Sun-kissed sands whisper tales of Camps Bay. This affluent Cape Town suburb boasts a history richer than its golden shores. Long before the elegant hotels and bustling restaurants appeared the San and Goringqhaique Khoi thrived here. They grazed their animals on the slopes of Table Mountain. Their peaceful existence was disrupted by the arrival of European settlers. The Goringqhaique lost their grazing lands. By 1657 they were restricted to Camps Bay. Disease ravaged their numbers. By 1713 only an old kraal remained as a testament to their presence.
The area’s name is a fascinating twist of fate. It wasn’t always Camps Bay. It was initially known as ‘Die Baai van von Kamptz’. This comes from Friedrich von Kamptz a sailor who married the widow Anna Wernich. Her farm Ravensteyn bordered the bay. For much of the 1800s Camps Bay remained largely undeveloped. Lord Charles Somerset used it as a hunting ground. He even used the Roundhouse as his hunting lodge. Imagine the contrast between the quiet solitude of the past and today’s vibrant scene.
Development began in earnest with the construction of Kloof Nek Road in 1848. Thomas Bain then built a road connecting Sea Point and Camps Bay. This was completed in 1887. The road opened up Camps Bay making it a popular picnic spot. A tramway followed in 1901. It brought day-trippers flocking to this coastal paradise. Tidal pools a Rotunda that became the Bay Hotel and a pavilion for concerts and shows were built. These were additions to the growing popularity of Camps Bay.
Camps Bay’s beaches each have their own unique character. Camps Bay Beach is a Blue Flag beach. This stunning beach is known for its white sand. It is the largest beach in the area. It sits opposite a vibrant hub of hotels shops and restaurants. Nearby is Glen Beach known for its challenging surf breaks. Oudekraal boasts sheltered coves and a picnic area. Bakoven features a rock formation that resembles an oven door hence its name. This area is also home to houses that have heritage status. These are the homes of South African soldiers who fought in World War II. These houses stand as a reminder of a bygone era. Each beach offers a unique slice of Camps Bay’s coastal beauty.
Today Camps Bay shines brightly. It’s a glamorous destination for both local and international visitors. The area is a star in popular culture. Scenes for the Black Mirror episode San Junipero were filmed here. An Apple Watch Series 4 commercial also features this stunning setting. The beaches and views still attract filmmakers and tourists alike. Camps Bay is more than just a pretty face. It holds a rich and captivating history. Its journey from a quiet bay to a celebrated tourist destination is a story worth remembering.