SA HOTEL - FISHHOEK CAPE TOWN

Fish Hoek is a valley of breathtaking beaches, inspiring hiking trails and floral splendour. In short, Fish Hoek can be described as a valley of endless wonders, the perfect place for a getaway.

Fish Hoek is surrounded by rugged mountains, and is situated along the False Bay coastal road when driving from Simonstown. Most of Fish Hoek's residents are retired, but the main road is always busy, with bustling market stalls and shops. The long sandy beach is one of the safest in the Cape for bathing and body-boarding and when the wind picks up, hobie-cats and windsurfers take to the waves. Whale season is from July to October and visitors can watch them lolling around in Fish Hoek Bay. This is an annual sight and occurs in preparation for mating and giving birth. Huge schools of dolphins are also sometimes seen in the bay.

The land was granted to Andreas Bruins in 1818 and was sold several times before being bought by Hester Sophia de Kock in 1883. In 1901, she married Jacob Isaac de Villiers. After their deaths, the land was sub-divided and sold off. The first plot was sold in 1918. This was the beginning of the town of Fish Hoek. The farmhouse on the site of the present Homestead Naval Mess, near the railway crossing, became a hotel. The original building burned down in 1947. The original barn of the Fish Hoek Farm, now called Mountain View, can be seen in Cottage Lane. It has been converted into two cottages, but is not open to the public.

Weavers, AP Jones and Marcias are a few of the shops found in Main Road. They have a wide selection of souvenirs and collectibles which exemplify this unique valley. The Fish Hoek Art Society displays their work in the Arcade and more fine- art and locally produced items are for sale at the Information Office. The library is also host to many local exhibitions and is rightfully proud of its beautiful herb garden. The trader's market opposite the train station is sure to offer a bargain. Farm villages in the neighbouring villages of Noordhoek and Kommetjie also offer a wide range of locally manufactured goods and have lovely recreational areas for small children. This is an ideal place for children's birthday parties.

Fish Hoek forms a land bridge between the Atlanic an Indian Oceans and is also a bridge between many cultures. The Cape-Malay culture is evident in the fishing village of Kalk Bay. Fish Hoek has fine examples of art-deco architecture and Glencairn is home to some beautiful Victorian buildings. The Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre, at the entrance to Masiphumelele Township, offers a wide range of township related activities. These include guided tours, local products, local cuisine and musical extravaganzas with local choirs and traditional costumes. The money generated from these activities is put back into the development of this community.

Weavers, AP Jones and Marcias are a few of the shops found in Main Road. They have a wide selection of souvenirs and collectibles which exemplify this unique valley. The Fish Hoek Art Society displays their work in the Arcade and more fine- art and locally produced items are for sale at the Information Office. The library is also host to many local exhibitions and is rightfully proud of its beautiful herb garden. The trader's market opposite the train station is sure to offer a bargain. Farm villages in the neighbouring villages of Noordhoek and Kommetjie also offer a wide range of locally manufactured goods and have lovely recreational areas for small children. This is an ideal place for children's birthday parties.

Fish Hoek forms a land bridge between the Atlanic an Indian Oceans and is also a bridge between many cultures. The Cape-Malay culture is evident in the fishing village of Kalk Bay. Fish Hoek has fine examples of art-deco architecture and Glencairn is home to some beautiful Victorian buildings. The Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre, at the entrance to Masiphumelele Township, offers a wide range of township related activities. These include guided tours, local products, local cuisine and musical extravaganzas with local choirs and traditional costumes. The money generated from these activities is put back into the development of this community.

Open boat whaling took place in Fish Hoek from 1817 to 1868, but this practice has since been discontinued. Whales know that it is safe to come into False Bay and the Southern Right Whale comes into the bay to calve. Other types of whales can also be seen from August to the end of November.

In the early days of European settlement, False Bay was teeming with fish. Trek fishing has taken place ever since. Harders and yellowtail are the most frequently caught fish, but lately, numbers have been deceasing. "Trek" is Dutch for "pull" and refers to the pulling in of the net.

The 1818 land grant stated that there should be no public wine house and this law was carried over to the new town. The residents of Fish Hoek were determined to keep bottle stores out of the town. In 1956, after having opposed many license applications, they formed an association called The Defenders of Fish Hoek. They succeeded in getting the Liquor Act amended so that no further applications would be allowed. Under our new Constitution, the Act fell away and after consultation with the local Magistrate, residents voted for restaurant and bar licenses only.

In 1926-7 Victor Peers and his son, Bertie excavated the cave now known as Peers Cave. They found many stone tools and the remains of nine people, one of whom became famous as Fish Hoek Man. The skull has the largest brain area of any skull of its age found up until that time. It is estimated that the skull is about 12,000 years old. A short climb up the dunes above 19th Avenue will take you to Peers Cave. The shallow cave was used by prehistoric man as a shelter. Peers Cave affords wonderful views across the valley and a peep into stone-age history.

Maximize your break with activities such as scuba diving, cycling, mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, boat charters, wine routes, fynbos walks, golfing and mountain climbing. Whale-watching and snorkelling in rock pools offer entertainment for young and old alike. The Elsie Peak walk is for the more energetic, but the view is definitely worth it. To get there, walk straight up Outspan Road to the top of the mountain towards the protected area, which abounds with indigenous fynbos (delicate bush).