City Guide – Cape Town, South Africa

One of the three official capitals of South Africa, Cape Town is a city that embodies South Africa like few others. There is a lot to see and do here, a lot of history but crucially no fear of modernity. It would be reasonable to say that it looks towards the past (literally, in the case of Robben Island which is not far off the coast of Cape Town) while also being directed firmly towards the future of the nation of South Africa. After all, you cannot know where you are going unless you know a certain amount about where you have been. And aside from all of that, it is a fascinating, intriguing city which is well worth visiting for those planning holidays to the continent.

One of the major developments of tourism, wherever it may be in the world, is the increase in the importance of “living history”. The city provides plenty of this, having been the scene of much of what marked South Africa out during and in the aftermath of the apartheid era. It was here, for example, that in 1990 Nelson Mandela made his first speech after his release from prison, an early step in a path that would take him on to become, symbolically, the first black President of South Africa – fittingly, as his imprisonment was endured on the aforementioned Robben Island. Cape Town is also where you can find District Six, an area of the city that was designated a Whites Only area by the apartheid regime, who ensured that it was by demolishing black housing and displacing 60,000 black residents.

It is, therefore, clear that history plays a large part, but the city is not simply devoted to solemnly remembering the wrongs of the past, nor dealing with the problems of the present. To look at certain areas of the city it would be hard to know that it had played such a part in such a history. The gorgeous and distinctive housing in Cape Malay Bo-Kaap is a major reason why visitors on a holiday to the country will seek out this part of Cape Town. Then again, there is plenty of evidence of the city’s modern day relevance for those who are interested in its future as well as its past.

The city is home to many of South Africa’s modern-day foreign embassies, including the Dutch embassy – reinforcing that motif of past, present and future – as well as many newer commercial buildings. In addition, the Cape Town stadium (built on the site of the old Green Point Stadium) will play host to a few games in the World Cup in Summer 2010, including matches featuring Spain, Italy, France and, importantly, England and Holland. Whenever you choose to visit South Africa, the attraction of this stunning city cannot be stressed enough. It is one of those places that is worth travelling to if you are in any position to get there.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toni_K_Kelly

Camps Bay’s mid-range still popular

There are still a high percentage of cash buyers in Camps Bay, with sustained interest in mid-range properties priced from around R7m to R15m.

However, says Laurie Wener, Pam Golding Properties’ (PGP) MD for the Western Cape metro region, the lack of available mortgage finance has hampered activity in the entry-level segment, which for this suburb, ranges from around R2,5m upwards for apartments and townhouses, and R5m upwards for townhouses or free-standing houses in need of some renovation.

The top end of the market sees large family homes in prime positions sell for R15m to R20m.

There is currently a wide range of properties on offer in the suburb, ranging from an apartment listed at just under R3m to a penthouse on Camps Bay Drive with a price tag of R24,995m.

PGP’s Camps Bay agents concluded four full-title sales in the months from May to July, including three properties sold for over R13m. The highest price was R13,6m, obtained for a contemporary four-bedroomed Bakoven beach-house, situated very close to the water, and including a garage plus additional parking. The home had been on the market for less than three months, and was sold to a businessman with a love of the outdoors, who was captivated by the potential for an active outdoor lifestyle.

Other sales included R13,5m for a colonial-styled family home on over 1,400sqm, situated in the sought-after Deep Glen portion of the suburb.

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Camps Bay Self Catering Accommodation Bayview Penthouses

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches and places for your holiday accommodation, due to its palm tree lined…

Over the years Camps Bay has become of Cape Town’s most popular holiday destinations, due to its pristine, palm tree lined beaches and splendid views over the ocaen and the Twelve Apostles.

On the beachfront ‘boulevard’ one finds excellent seafood restaurants and many trendy bars such as David’s Caprice, where surfer dude meets Dolce & Gabana wearing beauty. It is the perfect spot to end one of those legendary lazy beach days in Camps Bay.

When it comes to accommodation, Camps Bay offers a variety of luxury boutique hotels such as Primi Sea Castle, five star Ezard House, or five star hotels such as The Bay Hotel, The Twelve Apostles or and trendy selfcatering holiday accommodation.

CapeTownMagazine.com has excellent rates for accommodation in hotels and a variety of holiday and selfcatering apartments in Camps Bay.

