Camps Bay has a fascinating history as a beach resort town. Originally settled by the San and Khoi peoples, it was later used as a grazing ground by Dutch settlers. In the late 19th century, it was developed into a holiday destination, with grand villas and hotels built along the beachfront.
During World War II, the South African military set up a radar station on the slopes of Table Mountain overlooking Camps Bay to detect German U-boats. The area also served as a training ground for soldiers, and some of the military buildings can still be seen today.
In the 1960s, Camps Bay became a popular destination for the rich and famous, with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton reportedly staying at local hotels. The area has since become more accessible to the general public, but its glamorous past can still be felt in its upscale restaurants, bars, and shops.
Camps Bay also has a dark history of segregation during apartheid, with people of colour forcibly removed from the area and relocated to the Cape Flats. In recent years, efforts have been made to address the injustices of the past and promote inclusivity in the area.