Clifton

• Province: Western Cape  
• Coordinates; 33.9415° S, 18.3738° E
• Municipality: City of Cape Town
• Atlantic seaboard
• Area 0.61 km2

Clifton lies on the Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town in the Western Cape, bordered by Bantry Bay and Camps Bay. The suburb is built on granite cliffs and terraces overlooking the ocean, with access to Clifton’s four beaches via steep stairways. It is part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan area and is a short drive from central Cape Town via Victoria Road.

History of Clifton

Clifton was originally called Skoenmakers Gat (Cobbler’s Cave) after a ship deserter who lived in a cave above  2nd beach. Farmers passing by on their way to Cape Town to sell produce would call in to have their shoes mended. In 1890, it was renamed after the lady who ran the only hotel in the area, whose name was Bessie Clifton.

In the 1800s, vacationers built small wooden beach houses. The sites were leased from the Cape Town City Council over the summer months. They were never sold off as freehold. This did not stop the campers returning each year to enjoy ‘Clifton-on-Sea’.

By 1923, there were ninety bungalows at ‘Clifton-on-Sea’, yet the Cape Town Council still stipulated that bungalow owners vacate their cottages during the winter months to prevent residents from setting up homes permanently in the area. Later this regulation was overruled when the owners created the Clifton Owners Bungalow Association. In the 1990s, the council sold off the leasehold land and the area finally became freehold. Many bungalows underwent renovations

Clifton is now an affluent area boasting some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa. The houses have stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and its fourth beach has received blue flag status and is rated at number 8 of the top 10 beaches in the world by Forbes.com. Shark attacks have been known but are not common.

The postal code for Clifton is 8005

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Transport

Clifton is served by  MyCiTi Bus,  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Resources

For permits, fishing rules, shell collecting regulations and other practical outdoor information, see the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Browse businesses and places to visit in Clifton

local weather today

 

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Useful Numbers in Clifton

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

• Emergency Services

• Emergency: 107
• Police .021437 8140
• Fire station: 021 480 7700
• Ambulance: 10177 087230 0404

• Medical

• Closest hospital/clinic: Somerset in Green Point 021 402 6911
• Municipal & Utilities
• Water and sanitation; 0860 103 089
• Electricity: 0860 103 089

• Transport & Roads

• Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

• Community & Safety

• NSRI 087 094 9774
• 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
• Childline South Africa: 116

• Local Contacts and Community Resources

• Closest Library: Camps Bay: 021 444 0487
• Community hall:021 400 3647

• Community, Safety and Community Resources

• SPCA, Cape of Good Hope  021 700 4140
• NSRI (Sea Rescue): 087 094 9774
• Childline South Africa: 116

• Closest Schools:

• Bay high 021 438 1507
• Camps Bay Primary: 021 438 1503