Clifton is a wealthy suburb of Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard situated between Lion's Head mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Based along the coastline, the apartments and houses have incredible sweeping views of the ocean and beaches.
Clifton forms part of one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Cape Town and some would say in the world. This upmarket suburb is the playground of the very wealthy who build houses hanging off the cliffs or wedged in between large Granite boulders.
Boasting somethe most expensive real estate in South Africa, this stretch of coastline has the most sheltered beaches in Cape Town. Although the water is too cold for more than a quick dip, the beaches face the setting sun, making for longer days as well as spectacular sunsets.
Clifton has its own micro-climate, being one of the few places in Cape Town which is sheltered from the summer south-easterly winds. As a result, the beaches (which require a walk down steps) are very popular.
Clifton Beaches
Clifton has four beaches separated by outcrops of large granite boulders. Each of the four beaches has its own special character. Parking is hard to find at all times of the day. You are advised to use MyCiti busses and taxis services. On weekends and public holidays, the beaches are patrolled during the day by volunteer lifesavers from the Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.
Clifton 1st Beach
First beach, to the north, the smallest beach, draws a mixed crowd of locals and surfers, it is the least crowded, but is overlooked by exclusive beachfront apartments.
Clifton 2nd Beach
Second beach is populated by students playing beach volleyball and beach bats.
Clifton 3rd Beach
Third beach is known as a venue for gay culture.
Clifton 4th Beach
4th beach is the largest of the four. It is a place to see and be seen, with itsy-bitsy bikinis, G-strings and designer sunglasses but is also frequented by family groups, being closest to ablution facilities and parking areas. Yachts anchor off 4th beach, especially on summer weekends. Clifton's 4th beach has also been awarded the Blue Flag award in recognition of its environmental, safety and tourist standards. Clifton Beach was noted as one of Discovery.com's best beaches.
Places to stay
- Cape View Clifton
- 50 Victoria Clifton (collection of ultra luxurious apartments)
- 4 Clifton Court (Beach Luxury Homes)
- Kia Ora Beach Villas
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Things to do and see
The Bungalow Restaurant
Visit the gorgeously designed, cotton and ice, sand and sequins Bungalow in Clifton, which just so happens to be a seafood restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine in an unbeatable panorama.
www.thebungalow.co.za
Table Mountain
The most recognized landmark in Cape Town is Table Mountain, a significant tourist attraction with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. Table Mountain is officially one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The cableway operates every day, weather permitting, and tickets and information are readily available online.
www.tablemountain.net
Lion's Head hiking trail
Bring a group of friends and head up the smaller mountain for incredible 360 views of the most beautiful stretches of earth you have ever seen. Always take water with you, wear appropriate clothes and shoes, sunscreen, hats and a charged cellphone.
www.uncoverthecape.co.za
Clifton and Camps Bay
Cape Town boasts some of the best beaches in the world, so if you are a sand-and-sea lover find the time to visit the trendy Clifton beaches below the villa. Clifton is made up of four coves - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, with Clifton 4 being Blue Flag beach. During the summer, when the Cape south-easter wind blows, the beaches of Clifton are usually protected from the wind.
Further along the coastline is the long sandy beach of Camps Bay. The roadside behind Camps Bay beach is lined with cafes, shops and restaurants.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch Gardens is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. It is home to a diverse number of indigenous Western Cape and South African plants and a variety of birds. The views from the upper slopes of the gardens are spectacular and there is a restaurant, tea room and self-service facility within the grounds. Kirstenbosch Gardens are open 365 days a year and for more information please visit the official website.
www.sanbi.org
- Clifton is supremely wealthy suburb with incredible accommodation options with views as far as the eye can see
- Clifton and Camps Bay beaches
- Trendy restaurants, bars and eateries (it's one of the places to 'be seen')
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens relatively close drive
- V& A Waterfront is close by offering boat and yacht charters, trips to Robben Island, Restaurants, the big wheel and much more
- Hout Bay and Llandudno are south of Clifton further along the gorgeous coastline - well worth the drive (just watch out for cyclists on the road)
- Close to the Bungalow Restaurant
The small size of the properties on which bungalows are built between Fourth and Second beaches is attributable to the fact that the area was laid out by the City of Cape Town for returning soldiers who had fought in World War I. The original bungalows, now all but replaced by new structures, were built from the packing cases that conveyed imported motor cars during the 1920s and 30s. Narrow flights of stairs run between Victoria Road and the various beaches. These houses now fetch very high prices despite being only accessible by stairs and, in most cases, having no garaging.
