Beneath the glamour, celebrities and fashion shoots, Camps Bay is at heart a village with a strong community vibe.
The aura of glamour that glitters over Camps Bay is the first thing to strike visitors: stunning scenery, celebrities enjoying sundowners on the glitzy strip, the globe-trotting jet-setters staying in glorious villas, and fashion shoots on the palm-tree-lined beach. Residents lucky enough to live there year-round relish the outdoor lifestyle and discover a strong community with a village vibe beneath the glitz.
“I love the easy access to natural open spaces, as well as all the lovely parks – many of which the locals have made and maintain themselves,” says Kim Richter who grew up here and moved back five years ago. “The community spirit among the growing number of young families in the area is remarkable.”
There are excellent facilities for families with three sports clubs and good local schools for all ages. “The Camps Bay schools are outstanding and offer families living here a well-rounded approach to education,” adds Kim. “Plus kids can walk, cycle or even kayak to school on a good day.”
Villas, architect-designed homes and apartment buildings climb up the steep slopes circling the bay and there is very little land free for development. There is one new project of four luxury villas currently under way, with Horizon Capital, within walking distance of the beach.
While the beach and the strip are the glamorous place to hang out, the more sheltered Glen Beach is the residents’ insider tip for picnics, sundowners and surfing away from the crowds. Shopping is about the only thing locals don’t have on their doorstep, mostly heading to the V&A Waterfront or the CBD, just a short hop over Kloof Nek.
“Even though it is south-easter season, summer is exquisitely beautiful and very social. This means crowds and mad traffic. Winter brings peace and quiet, stormy seas and dramatic skies,” says Kim. “It’s hard to choose which I love best.”
I love the ever-changing mountains, the beautiful beach on our doorstep, the bracing sea, the treed glens where my grandparents used to picnic coming down from Krugersdorp. We both grew up or went to school here and are very happy to be back in our old ’hood.
-Kim Richter, resident.
Best in food:
- La Parada del Mar: for cocktails and tapas
- Ginger Deli and Kitchen: for coffee
- Melissa’s Mantra Cafe: for views and lunches
- Hussar Grill: for steaks
- The Retreat: for great breakfasts
Things to do:
- Beach picnics and sundowners
- Swim in the sparkling tidal pool.
- See a live production at Theatre on the Bay.
- Hike the pipe track at sunset.
- Paraglide off Lion’s Head to land in Maiden’s Cove.
Top schools:
- Camps Bay Preparatory School
- Camps Bay Primary School
- Camps Bay High School
- Kids on the Bay
- Kidz Discovery
Estate agent insight to Camps Bay:
Favourite weekend things to do in the area?
Living in Camps Bay is like being on vacation every day. We have easy access to beautiful beaches for walking, swimming, surfing or just relaxing while you catch a tan. A walk through The Glen, hike through the Blinkwater Gorge with its renowned diversity of flora and fauna, up Lion's Head or along the face of the magnificent Twelve Apostles with spectacular views over the bay. Play tennis, squash, bowls or get involved in the local soccer team. End off the day celebrity-spotting while you sip sundowners followed by a dinner at one of the world-class restaurants along the strip.
Graeme Smith: Dogon Property Group
How would you spend a free day in the area?
Open the doors to your large private outdoor living room and inhale the fresh ocean air with your coffee in hand to the sounds of a waking neighbourhood. Take a walk down the Camps Bay strip to one of your favourite cafes such as Melissa’s for a late breakfast and panoramic ocean views. Then head across to the beach to enjoy a day of sun and a refreshing swim. In the evening, the area becomes a vibrant celebration of cultures, nationalities and different cuisines. But before dinner, why not enjoy a few drinks at one of the cocktail bars, as you watch the sun slip below the ocean.
David Sedgwick: Horizon Capital Residential
What do you love about the Camps Bay area?
I have lived in Camps Bay for 40 years and obviously love the suburb. What I like is the cosmopolitan yet residential lifestyle, the wide variety of restaurants and amenities on and close to the beachfront, the best sunsets all year round, the soft sand, beautiful wide beach, the amazing mountains of Lion’s Head and Twelve Apostles in the background, mountain walks and stunning views. Working in real estate in the area is a bonus, and the stiff competition keeps us on our toes! As the country's top beach suburb, Camps Bay offers a lifestyle that attracts buyers and holiday-makers from across the country and globe.
Lyn Pope: Seeff Camps Bay
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a trip through Camps Bay's surrounding neighbourhood here:
