site zip: AF ZA CPT 0149 | neighborhood: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Cape Country Routes | region: South Africa
Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Town's Peninsula Chapmans Peak Drive official website

 Chapman's Peak Drive        CAPE TOWN'S PENINSULA ATTRACTIONS

Scenic Coastal Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive ("Chappies", to the locals) is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastal road in South Africa and probably the world. For nearly 6 miles (9 km), the road winds through 114 curves as it climbs high above ocean cliffs and up the side of Chapman’s Peak. This toll road, hewn out of solid mountain rock, connects Hout Bay (in the north) with Noordhoek (in the South).

Take the time to drive safely and to pull off at several view sites along the route. The scenery is stunning and whales are often spotted during the winter months (best whale-spotting months: mid-August through mid-November).

Tip: If you are heading south towards Cape Point, take time out to visit Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie for a variety of family activities, including horseback rides on incredible Noordhoek beach.

Best Time to enjoy Chapman's Peak Drive
Weather and light conditions permitting, any time of year can be well worth the trip across Champman's Peak Drive. Best, in our opinion, is in the afternoon. In the morning much of the scenery will be in shadow. The sun of course sets in the west, so visitors may be fortunate to photograph a great Atlantic Ocean sunset.

The toll road may close from time to time for maintenance, so it's wise to check ahead of your trip, on the Chapman's Peak Drive website.

Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Peninsula

[1:59 min] [Attribution: Mendelsohnmedia]

Chapman's Peak Drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek is the most beautiful road on Cape Town's Peninsula, with stunning views of Hout Bay and the distintive Sentinel at the entrance to the bay.

Views from Chapman's Peak Drive

Panoramic views along Chapman's Peak Drive

Hiking Trail to Chapman's Peak

For even better vistas of the ocean and mountains, a hike up to Chapman’s Peak (alt. 593m / 1,945 ft.) will be well worth the effort.  It’s a moderate 3 hour round-trip walk and will reward you with amazing views of the Peninsula mountain chain, the Atlantic Ocean, Hout Bay and Long Beach to Kommetjie. On a really clear day, False Bay, Fish Hoek, Gordon’s Bay and the Constantia Berg can also be seen in the distance.

The trail up the mountain starts part-way along Chapman’s Peak Drive at the car park just below the ticket check point. If you are driving from Hout Bay and don’t plan on travelling through to Noordhoek, ask for a day pass at the toll gate to avoid the toll fee.

The steep but well maintained path ascends through proteas and fynbos. Turn right (south) where the path levels out near the top and follow the gradually ascending path to the minor peak and eventually to the rocky summit of Chapman’s Peak. Look out for the stunning view of Hout Bay as you round the first peak.

Read more about Chapman's Peak Drive.

Safety Guidelines
Take utmost care when hiking on the Mountain. Always look out for changes in weather, which can be unpredictable. Follow these safety guidelines when walking or hiking on the mountain.

Cape Peninsula Attractions

| Highlights of the Cape Peninsula| Boyes Drive | Cape Town and Peninsula Beaches |
| Camps Bay | Cape Point and Cape Of Good Hope Nature Reserve |
| Chapman's Peak Drive |False Bay Attractions and Activities |
| Groot Constantia Wine Estate | Hout Bay | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens |
| Llandudno | Penguin Colony at Boulders | Silvermine Nature Reserve |

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