Amani House, and Ambalo House offer high-quality, private, spacious accommodation away from the noise and bustle of city centre life, but within easy striking distance of all of Cape Town's attractions. The cottages share a panoramic view across Hout Bay, encompassing the spectacular Chapman's Peak drive, the Sentinel which guards the southern side of Hout Bay, all the away across to Kommetjie lighthouse. The familiar pattern of flashes from the lighthouse can be counted from your verandah, at dusk, as you relax after a busy day in the sun.
Hout Bay was once a sleepy backwater of Cape Town, separated from Cape Town's southern suburbs by Constantia Neck, and from the Atlantic seaboard, by Suikerbossie Hill. However, while Hout Bay was largely farmland a few tens of years ago, recent years have seen increasing development, as people seek release from the suburban crush on the other side of the hill. Despite the recent development, however, Hout Bay remains framed by unspoiled mountain and sea views, providing a tranquil backdrop to your holiday.
Hout Bay beach (5 minute's drive from Forest Lodge) is somewhat protected from the the full might of the Atlantic swells by the Sentinel promentary. For this reason, the beach is popular for surf-skiing (a misnomer, since it refers to a form of canoeing or kayaking). The surf-skiers take to the water en-masse in summer-time when conditions are calm and warm. Apart from the water sports, Hout Bay beach is popular for walking, horse-riding, kite-flying and just catching some sunshine. Whales are sometimes spotted as close in as thirty meters from the shore, and there are plenty of seals and fish around.
On the other side of the Sentinel lurks a deep-sea beast. Every June, big-wave hunters from around the globe gather in Hout Bay to tame the mountainous waves of Dungeons. The contest is a true spectacle in its own right, lasting up to a month as the organisers wait for appropriately psychotic surfing conditions. In summer, however, the waves tend to subside, and there are boat trips from Hout Bay harbour, around the Sentinel, to Seal Island. As its name indicates, these offshore reefs are home to an absolute over-abundance of seals. The boats anchor off the islands, allowing you to observe the seals frolicking in the water, and lolling about on land. If you're not impressed by the spectacle, the smell is something you certainly won't forget in a hurry.