From Camps Bay With Love!

Camps Bay, Western Cape

The first time I landed in Cape Town back in '08 I couldn't help notice the cleanliness of the city, right from the airport through to the V&A Waterfront. The sight of the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean - almost in a shy and teasing manner - pulling a throw of thick white bubbles and active minor waves over the sands and rocks on the shore, a marvel to watch for a former herdboy.

You see, I grew up in a village lying hundreds of kilometres away from the ocean. As a young boy I climbed tall trees and rocks to see where the goats were eating, entered several hard-to-get-to unknown caves at Silevana mountain, slid butt-naked on the lazy waterfalls of Maphophomeni, enjoyed wild berries and an assortment of wild fruits. I participated in full-moon expeditions to gather honey in the middle of the nights and it looked like a day with everything in black and white. We swam with other herdboys in the same rivers we used to catch big fish. Keep this in mind as I explore my travels both in South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Fast forward to a few years after 'varsity and I live in Johannesburg in 2005, the city that never sleeps. A concrete jungle for real where a former herdboy's financial dreams may be fulfilled, or he may be robbed of his cell-phone and money while crossing a street. Anything is possible in Jo'burg.

A totally different situation, at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and adjacent to Table Mountain lies Cape Town's favourite daughter, Camps Bay. It's interesting that while other places have beautiful views from the top, Camps Bay has picture-postcard views from the bottom of the town, by the white sands of the beach as you look back towards the top of the mountains. My favourite place is along the beach where you'll find beautiful restaurants along the main road, serving the finest local and international cuisines as well as craft drinks.  I couldn't miss the sports cars parked on the sides of the roads close to the restaurants, a constant reminder that I definitely can't afford living in the area. But three nights in the area are worth it, thanks to Airbnb!

The coast line is the best place for fresh-breeze morning jogs, swimming during the day and canoeing in the afternoons. That is if you are into water situations. Otherwise, its a cool place to relax as it is quiet, enjoy a walk along the beach, a lekker meal and drinks at one of the restaurants. As expected of small beautiful towns, Camps Bay has plenty restaurants but easily gets crowded, especially in the weekend afternoons. A perfect getaway for romantic dinners and beautiful sunsets.

Couldn't resist a selfie with heart hanging between two palm trees