Nestled between land and sea, on the northern slopes of the Constantia Hills is Hout Bay, a fisher town with a history that goes back over 300 years. With a diverse blend of cultures that make up a population of nearly 20000, Hout Bay marks the starting point of the legendary Chapman’s Peak. Yet, beyond stunning lookout points, a charming harbour and great seafood, this little town also offers visitors diverse art and culture experiences.

Introducing the talented scrapyard sculptors

Chenjerai and Mambakwedza Mutasa are two Zimbabwean artists who apply their craft to things most of us take for granted. For the brothers, a canvas can include old car parts, wire, wood or any piece of material that holds aesthetic potential. The two run a workshop in Hout Bay and have had their sculptures seen by art enthusiasts around the world. International exposure has broadened their perspective, with new influences and artistic trends making their mark on their work. Here’s a peek at some of their amazing installations.

Hout Bay Scrapyard Sculptors
Image credit: Ndiza Gallery
Hout Bay Scrapyard Sculptors
Image credit: Ndiza Gallery

The Hout Bay Gallery

Hout Bay Gallery, established in 1984, includes a collection of paintings, furniture and sculptures to keep visitors amazed at the breadth of artistic talent in the region. The gallery has showcased the works of talented artists like David Kuijers, Anastasia Sarantinou, Sarah Danes Jarrett, Koos De Wet, Bastiaan Van Stenis and Richard Scott and specializes in the packaging and freight of art to local and overseas clients. So if you see anything you like, there’s no reason not to take it home with you when you visit this must-see gallery.

Hout Bay Gallery
Image credit: Location Gallery
Hout Bay Gallery
Image credit: Location Gallery

The Bay Harbour Market

Celebrating the “vibrancy, spirit and diversity of creativity and culture” of South Africa is what’s at the heart of the Bay Harbour Market. The market sets the stage for a social shopping and eating experience where locals and visitors can commune and enjoy the best of Hout Bay together. Come and enjoy local music, art and entertainment as locals put their cultural and artistic offerings on display. The market has a great blend of tenant mixes giving visitors access to a pageantry of art, craft, fashion and interior design work along with menus as diverse as the people.

Bay Harbour Market
Image credit: @bayharbourmarket via Instagram
Bay Harbour Market
Image credit: @bayharbourmarket via Instagram

Groot Constantia Wine Estate

South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm is only a few minutes’ drive from Hout Bay central and offers wine lovers a good dollop of art, culture, history and great wine tasting experiences. The original Cape Dutch Manor House takes guests back in time and is joined by the estate’s museum where you can learn more about this historic estate and the surrounding areas.

Groot Constantia
Image credit: @grootconstantia via Instagram
Groot Constantia
Image credit: @grootconstantia via Instagram

Come and explore the best of Hout Bay

A definite itinerary checklist item, Hout Bay is a small fisher town that packs a punch when it comes giving visitors a taste of Cape Town in her most charming splendour. Snuggle up next to the fireplace during winter, while taking in the views overlooking the harbour, or come see this small town come to life in summer. Hout Bay is a town for all seasons and a must-see for the adventurous and curious traveller.

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