Right here lies a gem called Clifton Bay. It is a place where the Atlantic Ocean meets pure white sands. Clifton Bay is not just a scenic wonder. It is a place with a past.
Clifton, as part of Cape Town, was originally called Skoenmakers Gat. This translates to Cobbler’s Cave. The name came from a ship deserter. He lived in a cave above what we know as Second Beach.
Later, the name changed to Clifton-on-Sea. This was in the late 19th century. It was named after Bessie Clifton. She owned the only hotel in the area. Over time, the “on Sea” part was dropped. Today we call it simply Clifton Bay.
The area is divided into four beaches. They are named 1st to 4th. These beaches are separated by granite boulders. The sand is almost pure white quartzite.
These beaches are well-protected. They are shielded from the strong south-easterly wind. This makes them popular for swimming and sunbathing. A fifth beach, Moses Beach, appears sometimes. It vanishes as the sand shifts.
Water temperatures here are chilly. They range from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius. Despite this, many enjoy water sports. Surfing is popular. First Beach has the strongest surf. Fourth Beach has the weakest.
Fourth Beach is the most glamorous. It attracts families. Yachts often anchor off its shore on summer weekends. Third Beach is smaller. It is known as a gathering spot for gay culture. Second Beach is where students play beach volleyball. First Beach draws a mix of locals and surfers.
You may wonder about the sizes of properties. They seem small. The City of Cape Town laid out the area. It was for returning soldiers. They had fought in World War I. Original bungalows were built from packing cases. These cases carried imported cars. That was in the 1920s and 30s. Today, these houses are expensive. This is despite being accessible only by stairs. Most have no garages.
Clifton Bay has an interesting climate. The southeast wind moves the warmer top layer of water offshore. This causes an upwelling of cold water. So, summer water temperatures can dip below 10 degrees Celsius. This wind also redeposits sand. By late summer, Clifton’s beaches are wide.
Winter brings northwest gales. These cause a net inflow of surface water. This water movement keeps the bay warmer. It retains Atlantic surface water. But it also strips sand from the beaches. This exposes the granite boulders. The bay repairs itself each summer with new sand.
Clifton Bay has a history of shark attacks. One occurred in 1942. Another happened in 1976. Shark sightings are rare. Most sightings are seals or sunfish.
During apartheid, the suburb was racially segregated. It was for white people only until the early 1990s. In 1794, a slave ship ran aground here. It was the São José Paquete Africa. It carried 400 slaves. Two hundred people died. The surviving 200 were sold in town.
Clifton Bay remains an exclusive area. It draws visitors with its beauty. It is one of the most expensive suburbs in South Africa. As you stand here, remember its history. Remember its natural beauty. Remember the stories it holds. Clifton Bay is more than just a beach. It is a place of history, beauty and resilience.