Detour #34: Chapman's Peak Drive, South Africa
If you happen to remember the 90s, and you happen to have seen a car commercial that decade, then there’s a very good chance it was filmed on Chapman’s Peak Drive. Mercedes-Benz infamously made an ad about Christopher White who went over the edge and survived a 100m plummet to the rocks below, whilst numerous others celebrated the road's glorious curves and breathtaking vista in less gruesome ways.
In 1997 Nissan held the launch of its Sunderland-built Primera GT in South Africa, and Chapman’s Peak Drive became an impromptu tarmac rally-stage, with a group of British motoring writers racing throughs its 114 turns. Despite its sales rep reputation the Primera was a surprisingly fun tool to hurl along Chapman’s Peak (especially in pursuit of one Dickie Meaden). It would even go on to take two British Touring Car Championships.
Enough nostalgia, now back to the road. The best views are travelling from south to north. Starting in Noordhoek, you will climb above its stunning white sandy beach, hugging the cliffs, catching the occasional glimpse of Table Mountain in the distance. Look left (if you dare) and you’ll see into Hout Bay. Time it right in the Spring months and you might even manage a bit of whale watching on the way - although that’s best done from one of the many lookouts, rather than at speed.
‘Chappies’ as the locals call it, can get very busy with tourists, and while undoubtedly the most gram-worthy time of day to visit is at sunset, you’ll enjoy the drive far more in the early hours before the buses and badly-driven rental cars take over.
Visitors to South Africa always hope to see the ‘big five’ on their adventures, I’d strongly suggest adding Chapman’s Peak Drive as number six.
Words Nik Berg Twitter | Instagram
Photography Sebastian Staines / Jacques Burger / Unsplash
ROADBOOK
Class: AD-VENTURE
Name: CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE
Route: Noordhoek to hout bay
Country: SOUTH AFRICA
Distance: 6 miles