Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town
Located between Bakoven and fashionable Clifton, Camps Bay Beach is the Blue Flag beauty among a string of trendy Atlantic seaboard beaches along this scenic stretch of coastline. Named after sailor, Frederick von Kamptz, Camps Bay was originally a farm set against the “the twelve great buttresses of the back of Table Mountain”, better known as the Twelve Apostles.
Today, the slopes overlooking this Cape Town beach are littered with expensive multi-story penthouses and designer apartments, only accessible via ultra-skinny roads, and all vying for the best sea views. During peak season, December - February, Victoria Road marine drive is jammed with holiday makers in search of some sun and a celebrity autograph or two. Parking is always at a premium, so come early or be prepared to walk. The scenery and constant parade of beautiful bodies heading for the beach or the many restaurants, cafés and bars nearby, are all part of the Camps Bay experience and make for an entertaining stroll. Local security guards will keep an eye on your vehicle for a small fee.
On the beach, choose a grassy knoll - popular with families for picnicking - or head for the sand and watch skimpily clad beach babes of both sexes strut their stuff. Swimming here is for diehards only, with water temperatures a chilly 10 - 14 degrees C in summer, and there’s often a strong backwash. Lifeguards are on duty in season if you’re determined to take a dip.
If hours of sun and thong watching have raised your temperature, cool off in the natural tidal pool, or head for one of the stylish sundowner venues overlooking the bay. Heaven is a fresh seafood platter, an ice-cold beer or flute of champagne, and a Camps Bay sunset.
