The little seaside neighbourhood of Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most popular locations and having spend some time here it becomes very obvious why.
Nestled at the food of the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range Camps Bay is located a short 10 minutes drive from Cape Town’s downtown area on the way to Llandudno.
It is a destination that should be on your list of place to see around Cape Town, especially if you are visiting during the warmer months of the year. However be warned, it will be on many other peoples list too.
If you are staying a bit longer in Cape Town, I would even urge you to plan a night or two in the area. There are a couple of lovely beachside hotels and the area is packed with small beachfront restaurants, cafés and bars worth trying.
Below are ten cool things to do when you are visiting Camps Bay, either for a day or staying longer.
Stroll along the beachside boulevard
Granted, it’s just a couple of hundred metres long but you are in for beautiful ocean views to one side and lots of cafes, bars and restaurants on the opposite site to set down and enjoy the ocean view a while longer.
Have a drink at Cafe Caprice
Set along Camps Bay Promenade, Cafe Caprice is a long time staple at here and has become a favourite for sundowners.
Alongside a large drinks menu, there’s a bistro-style menu. I definitely recommend to go for the surf board.
Chill at Chinchilla rooftop bar
Beautiful decor coupled with undisturbed views of the Atlantic, great food and drinks.
In fact, this is currently one of my favourite places to visit at Camps Bay.
The cocktail menu is really impressive and they also do a large range of non-alcoholic drinks.
Eat and seek out the local market at the Lawns at the Roundhouse
This is another iconic spot in Camps Bay. Come to the Lawns at the Roundhouse for breakfast, lunch or dinner either on the terrace or booking a relaxed picnic.
If you are lucky, you might find there is a special craft market happening here as well. There is one regular during summer taking place on Sunday
Have lunch at Surfshack
A recent opening, Surfshackhas already become a popular spot. Located directly along the famous sunset strip overlooking the large beachfront the restaurant offers an laidback menu based on burger, pizza, barbeque and sea-food dishes.
You won’t leave hungry.
Head to 12 Apostles Hotel for afternoon tea or a sundowner
The iconic 12 Apostles Hotel is nestled along the coastline slightly removed from the main Camps Bay hub.
One of the iconic landmarks of Cape Town, you can’t do wrong heading here to enjoy either the exquisite afternoon tea or have a sundowner on the terrace of Leopord Bar. Indeed it’s been named among the Top 10 spots in Cape Town for sundowners just recently.
Head to Maidens Cove
Photo: Pixaby
Maidens Cove is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views over the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Camps Bay.
And if just watching the sea is not enough for you, go for a swim in the tidal pool which provides perfect protection from the strong waves and currents.
Go for a hike
Around Camps Bay numerous hiking trails lead into the mountains or up Lions Head.
All trails start at Pipe Track at Kloof Nek, with the Pipe Track one of the most popular. It follows the pipeline built in 1887 that in the past would transport water from the mountain to the city. It’s an approximately three hours hike (including the return) and will offer you many breathtaking views.
Buy souvenirs at Camps Bay African Craft Market
Located between Camps Bay and Hout Bay along Victoria Road, this one is not your usual street market selling craft.
Camps Bay African Craft Market is definitely one of the best open air markets in the whole country to sell beautiful craft by South African artists from hand-carved statues to beaded jewellery, leather crafts and more.
The market is open daily.
Spend time at the beach
It’s a beachside location with one of the most stunning white beaches around Cape Town. Thus taking it easy and spending a couple of hours at the beach should be high up on your list visiting Camps Bay.
Be aware of the cold water and strong currents and waves; you definitely need to stay within the designated areas should you fancy a swim.
The beautiful Camps Bay Beach was awarded Blue Flag status in 2008, thus it is among those beaches that put a high focus on the environmental management of the coastline and coastal waters.
http://wessa.org.za/what-we-do/ecotourism2/blue-flag-sa/
Have you been to Camps Bay yet? How did you like the spot?
Carrots and Tigers 