Description
Chapman's Peak Drive, often referred to as "Chappies," is a breath-taking 9-kilometre coastal road that winds along the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on Cape Town’s southwestern peninsula. Constructed between 1915 and 1922, the route features 114 curves carved into the mountainside, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and steep mountain slopes on the other. The road is an engineering marvel, recently upgraded with safety measures like protective rockfall nets and shelters to ensure a secure but exhilarating drive.
The drive is open year-round, although it may close temporarily during severe weather due to rockfall risk. A small toll is charged to help maintain the route and its surrounding environment, which is part of the Table Mountain National Park. There are numerous well-marked viewpoints where travellers can stop, enjoy a picnic, and take in the dramatic seascapes. During whale season, from July to November, southern right whales and dolphins can often be spotted from the roadside, and baboons are sometimes seen on the cliffs.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a favourite not just among motorists but also with cyclists, runners, and hikers. A marked hiking trail along the drive offers an up-close experience with the area's indigenous fynbos vegetation and panoramic views. The road is a highlight during major local events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Two Oceans Marathon. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the route delivers some of the most stunning and accessible scenery in the Cape Town area, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
Location
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Chapmans Peak Drive, Outside, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa