Hout Bay is made up of diverse socio-economic groups, which range from upper class in private estates, through ordinary middle class
suburbia to a poorer fishing village, and then to a squatter camp. It is a real melting pot of Africa.
This comes at a price,
and Hout Bay is no stranger to crime. However, having said that, common sense is always a great defense, and Hout Bay
is indeed an amazing place.
It has some of the most beautiful views in the world in my opinion, with Chapman's Peak just on the doorstep.
If you want to stay in Hout Bay on holiday (which I highly recommend), then here's an article that will help you find accommodation in the top areas, helping you take the uncertainty out of your decision.
Living in Hout Bay
Hout Bay has a seaside village atmosphere, yet is only 20 minutes from Cape Town as has no traffic problem.
Property is priced in a number of brackets from top to average prices.
Exclusive mansions on the hillsides, ordinary suburban houses in the valley, and a cheaper apartments are all available.
Prices vary with location. Proximity to the fisherman village and the squatter camp depress prices. Hillside homes, seafront location,
and private estates raise prices.
Hout Bay - Key Tourist Information
- Rush Hour: 7 am to 8.30 am; 4.15 pm to 6 pm.
- Drive time from Cape Town (not rush hour): 20 minutes
- Drive time to/from Cape Town - via Camps Bay(rush hour):20 mins
- Drive time to/from Cape Town - via Constantia(rush hour):45 mins
- Drive time to/from the Airport (non rush hour): 35 mins
- Drive time to/from the Airport (rush hour): 60 mins
- Public transport: No train.
- Attractions:Boat trips, Chapman's Peak Drive, Beachfront, Restaurants, Craft Market
- Type of neighbourhood:Affluent to Poor
Safety & Crime in Hout Bay
- Safe to visit.
- Safe to drive to from Cape Town.
- Usually safe to stay here, nevertheless it is wise to keep doors locked.
- Don't walk around after dark.
Hout Bay has some problems with crime at present due to the fact that there is a squatter camp with many unemployed people.
However, one needs to bear in mind that Hout Bay isn't one single suburb, but is actually a number of different neighbourhoods, all lumped together under the designation "Hout Bay". The various areas have different safety profiles, just like any other of Cape Town's suburbs.
If you are looking for accommodation in Hout Bay and need to know which areas are better than others, then here is an article which gives suggestions as to where to start looking:
Suggested Hout Bay Accommodation
You may find these articles about crime in Cape Town helpful
A Selection of Places Where It Is Safe to Walk Alone In Cape Town
Is It Safe Walking On Foot Around Cape Town?
Cape Town Crime Stats (Jan 2009)
Areas to Avoid (with a Map)
Tourist Safety in Cape Town
