Tourist Places to Visit in Camps Bay, South Africa, Africa
Camps Bay is one of the suburbs of the global city, Cape Town in South Africa. It is one of the top summer destinations in Africa, drawing loads of both national and international tourists, mainly for its enthralling white sandy beaches and grand nightlife activities. Located at 33°57′00″ S 18°23′00″ E, Camps Bay is situated around 7 km southwest of the downtown Cape Town, sprawling over an area of 1.68 sq. km. Beaches at Camps Bay are among the best beaches in Africa, well served by dozens of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.
History of Camps Bay:
The history of Camps Bay says Hunter Gatherers, San, were the first settlers of Camps Bay. Camps Bay came to limelight during the British colonial rule in the 19th century with the substantial development of beach side areas.
How to get Camps Bay?
Being a suburb of Cape Town, Camps Bay is served by Cape Town International Airport with international connection from Mauritius, London, Singapore, Istanbul and Doha. The distance of 25 km between the airport and Camps Bay can easily be crossed by buses, airport taxis and rental cars.
Camps Bay can be reached by both bus and train from Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Queenstown and many other major South African cities. The local transportation of Camps Bay is well catered by buses, taxis and rental cars.
Food and Shopping in Camps Bay:
Being a beach destination, Camps Bay houses plenty of modernized shops and restaurants. Here are some reputed restaurants in Camps Bay:
- Codfather Seafood & Sushi
- Ocean Blue
- Col’Cacchio Pizzeria
- Mezepoli Meze & Wine Bar
What to do in Camps Bay?
- Surfing
- Diving
- Swimming
What to see in Camps Bay?
Camps Bay Beach:
The Camps Bay Beach is a Blue Flag certified beach and the largest white sand beach in the suburb, offering an amazing swimming experience. Shouldn’t be missed.
Glen Beach:
The Glen Beach is situated towards the right of Camps Bay beach, renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in South Africa. There are also plenty of modernized restaurants on the beach line offering mouthwatering crispy and crunchy Cape Town special food.
Theatre on the Bay:
Theatre on the Bay is a popular cultural centre in Camps Bay, situated on 1a Link Street. Other than regular music and comedy concerts and dramas, the theatre is also known for Cabaret Cafe cocktail bar and restaurant.
Bo-Kaap Museum:
The Bo-Kaap Museum is housed in a historical house dating from the 18th century, showcasing the cultural life of the Muslim community in Cape Town. It is situated around 6 km northeast of Camps Bay. Entrance fee is R5.
South African Maritime Museum:
Situated on V&A Waterfront, around 8 km northeast of Camps Bay, the South African Maritime Museum is concentrated on displaying the maritime history of the country, especially evidences of the first Europeans’ visit to Cape Of Good Hope.
List of other places of interest in and around Camps Bay includes:
- The Castle of Good Hope
- Groot Constantia
- Cape Town City Hall
- Masque Theatre
- Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
- South African Parliament
- Rhodes Memorial
- Robben Island
- Baxter Theatre
- Armchair Theatre
- South African National Gallery
- South African Jewish Museum
- District Six Museum
When to travel Camps Bay?
From November to February is the most preferable time to visit Camps Bay to explore spectacular beaches.
Accommodation options in Camps Bay:
There are hotels less in number in Camps Bay, but visitors can find plenty of B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering villas and apartments. Price generally goes up and down during summer months, so advance booking is preferred. The prominent hotels in Camps Bay include:
- The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- Camps Bay Retreat
- Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel
- POD Camps Bay
- The Bay Hotel
- The Marly Hotel
- The Place on the Bay
- Ezard House
- The Oceana & Camps Bay Luxury Suites
- Atlantic Suites Camps Bay
- Boutique @ 10
- The Bay Atlantic Guest House
- Cape Rose Cottage
- Cape View Clifton
- 51 On Camps Bay Guesthouse