Clifton Area Information

Clifton at a glance

Clifton is an exquisite seaside suburb in Cape Town, built into the slopes of Lion's Head and overlooking beautiful beaches and the blue Atlantic. Clifton is famous for its amazing beauty, with the pure white sandy beaches overlooking the glittering sea, and the stunning mountain backdrop.

Victoria Road cuts through the middle of Clifton. On one side are beach cottages, with winding steps down to the pearly white beaches. On the upper side are architectural masterpiece houses and apartments built into the mountain side, with glorious views over the shimmering ocean. It is no wonder that it is one of the most expensive suburbs in South Africa.

A brief history of the area

The first inhabitants of and visitors to Clifton would've been the Khoi. Later, in the late 18th century, Clifton was originally called Skoenmaker's Gat (Cobbler's Cave) after a ship deserter who lived in a cave above second beach. It was changed in the late 19th century to Clifton-on-Sea; named after Bessie Clifton who owned the only hotel in the area. Over the years the 'on Sea' bit got dropped, and today we know it simply as Clifton.

Property in Clifton is costly, but it wasn't always like this. The smaller size of the properties can be attributed to the area being 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 used to transport cars.

Climate

The four beaches of Clifton are well protected from the notorious south-easterly and, whilst there is the occasional wave, most simply lap at the shoreline. As with many parts of Cape Town, it can get windy in summer but is better protected than the neighbouring Camps Bay. Generally the weather is mild, with dry and hot summers and wet winters.

Schools in the area

There are no schools in Clifton itself, but Camps Bay Primary and High School are just around the corner, as are all of the schools in the Atlantic Seaboard, including Reddam, the French School and Montessori. The schools in the CBD and southern suburbs are also readily accessible.

Healthcare in the area

As Clifton is a very small suburb, the nearest healthcare facilities are in the neighbouring Camps Bay area. The Mediclinic and Netcare hospitals in Cape Town are word-class, and Camps Bay as well as Sea Point have excellent GPs, dentists, and other healthcare workers, catering to any and all health-related needs.

Shopping centres

There are no shops in Clifton to speak of, unless you count the granadilla ice lolly beach vendors. However, the neighbouring Camps Bay has everything one might need in the form of a Pick n Pay and Woolworths with other boutiques dotted in between. Should you need to do a more substantial shop, the V&A Waterfront is a short 10-15 minute drive away.

Distance from key points (Airports/CBD)

Clifton is a short 35 minutes from Cape Town International Airport. It's just 15 minutes away from the V&A Waterfront.

Restaurants

Like it's neighbours, Bakoven, and Bantry Bay, Clifton doesn't have any restaurants per se. However, it's just a stone's throw away from the Camps Bay strip, where one might enjoy anything from a quick coffee at Vide E, to glamorous seafood lunches and glitzy dinners at the likes of Bilboa, The Bungalow, and Zenzero before cocktails at the infamous Cafe Caprice.

Special attractions

Clifton has a set of 4 different beaches, separated by walls of huge rounded boulders. 4th beach is the most popular, frequented by glamorous people relaxing in the sun, while first and second beach are a bit quieter and perfect for families and trendy dogs. International visitors come back again year after year and it is a favourite destination for movie and rock stars, and the rich and famous. Aside from the beaches and stunning views, Clifton is also very close to Table Mountain, Cape Town City Centre, and the bustling V&A Waterfront.

Make Clifton your home. Let it be your story.

Clifton is one of the most sought-after suburbs to live in Cape Town for a reason. Glittering beaches, wind-protected coves, beach bungalows, stately modern homes and apartments with incredible views. Whether you're looking for a holiday home with style, investment property or are seeking out the beach life; at Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl, we can find the exact Clifton home you need.