Find all places to go, hotels, self catering apartments and things to do in Cape Town’s Camps Bay on our Google Earth Map of Camps Bay; all with additional information and links to CapeTownMagazine.com articles!

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Exclusive development commences at Camps Bay

“The Crystal” development at Camps Bay, the latest offering from ASLO Holdings, has been given the “green light” for building work to commence. This luxury development, consisting of 41 apartments, is located in Woodford Road just below Camps Bay Drive.

Since the launch at the end of last year 27 units have been sold by ASLO’s marketing company, A-Property Sales.

Contrary to current market trends, this high end development has been attracting good sales over the past few months.

“Close on 70% of the units have been sold,“ says Johannes Barnard, MD of A-Property Sales, “and that is highly satisfactory in today’s more difficult market.”

The elegant design of dhk Architects is uncompromisingly modern and sophisticated. Floor to ceiling glazing and double volume spaces enable the interiors to make the most of the 180° views of the coastline and Atlantic Ocean.

The design allows for dramatic views of the Twelve Apostles. The mountainside elevation of the building will be enhanced at night by light emanating from the lift and staircase shafts. These will be partially glazed and will give off a soft “crystal” glow from their interiors.

All apartments have air-conditioning, underfloor heating and state-of-the-art kitchens with electric oven and hob combinations, integrated fridge/freezers, built-in microwaves and dishwashers.

An arrangement which is proving popular with buyers is that Village & Life have set up a rental scheme aimed mainly at short-term visitors. Purchasers can make their fully furnished and equipped units available for specified periods. Village & Life, which administers the letting and servicing of the units, has guaranteed buyers approximately 5% annual return in the first year, subject to the units being made available for specified periods.

Village & Life has confirmed that the demand for such units in the Camps Bay area has continued to outstrip expectations and daily rentals in peak season will be in the region of R2 000 to R3 000 per day. Off-peak season rentals are also showing strong growth and the World Cup 2010 tournament will create a peak of its own, says Barnard.

Demolition of the existing block will begin shortly and construction should be complete by November 2009.

Barnard said that in view of the increasing demand for accommodation in the more upmarket Atlantic suburbs (where prices, he said have outperformed every other area in the Western Cape) buyers at “The Crystal” can look forward to an annual capital gain far above the average for the Western Cape

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Camps Bay Self Catering Accommodation

Trendy Camps Bay

My friend Brian – tall, skinny and covered with tattoos, is a waiter in one of the trendiest restaurants in Camps Bay. I’m waiting for him to get off work in an hour so we can go down to the beach and to fill the time, he is giving me the low-down on the mating habits of the Greater Spotted Camps Bay Trendoid.“See the guy over there wearing the giant mirrored sunglasses?” he asks. I look over to where he is gesturing. “You’re gonna have to be more specific than that, mate” I reply, “they’re all wearing giant mirrored sunglasses.” He surreptitiously points to a guy inexplicably wearing a white suit on one of the hottest days of the year. “He’s some kind of big-shot architect. “The model he’s with is the new Guess girl,” he says, “and he just asked for a one of our most expensive whiskeys, with a Coke mixer.” Money, it seems, can’t buy good taste.

But it can buy you an amazing house, a ridiculously flashy car and a white Chihuahua named Fritz, and most of Camps Bay’s residents have all three. This little cove of affluence is undeniably Cape Town’s playground for the rich and famous. Likened to St Tropez, the area is home to many of the city’s rich and famous, and attracts tourists and locals alike who either are, or aspire to, live the high life. Reached from Cape Town via Seapoint, on Victoria Road, over the mountain at Kloof Nek, or from the Hout Bay side along the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay lies in a sheltered bay backed by Table Mountain.

The town’s history is not nearly as glamorous but stretches back almost to the arrival of Jan Van Riebeeck in the Cape, when it was granted in 1700 to John Lodewyk Wernich, who built his farm, Ravensteyn on the land, then known as Roodekrantz, because of the red tint of the soil. When Wernich passed away, his wife remarried, and her new husband’s name, Fredrik Ernst Von Kamptz, leaves little doubt as to the origins of the modern name – Camps Bay.

