The History Of Camps Bay

The suburb of Camps Bay gets it's origins from Mr. Fredrick Ernst Von Kamptz, a German farmer who resided on the farm "Ravensteyn" during the 1700s, and who the area was named after.

From it's fairly humble beginnings, Camps Bay is today regarded as one of the most beautiful and glamorous regions in the world – nestled between the mountain range of Lions Head, Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles whilst overlooking the deep blue and majestic Atlantic Ocean.

The Rotunda is arguably the most famous landmark in Camps Bay and forms part of The Bay Hotel, which is situated on the beachfront. The Rotunda was built in 1904 and was originally used for public events such as boxing, dancing, roller skating and other functions.

Another well known Camps Bay landmark is the Round House, which can be found in the beautiful forested area bordering the neighbouring suburb of Clifton. This area was used as a hunting lodge by Lord Charles Somerset in the 1800’s.

Around about that time, Thomas Bain was commissioned to build a road from Sea Point to Camps Bay, using convict labourers. This road was completed in 1887 and was named Victoria Road in honour of Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1888. This road today serves as the main road to Camps Bay, which regularly plays host to thousands of revelers every year.