Camps Bay
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Camps Bay lies behind Table Mountain nestled between the Twelve Apostles and Lion Head. Its stunning location and long, sandy white beach lined with palm trees make it one of the most popular suburbs in Cape Town. It is a short drive over Kloof Nek to the city centre or along Victoria Road to Sea Point.
As well as being a popular residential suburb for locals there is also a huge selection of luxury bed and breakfasts, self-catering apartments and guest houses, most with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and mountain and within close proximity to the shops, bars and restaurants which line the street across from the beach.
Camps Bay Shops
Most of Camps Bay’s shops are found in the Promenade shopping centre. In here you’ll find Pick ‘n Pay, the largest convenience store in the area where you can purchase most household and food items. It is open from 08h00 to 22h00 daily. Tel (021) 438 2328/2049. Also in the shopping centre you will find banks and ATMs, foreign exchange outlets, a boutique, A Skin Care Institute and optometrist. There is also a pharmacy with an in-house doctor. It is open weekdays from 07h30 – 19h00 and weekends from 08h30 – 19h00. Tel (021) 438 1468. For those with a sweet tooth don’t miss out on Sinful, an ice-cream parlour that sells a range of mouth watering ice-creams. Tel (021) 438 3541. Downstairs leading onto Victoria Road there is a surf shop which sells a range of beach wear. On Victoria Road itself, just below the Promenade shopping centre there is a 24 hour petrol station with its own small convenience store and take away.
A little way up Camps Bay Drive is another small shopping complex. There is a 7-11 convenience store open from 07h00 – 23h00 daily, as well as a post office, and the Cattle Baron Steakhouse. Tel (021) 438 3714.
Camps Bay Restaurants
Camps Bay’s beach promenade is lined with plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. Most of these have outdoor seating areas from which you can enjoy a meal or sip a cocktail while savoring the view before you.
Below are several of our favourites, but for more comprehensive information take a look at Eat-Out. It is an excellent resource for restaurants in South Africa.
Situated just behind Camps Bay's main strip,
Codfather is a sophisticated restaurant offering a huge variety of fresh seafood. There are no menus - patrons are invited to select their own cut of fish which is then weighed and cooked to their preference. Adjoining the main sit-down part of the restaurant is a conveyor-belt sushi bar which is an excellent option for starters. First Floor Camps Bay Corner, Geneva Drive. Open 12h00 – late every day. 37 The Drive. Tel (021) 438 0782.
Col'Cacchio Pizzeria is a great Italian restaurant, specialising in thin base pizzas. It is casual and warm, and a great option in summer or winter. The window tables have a fantastic view of Camps Bay beach. a nice outdoor area overlooking Camps Bay Beach. Corner of the Meadway & Victoria Road. Tel (021) 438 2171.
Cafe Caprice is a Camps Bay institution. More bar than restaurant it is never the less a great location for a casual lunch or an early dinner. The fare is also decidely casual, being mainly burgers, pastas and tapas style food. 37 Victoria Road. Tel (021) 438 8315.
Camps Bay Bars
If you’re after some somewhere to sip on cocktails or have a few drinks and enjoy the sunset, or party on later into the night there are plenty of trendy bars to choose from.
For sensational cocktails and a chilled atmosphere try
Baraza next door to Blues Restaurant. It has been done in a Zanzibar theme with comfortable couches to lounge on and DJs spinning ambient African-influence chill out sounds. They also serve some tasty food snacks. Tel (0210 438 1758
Cafe Caprice is one of the most popular establishments along the beachfront. It is a stylish pavement café which attracts a trendy crowd of sophisticated young professionals, international and local fashion models and its share of celebrities. If you are not sipping cocktails at one of the outside tables, there is a large lounge area where a resident DJ plays every night in season and at weekend in the winter months. There is also an upstairs restaurant area which has a cosy fireplace for those chilly winter evenings. 37 Victoria Road. Tel (021) 438 8315.
Karma Lounge is without a doubt Camps Bay's number one late night destination. It is a sophisticated lounge bar cum night club. Chic & trendy, it attracts a diverse crowd of locals and internationals. Tel 021 438 7773.
Dizzy Jazz Café is located just behind the Promenade. It is a lively jazz bar with decent food and friendly staff. Try Tuesdays for a bit of Karaoke. Tel (021) 438 2686.
Camps Bay Culture
For a bit of culture head to the
Theatre on the Bay. A variety of local and international drama, comedy, cabaret and music shows are performed every evening. Situated on the first floor of the complex is the Act 1 Theatre Café, where you can enjoy a leisurely pre-show dinner. Your meal can be rounded off with desserts during interval or after the show. All drinks can be taken into the theatre, and after the show Dietrich’s Bar, in the main foyer is open where you can enjoy a nightcap. 1 Link Street. Tel (021) 438 3300/1 for theatre and restaurant bookings.
Camps Bay Beaches
The Camps Bay beach is perfect for sun bathing, walking and if you can brave the cold water, a refreshing dip in the sea. There are plenty of wide open spaces where you can play frisby or beach bats and volley ball courts are often set up at the top of the beach where events are organized. The wind does however tend to blow a bit sometimes. If this is the case, head to one of the nearby Clifton beaches where it is most likely to be considerably more sheltered. The beach is bordered by a wide grassy area shaded by the palm trees. If the sand is not for you, this is a perfect spot to relax or have a picnic.
The beach does get very crowded in the tourist season and the road running its length congested with traffic. If you are in walking distance to the beach this is a better option than trying to park your car close by.
If you’re wanting to surf, there is sometimes enough swell at Glen Beach (at the end of Camps Bay beach towards Clifton) to catch a ride. At the opposite end of Camps Bay beach is a salt water swimming pool where you can have a dip.
Camps Bay Sports
If you’re keen to do a bit of hiking there are a number up walks within close proximity to Camps Bay taking you to the top of Lion’s Head or Table Mountain or a just an easy stroll along a contour path half way up.
Tennis courts are available at the Camps Bay Lawn Club. Visitors are welcome. Located on The Drive, just behind the Bay Hotel. Contact Mark on 083 269 1715. If squash is your game, courts are available at the Camps Bay Sports Club. Tel (021) 438 8971.
Camps Bay Police
Camps Bay Police: Victoria Road, opposite the Camps Bay swimming pool. Tel (021) 438 5804.
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