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Live it up with the thong-throng
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town
Cape Town's popular Camps Bay Beach.
© Camps Bay Info
Did you know?
Between Camps Bay and Llandudno lies Justin's Cave - a labyrinth of underwater caverns to dive.
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, from December to 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 are all part of the Camps Bay experience and make for an entertaining stroll.
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.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Camps Bay Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)21 438 3972
Fax: +27 (0)21 438 2624
Email: res@campsbaytourism.com
How to get here
Although Camps Bay is well-served by taxis and buses, we recommend hiring your own vehicle. A cruise around Camps Bay lets you ogle the beautiful bodies and scenery.
Get around
Car hire is the way to go, but if you’re staying mostly around Camps Bay, walking is a safe option. Hail a taxi for tired feet.
What to pack
In summer a hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Unless you plan to visit Sandy Bay, a nearby nudist beach, you’ll need a swimming costume too – the skimpier the better.
Where to stay
Pick a cliff-side penthouse with millionaire panoramas over the Atlantic, a cosy B&B, elegant guest houses or an all-luxury hotel. Top-notch service comes standard.
What to eat
Camps Bay has over 20 restaurants and cafés. Picnic on the beach, linger over lunch and splash out on seafood.
