Camps Bay

Camps Bay’s History – Where it all began, with most upmarket and trendy spots around the World, this beautiful place called Camps Bay comes from humble beginnings. You need to transport yourself to another time when Europeans were arriving on the sunny shores of Southern Africa with hope and an idea of creating something new. The mountains were dense with forest and teeming with wild animals. 

For many years Camps Bay was a pretty wild place. And if you were wondering how Camps Bay got its name, A sailor named Fredrick Ernst von Kamptz managed to acquire the land through his wife, soon the area was called “Die baai van von Kamptz” after him. Only in 1884 did we see a road being built from Sea Point named Victoria road for the Queen’s jubilee in 1888. This new road started what we know as Campe bay today, with many locals cycling here for picnics.

Top Things to do in Cape Town’s Swanky Suburb of Camps Bay

When we think of Camps bay, we think of beautiful sandy beaches, fine dining and bars with a great atmosphere. We thought we would unpack some of our favourite things to do in Camps bay.

1. Hike Table mountain

Now we know we didn’t mention this before, but our favourite hiking trail up Table mountain starts in Camps bay, it’s called Kasteelspoort. It’s one of the easier hikes up the mountain and offers some majestic views of the Ocean, the Twelve Apostles and Lions Head. Just put Kasteelspoort into your uber address, and the driver will drop you off at the bottom and it takes most people around 2 hours to summit. Make sure to pack some water and a jacket, as windy Cape Town can always surprise you.

2. Theatre on the Bay

Suit up and enjoy a local theatre show at Theatre on the bay. This smaller and more intimate theatre offers some fantastic local productions with a great bar too, something refreshingly different from the larger theatres.

3. The Codfather

Enjoy a seafood dining experience unrivalled at the Codfather. This place is an institution when it comes to Seafood. It’s not for those on a budget, but we must say that we have never been disappointed eating there. You can choose any type of seafood you can imagine, and everything is super fresh – you can pick what you want from a huge selection on ice before it’s cooked.

4. The 41

Catch a sundowner at the 41. This place has great food specials during off-season times, offers breathtaking views of Camps Bay beach and a good cocktail menu. There is something special about sitting on the main road of Camps Bay enjoying some local drinks and company with the beach just across the road.

Camps Bay Beach, one of Cape Town’s top Blue Flag Beaches

No doubt the most popular part of anyone visiting Camps Bay would be its majestic white sandy beach. This beach has been granted blue-flag status and it’s easy to see why. The water might be cold, but in summer this beach is packed and all the activities that go along with any beach day. If you are keen to head out in peak summer times, make sure you get there early to enjoy a great spot. The safety record at this beach is fantastic and there are over 330 lifeguards situated along the beaches of Cape Town during the Summer Months. Always remember to pack your sunscreen and a hat!