wide field...
, entomologist and naturalist. - Paul du ToitPaul du toitPaul du Toit is a South African artist, working in painting, sculpture, paper and mixed media. His exhibits have been displayed globally...
, artist - John Maarschalk, local photographer.
- Alexander Rhys Jones - would love it if the travel agent girl would add him on facebook :)
Problems with Informal Settlement
The main informal settlement in Hout Bay is Imizamo YethuImizamo Yethu
Imizamo Yethu , is an informal settlement in the greater Hout Bay Valley area.The 18 hectare settlement houses approximately 33 600 people with little or no infrastructure for sustainable living....
. Relations between the residents of Hout Bay and the residents of Imizamo Yethu have been strained for several years following the national elections in 1994 and 1999.
The tension between these diverse economic communities arise from the location of Imizamo Yethu. It is situated within a community consisting of both affluent and middle income citizens. The initial response to Imizamo Yethu was not favourable.
The residents of Hout Bay, represented by the Hout Bay Ratepayers' Association and the Hout Bay Residents' Association, strongly objected to the location and management of the informal settlement and also the suggestion of an increase in the land used for the settlement in 2001.
Both associations feared that the land invasions at the time were racially motivated, whereas the African National Congress
African National Congress
The African National Congress is South Africa's governing Africanist political party, supported by its tripartite alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party , since the establishment of non-racial democracy in April 1994. It defines itself as a...
feared that the Residents Association of Hout Bay was creating a racially charged environment and refusing to develop land for housing.
Current issues between residents of Hout Bay and Imizamo Yethu are focused on service delivery for the informal settlement. The 18 hectares (44 acre) area supports 20,000 people, with many of these living in cramped and squalid conditions with no plumbing, roads or any discernible infrastructure for sustainable living. This is in sharp contrast to the affluence of much of Hout Bay. In addition to much middle income housing for local South Africans, there are also a number of multi-million rand
South African rand
The rand is the currency of South Africa. It takes its name from the Witwatersrand , the ridge upon which Johannesburg is built and where most of South Africa's gold deposits were found. The rand has the symbol "R" and is subdivided into 100 cents, symbol "c"...
mansions, luxurious holiday homes and some small wine estates.
As of 2007, political differences between the Democratic Alliance and African National Congress
African National Congress
The African National Congress is South Africa's governing Africanist political party, supported by its tripartite alliance with the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party , since the establishment of non-racial democracy in April 1994. It defines itself as a...
have hampered the building of houses for the residents of Imizamo Yethu.
The settlement has also been linked to crime
Crime
Crime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction...
within Hout Bay. Crime increased markedly up to 2003, particularly in property crime such as housebreaking and vehicle theft. In response to the escalating crime situation, the Hout Bay community formed a successful neighbourhood watch group. This neighbourhood watch has been extremely effective in greatly reducing crime in the valley. Initiatives of this group include further policing, roadblocks, CCTV monitoring, radio network, day and night patrols and the establishment of a 24-hour emergency call centre.
See also
- List of Islands of South Africa
- Ports and harbours in South AfricaPorts and harbours in South AfricaPorts and harbours in South Africa, A port is a location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbours where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land. Port locations are selected to optimize access to land and navigable water, for commercial demand, and for shelter from...
- East Indiaman GötheborgEast Indiaman GötheborgGötheborg is a sailing replica of an 18th century Swedish East Indiaman. It is the world's largest operational wooden sailing vessel. The original sank off Gothenburg, Sweden on 12 September 1745 while approaching its home harbour after returning from her third voyage to China...