The area has a colourful history, having been fortified by the French in the late 18th century, during their battles with the English, and when the farm was destroyed by these battles, the government bought the land back, and established two small batteries.Much later on, in 1855, Captain Glendinning, then the only permanent resident in the area, attempted to sell 40 plots in Camps Bay, however, even his announcement that there was gold to be found in Camps Bay could not generate interest. If only Captain Glendinning had known the attention his piece of real estate would generate in modern days! Property in Camps Bay is now some of the most expensive and sought after in the Western Cape.

As far as modern Camps Bay is concerned, most of the activities in the area are dedicated to pure hedonism and decadence. Lazing on the beach, taking in a show at the Theatre on the Bay, or visiting one of the many restaurants, bars and coffee shops that line the main road alongside the beach are some of the most strenuous activities that locals and tourists are likely to encounter.

There are a few hiking trails in the area, and a popular activity for locals is to hike up the mountain at Kloof Nek and watch the moon rise over the mother city. If you’re like most though, you will want to take advantage of the pristine beaches, lined with lush green shaded lawns, maybe take a swim in the cool water, and watch the pleasure crafts loaded with revelers pass by en route to neighboring Clifton.

This, followed up with a cocktail in one of the trendy bars overlooking the beaches, while you split your attention between celebrity spotting, and watching the sun set over the water, is just about what every day in Camps Bay is like.

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Cape Town: “I’ve found my favourite City”

 

Camps Bay Self Catering | Camps Bay Luxury Holiday Apartments

http://www.whalecottage.com/blog/tag/camps-bay/

A flattering article about Cape Town was published in the Sunday Mail in Scotland yesterday, with the headline “Thanks to its Low Prices and Cool Vibes, I’ve found my Favourite City”.

Journalist Mickey Mcmonagle visited Cape Town in January, and sings the praises of our beautiful city.  He paid for his own accommodation, and selected Whale Cottage Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles Hotel for his accommodation, both of which were highly praised:   “If you want to live well on the cheap, Whale Cottage is ideal.   Our room had a private balcony overlooking the sea, there’s a pool and honesty bar and everything is clean, fresh and friendly – plus it’s a five-minute walk to Camps Bay. We were reluctant to leave. “   

The Twelve Apostles Hotel was praised for its excellent service, its rooms, its setting and facilities offered, even though “it’s not cheap but it is worth every penny”.

The article praises Cape Town for its “staggering setting, with a backdrop of mountains overlooking amazing little bays”.   It says that there is so much to do that one would “barely scratch the surface in a month”.    It recommends visiting Boulder’s Beach, World of Birds, the V & A Waterfront, the Aquarium, the cable car ride up Table Mountain, Camps Bay for its night-time entertainment,  eating at the Codfather restaurant in Camps Bay, wine tasting in Constantia, and the children-friendly facilities in Cape Town.

The journalist ends his article: “All in all, Cape Town is my new favourite city, and I’ve already  planned the first of many return trips.”!

Cape Town Accommodation – Luxury Rentals For Your Holiday

Camps Bay Self Catering | Camps Bay Luxury Holiday Apartments

Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cities in the world. With its summer days stretching long into the warm nights and dazzling views wherever you go, Cape Town aims to impress and it always surpasses expectations. The property in Cape Town is no different. From colonial homes in Constantia, to high rise lofts in the city and glimmering mansions near its multitude of beaches, there is undeniably something for everyone. The most exclusive though are near the coast, such as Clifton with its sandy-white beaches and Camps Bay, where the elite live in style.

There are a multitude of luxury holiday rental options in Camps Bay. A fantastic choice for a couple looking for a romantic retreat, or perhaps a small family going on a sightseeing vacation, would be The Bloomberg. Nine pristine apartments are available, each featuring panoramic ocean views, a private veranda for sunset drinks, en-suite bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and furnished open-plan living area. A state of the art home entertainment system, a pool area with loungers and barbeque (or braai) facilities, garage parking with lift access to the apartment and domestic cleaning service provided at no extra cost to you. The Bloomberg is perfectly situated in the heart of Camps Bay, where top restaurants and of course the world famous beach itself is nearby.

