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East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

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(As the crow flies. Road distance will differ.)

The East Fort ruins overlooking the azure bay and framed by the majestic Karbonkelberg Peak in Hout Bay. (Image adapted). © Chapman's Peak Drive

East Fort Upper Precincts c.1796 Built at the command of General James Craig Acting Governor General following the 1st British Occupation of the Cape of Good Hope. © Eastfort1, License

Cannon at East Fort, Hout Bay. © Zaian, License

The fort originally consisted of a strong stone battery with several mounted 18-pounder cannons, barracks for soldiers, and storage rooms for ammunition and supplies. (Image adapted). © Sothebys Reality Cape Town

East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Set high above the shimmering waters of Hout Bay, the old East Fort is one of the Cape’s most evocative reminders of its colonial past. Built in 1782 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the fort - known in Dutch as Oost Fort, was part of a wider network of coastal defences intended to protect Table Bay and its surrounding settlements from British naval attack during the late 18th century. At the time, Hout Bay was of strategic importance due to its sheltered anchorage and the abundance of timber in its surrounding forests, which were vital for shipbuilding and repair.

The fort originally consisted of a strong stone battery with several mounted 18-pounder cannons, barracks for soldiers, and storage rooms for ammunition and supplies. Its position along what is now Chapman’s Peak Drive was no accident. This elevated site commanded a sweeping view over the bay and its narrow entrance, making it an ideal lookout point. Together with the smaller West Fort on the opposite side of the bay, East Fort was designed to form a deadly crossfire should enemy vessels attempt to enter the harbour.

Though East Fort never saw active combat, its presence was an enduring symbol of the Cape’s military preparedness during a volatile era of maritime rivalry. In later years, the British took over the fort after seizing the Cape Colony in 1795, and it continued to serve as a coastal lookout post well into the 19th century. Over time, however, as naval warfare advanced and Hout Bay’s strategic importance waned, the site fell into disuse and eventual ruin.

Today, East Fort is a national monument and a popular stop for those travelling along the world-renowned Chapman’s Peak Drive. The surviving gun emplacements and weathered stone walls have been partially restored, offering a tangible link to the past. Visitors can explore the remains on foot, and interpretive signs provide insight into the fort’s history and the soldiers who once manned it.

The surrounding views are nothing short of spectacular, looking out over the turquoise sweep of Hout Bay, the fishing harbour below, and the majestic Sentinel rising guard on the opposite shore. The site also marks the start of the hiking trail to Blackburn Ravine, a popular route that winds up the mountainside through indigenous fynbos. For photographers and history lovers, East Fort combines dramatic scenery with the quiet allure of the Cape’s forgotten fortifications, making it a rewarding and atmospheric stop on one of South Africa’s most scenic drives.

Fort location: -34.05555681137669, 18.365027613924955
Parking available close by.

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Accommodation Near East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Sleeps 8 in 2 units

^FromR 1100

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Bayview Mountain Sea-facing Cottages

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hout Bay

1.8km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Bayview Mountain Sea-facing Cottages in Hout Bay are quietly nestled against the forest, on the slopes of the "Skoorsteenkop Mountain" in the desirable Scott Estate area, where the clean mountain air and ocean breezes combine to... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 11 in 1 unit

^FromR 4150

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

The Gables

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hout Bay

2.2km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

The Gables is a luxury self-catering villa, homely decorated with Colonial and African influences, consists of 5 spacious bedrooms (sleeps 11), 2 lounges with French doors leading onto the garden with sparkling pool and Jacuzzi, 2 fully equipped kitchens …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 9 in 1 unit

^FromR 4760

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Villa Tranquility Hout Bay

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hout Bay

2.2km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Tranquility Luxury Villa offers self catering accommodation in a good area of Cape Town's Hout Bay and close to Hout Bay beachfront (5 minutes walk), shops and restaurants. This lovely spacious Villa (sleeps 9) has all you need for the perfect holiday. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 11 in 3 units

^FromR 900

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Karrad Guest Lodge

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hout Bay

4km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Karrad Guest Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Hout Bay, Cape Town. One bedroom, two bedroom or a three bedroomed cottage at reasonable rates. Lovely pastoral setting with mountain views. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Graded:

Sleeps 34 in 13 units

Dreamhouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hout Bay

4.1km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Majestically perched above the Hout Bay Valley in Cape Town, Dreamhouse Guest House is a calm oasis from which to enjoy your stay in Cape Town. Each of the 12 beautifully appointed accommodation options offers privacy, comfort and attention to... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 25 in 7 units

Waterland Lodge

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hout Bay

4.9km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Waterland Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Hout Bay, Cape Town. We have 7 self catering cottages to choose from to to ensure a great stay in Hout Bay. Lush river banks, mountain forests and a central location set amongst Hout Bay's... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 24 in 4 units

Le Bonheur Villas and Cottages

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

7.4km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Le Bonheur Villa and Cottages offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. 4 self catering options are available: Villa - 6 bedrooms that sleeps 12, 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite). Protected from the summer winds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 6 in 2 units

Bel Ombre Cottages

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

7.8km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Bel Ombre Cottages provide self catering cottage accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Bel Ombre Cottages are luxuriously furnished and fully equipped self catering cottages in the beautiful Constantia Valley, the ideal base from which to explore... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sleeps 4 in 1 unit

^FromR 1600

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Pepper Hollow

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

7.9km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Pepper Hollow offers self catering cottage accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. The accommodation consists of one self-catering cottage with 2 bedrooms. The main bedroom has a queen size bed & dressing table with an en-suite bathroom. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Guest Rating: 10

Sleeps 10 in 4 units

^FromR 990

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Constantia Thatch Lodge

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

8.1km from East Fort - Hout Bay, Cape Town

Constantia Thatch Lodge provides a choice of self catering accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Constantia Thatch Lodge offers self-catering accommodation for 10 guests in 2 cottages and 2 private suites. Private entrance and patios. Pool, secure parki …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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