Hi, I’m Chris von Ulmenstein from Camps Bay, Cape Town.
CAMPS BAY IS BEST KNOWN FOR its beautiful beach, having been awarded the Best Beach in South Africa accolade by the Sunday Times. It is also known for its beautiful sea views, with the palms on the beachfront, for its dramatic backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, and its nightlife, with an exciting mix of restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the beach in Camps Bay, near the volleyballers – who knows, David Hasselhoff in his tiny red bathing costume may be one of the players. The Twelve Apostles, or the Bay Hotel, may form the backdrop to your pics.
THE BEST view PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN FROM the Twelve Apostles Hotel, with Lion’s Head in the background.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN AT Caprice or at Vida e Caffe, where you might be lucky enough to see @2oceansvibe’s Seth Rothertham, rugby hero Schalk Burger, or visiting VIPs hanging around.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO be on the beach, or at one of the restaurants in Camps Bay.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO hide away, especially when the southeaster wind blows in summer.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year round, because even in winter, you can swim in the sea – surprisingly the ocean is warmer in winter than is summer, as the northwesterly winds push warmer surface waters to the beach. In summer the southeaster blows the warmer water out to sea.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Café Caprice.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST The Kove, sitting outside on the pavement, looking onto the beach, and ogling the passers-by. Their steaks are excellent.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS The Grand Cafe, try the crayfish, and the avocado and prawn cocktail.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Col’cacchio, who make surprisingly good pizzas, even delivering them to the beach during the day.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY The Theatre on the Bay, where there is always good theatre on show.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Café Caprice and La Med, especially on a Sunday evening – you cannot believe how these two hotspots buzz. Goldfish, one of South Africa’s best bands, plays at La Med every Sunday evening in summer. Book your tickets beforehand at webtickets or you might have to queue the whole evening just to get in. The food is not great at La Med, but the beer is in good supply!
MY FAVOURITE décor SHOP IS Ebony, which has just opened a branch in Camps Bay.
MY FAVOURITE whale-watching SPOT IS from our guest house. Our guests are delighted when they spot the whales or even dolphins.
CAMPS BAY’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS Codfather – it does not have a scenic view, but its good seafood selection and excellent service makes it hugely popular.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO go to the Twelve Apostles Hotel spa, which wins awards regularly. It is far away from traffic and the hectic pace of life.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY skydiving from Lion’s Head, or climbing up Table Mountain from Camps Bay, but do have a hiker’s map and water with you.
MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS along Victoria Road, driving from Camps Bay to Hout Bay along the ocean and the unspoilt natural fynbos, and smelling the sea.
MY FAVOURITE people-WATCHING SPOT IS Café Caprice.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS enjoying a picnic or pizzas on the beach.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS at Col’cacchio, where a Margarita pizza costs R42, and they are yummy. Nando’s is popular as a value for money spot for teenagers.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO to eat crayfish at The Grand, and have some bubbly!
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the cloud cover tumbling over the Twelve Apostles when the southeaster blows.
I Love CAMPS BAY BECAUSE it is so beautiful and tranquil, and so close to the city. Camps Bay: Beauty and the Beach!
Useful Camps Bay Links:
Desirable Digits
Café Caprice +27 (0)21 438 8315
Codfather +27 (0)21 438 0782
Col’Cacchio Pizzeria +27 (0)21 438 2171
The Grand Café +27 (0)21 438 4253
The Kove +27 (0)21 438 0004
La Med +27 (0)21 438 5600
Nando’s +27 (0)21 438 1915
Sanctuary Spa at The Twelve Apostles +27 (0)21 437 0677
Theatre on the Bay +27 (0)21 438 3301
Vida e Caffè +27 (0)21 424 5829
Whale Cottage Camps Bay +27 (0)21 438 3840
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