Close by Clifton, a majestic rental option awaits a large family or group of friends wanting to vacation. The Villa Davarra boasts 6 bedrooms, 5 with an on-suite and 4 with terraces’ of their own. Lions head, adjacent to Table Mountain stands proudly behind the Villa and between the two lies a small nature reserve. With its two spacious lounges and state of the art kitchen, you are sure to throw dinner parties that will be the envy of your friends. Privacy is a must as each bedroom is kept on a separate floor with only the living rooms adjoining them. And when one must relax at the end of a busy day of shopping and sun tanning on the beach, a Jacuzzi awaits to soothe and rejuvenate. The Villa Davarra also includes daily supervised cleaning services which provide fresh towels and linen.

However you choose to spend your vacation time, Cape Town and its luxury rentals never disappoint. As the day turns to night, while you are sipping your champagne from the balcony of your beach villa you will wonder… how can life be any more perfect?

By: Roberto Bell

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

General Information on Camps Bay

Camps Bay Self Catering | Camps Bay Luxury Holiday Apartments

Article Source: http://generalinfo.campsbay.com/

Behind Table Mountain, nestled between the majestic Twelve Apostles and Lions Head lies Cape Towns most precious gem: Camps Bay.

Restaurants, cafes, hotels and the famous Theatre on the Bay are dotted along the trendy beachfront which is to become Cape Towns first beach to attain the International Blue Flag Status.

Home to some 5000 families, the top state High School in South Africa, and the famous Clifton beaches; Camps Bay boasts some of the most prestigious properties in Cape Town with views that are priceless.

A number of sports clubs reside in the area; Bowls, Cricket, Soccer, Squash and Tennis and Lifesaving are a few of the older established clubs.

There are a hoast of attractions for the foreign visitors and locals. They are listed in more detail under the attractions section of this website.

This holiday makers paradise has always been a popular spot since the estate of Camps Bay was opened to the public.

The biggest attractions in those days, amid the grandeur of the mountains and white sandy beach were; The Pagoda restaurant and bar, the salt water baths and the Rotunda roller skating rink. These attractions have long since been demolished and in the case of the Rotunda renovated into The Bay Hotel.

Introduction to the history of Camps Bay

Jan van Riebeeck arrived in the Cape in 1652, he was sent by the Dutch East India Company to establish a refreshment station for the ships passing the Cape on their new trade route with the East. As he settled down, he ventured forth to explore the surrounding territory.

He soon crossed over the Kloof and discovered a bay with a fine beach and big forest behind Table Mountain. This area behind Table Mountain was not utilised by the company for a long time as it had few attractions for early farmers and the line of breakers made it dangerous for shipping.

By 1700 the land behind the kloof was known as Roodekrantz or Red Bank because of the colour of the soil. The land was granted to John Lodewyk Wernich, Burgermeester of Bismark. He built a farmhouse and called it Ravensteyn. His widow, Anna Koekemoer married her third husband Fredrik Ersnt Von Kamptz.

Von Kamptz was now the proud owner of Ravensteyn at Roodekrantz near the Kloof. He constructed a track along the coast from his house to Cape Town.

The French Fortify Camps Bay : 1777

When the American war of Independence  erupted in 1777, France and the Netherlands sided with America against England. As the Cape was a vital supply and trading station, both the French and English dispatched fleets to the Cape.

The French won the race to the Cape arriving in 1781, eleven days before the British. Soon war had broken out between Holland and England. For the following three years the French remained at the Cape to help their Allies the Dutch to protect it and they assisted with both its fortifications and social life.

The French advised that a line of fortifications be built extending from the sea to Devils Peak, as well as the battery on Kloof Nek.

Von Kamptz’s track to Camps Bay was torn up, trenches were dug and a battery and guardhouse built, commanding the beach, manned by Dutch militia to prevent an enemy landing.

The Bay of Von Kamptz

When the war was over and Von Kamptz returned home to find his farm had gone to rack and ruin. He complained of the damage to the government and demanded that they restore his track. The Governor refused to do so and instead agreed to buy the farm for 10 000 Rex Dollars.

Camps Bay Battery

On 31 January 1786, the government compensated Von Kamptz for his loss and took over the farm and within a few months two small batteries were built.

First British Occupation

When the news arrived in 1793 of the renewed war between France and the Netherlands, the batteries were hastily put in order.

In 1807 Lord Charles Somerset, based in the Cape was to use abuilding known as the “Round House” in Camps Bay as his hunting lodge.

