Cape Town: Day Four

Hout Bay and the market, Wine Tasting, and Chapman’s Peak drive are all the things on the agenda for today – my favourite day!

We started off in Hout Bay for lunch at Mariner’s Wharf. It’s a nice place in the harbour, but it’s pretty expensive and the service was not good, although luckily the food was. I had a salmon pasta which I’ve never tried before, and it at least had quite a bit of salmon in it. Cool fact – with certain cocktails you get to keep the branded class, so if you want a souvenir that can be a good option.

After lunch we went to look for seals in the harbour. We managed to see two – one of them looks like it’s trained by some guy staying there who feeds it, so it was “waving” at us and resting it’s head sweetly on the rocks. The man collects donations so that he can keep feeding the seal which I’m not wild about but I suppose at least he’s being entrepreneurial. Haha. It was so windy, the sand was all across the road, and threatening to whip our dresses up like Marilyn Monroe. If you’re on holiday in Cape Town, it’s possible to use the City Sightseeing bus to get to Hout Bay. Also, if you’re looking for a cheaper lunch option, there is a fish and chips place in the harbour too.

Next up was Wine Tasting at Cape Point Vineyards. Obviously, when in Cape Town and surrounding areas it goes without saying that you have to go wine tasting. We drove over Chapman’s Peak drive to get there, but decided to only stop for photos on the way back as most of the stops are on the opposite side of the road. It’s such a beautiful drive! Important thing to know for the drive is that it is a toll road. It seems like you don’t need to pay if you’re only going to the picnic spot, but if you’re driving through then there is a fee in both directions. It’s sad to see how burnt the mountain is from the fire that there was a while back, but at the same time it is possible to imagine how beautiful it will look once the new vegetation starts growing through.

Cape Point Vineyards is a pretty vineyard with a view of both the sea and the vineyards from the deck. They offer picnic baskets, and there are cushions and blankets to use if you want to laze about on the lawn rather that sitting on the deck. The wine tasting costs about R45 for 5 wines, and they’re really nice. I particularly enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc Reserve. You can buy the wines that you like there too!

Chapman’s Peak drive has got to be one of the most beautiful drives you can go on. It’s all along the cliffy coast line, and has the most spectacular views from the designated viewpoints as well as along the drive itself. You have to stop for the “famous” photo at the big stop; it has a sign for Chapman’s Peak when you’re coming up to it. Please obey the warning signs about staying behind the barriers – they are there for your safety! The view is amazing enough from behind the simple barriers to not have to risk your life to see better.

Next up was the Hout Bay Harbour Market. We walked in the door and spotted fudge – I mean who doesn’t love fudge? And this fudge was so good! We looked around at some of the clothes and jewelry and things and then decided we needed food.

By the way, it is at this point that I realise how much I’m writing about food. Sorry about that. But I suppose we did eat a lot. Oh well.

If there are two things that I recommend that you eat at the market it would be the following.
1) Cheese bread sticks (for a fairly decent price too)
2) A lamb ciabatta from “The Lamb Man”. So so good! It has loads of tender lamb, mint sauce, feta, rocket and roasted tomatoes (as far as I remember) and it was the best sandwich I’ve eaten from a place before. 
There’s also loads of sweet-tooth options, and lots of other food such as Chinese food, Greek food, pizzas to name just a few.

I would definitely give the market a visit if you’re in the area. While there’s no shortage of market options in Cape Town, the Hout Bay Market gives a bit more clothing, jewelry and decor options than I’ve seen at most others. Go hungry, take cash, and just chill! It can take ages to find a table to sit, so be patient. But it’s all part of the vibe.

And DEFINITELY drive Chapman’s Peak. Such a good day!