Our lucky number 13th tour, this Sunday at 14h00, takes us via at least one of the three most gorgeous approach roads in the world to consider the life and vibes of Cape Town's one true, semi-secret microcosm - the Republic of Hout Bay.
Before you start to worry: No! You won't need to have the right passport to join, you'll just have to buy one for R10 at the Mariner's Wharf souvenir store before we wrap up 😉 And also, this is literally a walk on the beach for the most part, so don't be afraid of getting tuckered out!
Unlike all my other tours, Hout Bay is a sort-of monumental amphitheatre for itself and so much of the loveliest history, anthropology, zoology and virtuosity of the enclave is clearly visible from all along the breezy shoreline. So just bring or steal birding binoculars!
Even if you've lived under the Sentinel's watchful gaze for many decades, I'm sure you (like me) have often questioned the particular charm of the Cape's Atlantean cove. Why, for example, are the street names so royalist? Why does the Dorman family take credit for everything? When did the Hangberg fishermen sign their pact with the seals? And why hasn't the Bronze Leopard gotten sick of his perch yet? (Don't ask me the answers yet, I'm still cramming in the research...) These are the true concerns for any day-tripping Capetonian, and so I encourage you to try stump me with your own!
In the meantime, prepare to set off at the Sentinel Coffee Stand right by the starting-line of Chapman's Peak Drive for a whirlwind adult field-trip that will encompass all the heritage exhibits of the Mainstream mall, the centuries of Constantia franchise estates, the decades of dune control and low-key fishing empires, the best acreage of momentous hiking routes in the country, before eventually settling down for an early dinner astride or leaning against the cannons of the West Fort two-and-a-bit hours later.
Have you ever had such a good excuse to get out on a Saturday afternoon?
Spread the word if not!
Yours,
Cameron Peters of CTHT x
P.S. If you've read this far I'm guessing you'll want even more of the specs, so here goes:
- Use a two-car system with friends or walk back to the Woodcutter's Arms with me after the tour finishes to save yourself from being marooned by the Bay Harbour Market...
- We used to be donation-based but to secure our future we're now doing a pre-booking system whereby you can guarantee your tickets beforehand at R120pp, or you can join the tour on the day for R150pp in cash or EFT et al. Simply WhatsApp or Message us via the button on our home page to secure your place.
- This is a consistently well-reviewed heritage-focused walking tour; which is to say that all you'll need to enjoy yourself is curiosity about Cape Town's past (and History in general) and enough stamina to walk just less than 3km in one afternoon (with stops and snacks).
- If you're rejoining us, please please please please please please consider dropping us a short (or extensive) review on our Facebook Reviews or Google Reviews section as it will help spread our gospel of curiosity and playful appreciation across the internet and across the spectrum of all potential visitors to the Cape. It helps us more than you can believe!
- We've also introduced an optional R10 donation on your ticket which will go directly to the NGO Streetscapes as part of our mission to spread love, enthusiasm, mutual support and respect for all of Cape Town's people and histories. Just think how many people we could help and the difference we could make with a few hundred tours!
- Feel absolutely free to spread the word, invite friends who've been looking for this kind of experience and badger us with every imaginable heritage query. We live for it!
Can't wait to meet ya 🙂
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