Camps Bays secrete as a supreme beauty spot began to trickle beyond the confines of the Governors, Chief Justices and their visitors who had bumped and jolted along the dangerous and narrow road to the beach. By 1848 a good road round the Kloof had reached Camps Bay. The road was called Lady Smiths Pass after the current Governors wife, although it was later renamed Kloof Road.

Modern History of Camps Bay

Even with the new road and the hotel with its skittles and pigeons, there were still very few  residents to take advantage of the area once the carts containing groups of holiday makers and picknickers had vanished from the summer sun. The only permanent resident was Captain William W. Glendinning who owned “a vast tract of land in Camps Bay on which were a house and outbuildings erected by Somerset during his term of office and said to have been used as a hunting lodge, fully stocked with game brought from the country.”

He thought his land had considerable potential for development and in 1855 decided to offer forty building lots in Camps bay for sale, one of which had a “substantial building” on it called Camps Bay House – this had been Somersets House. He announced that he was selling because he intended to leave the colony but he seems to have changed his mind when he was unable to sell and decided to build instead.

In 1859 Glendinning was advertising again. This time he announced he had found gold in Camps Bay !

There was a brief flurry of excitement, but even this does not appear to have stimulated prospective home owners or prospectors to buy his forty plots and it was to be another century before before the “gold” in Camps Bay was to be exploited by merchants, restaurateurs and property agents.

Camps Bay by now was a popular picknick spot. Because the area was relatively uninhabited and the beach was large and secluded, the Victorian family could picknick and frolic there in seclusion and privacy.

descipription: by Mr. Andres de Smidt
“Green streches of turf under the oak trees, with a running stream and well within easy reach of sand and sea, make it an ideal rendezvous for camping and picnics.”

For a long time Camps Bay, which was so close to the city and had such dramatic views, remained undeveloped. As accessibility to the town was poor, very few people live there.

Enormous profit could be seen for the property developer who could see the potential and would be farsighted enough to buy up these vast tracts of cheap land, and lay it out into townships, if only accessibility could be improved.

Eventually a syndicate was formed to buy up all the freehold land in Camps Bay. They intended to construct roads into Camps Bay and install a tramway to bring Camps bay into easy reach from the city. Once this was done they anticipated that home owners would flock to the newly opened suburb. The syndicate would subdivide Camps Bay into building lots, sell the tramway and reap the benefits of their planning.

Camps Bay entered the Twentieth Century with a state of the art tourist attraction – a spectacular tram ride whose route gave enthralled visitors glimpses of unsurpassed views of mountain and sea.

View Other Blogs about Camps Bay and Bay View Penthouses:

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Cape Town Experiences – Cape Town Accommodation

By Jenny Currie Jenny Currie Level: Basic PLUS Jenny Currie is the editor of Guest Files newsletter distributed every two weeks worldwide. Guest Files contains fascinating tourism updates, interesting facts and specials … …

Having just returned from a most spectacular week-end in Cape Town, I am pressed to share the fantastic experiences and memories.

Cape Town offered us such a wonderful time. The weather was superb, greeting us warmly and continuing throughout our stay.

We were treated to local fish and chips near the Kalk Bay harbor and enjoyed the fresh ocean aroma as well as the glorious views and sounds of seagulls surrounding us.

Whilst we had plans to visit the beautiful wine lands, this never really became an option as we ran out of time.

The beaches were absolutely amazing, I found time stood still and I became a soul again. Playing in the sand, overlooking the mountain and refreshing my feet in the freezing Atlantic waters was a treat I want again.

We stayed in affordable Cape Town accommodation, which was completely too our liking. Clean, fresh, new finishings all made the stay so very pleasant.

Finishing off the week-end was a trip up the famous Table Mountain. I was surprised to find it actually quite chilly at the top of the mountain. This view afforded us a 360 degree of the city and we were able to point out the exact location of our Cape Town Accommodation.

After defrosting and enjoy expensive cappuccinos on the top of the mountain, we rushed to find the beaches again. Wandering between Boulders, Clifton and Camps Bay was just such a great experience. The beaches are all in close proximity to one another, so gave us a great chance to enjoy all the wonders.

Visit Guest Files to find Cape Town Accommodation and Cape Town as well as all your other Southern African tourism needs. Also subscribe to our complementary tourism newsletter distributed every two weeks. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Currie

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