Whether you are a South African visiting Cape Town or an international tourist spending time in the Mother City, a visit to Chapman's Peak Drive is an absolute must!
Chapman’s Peak Drive is regarded as one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this scenic 25-minute drive runs almost 9km between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on Cape Town's western coast. With jagged mountain cliffs rising up on one side and the Atlantic Ocean crashing below on the other, there is an unforgettable view at every curve — all 114 of them.
A rock fall in late 1999 forced the closure of Chapman's Peak Drive for nearly three years affecting the residents of Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Both local and international tourists were also denied some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cape Peninsula. However, the upgrading of Chapman's Peak Drive has gone on to win international acclaim as one of the most innovative road engineering projects, beating another eight international projects to win the 2004 Civil Engineering Award for road design.
Interesting facts about Chapman's Peak
Discover the captivating allure of Chapmans Peak through these intriguing and delightful fun facts...
Spectacular
Scenic Route
Make sure you bring your camera! Chapman's Peak Drive is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. It winds its way along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town, South Africa, offering stunning views of the ocean, rocky cliffs, and the surrounding mountains. It's a favourite spot for photographers and tourists alike.
Historic Construction
Construction of Chapman's Peak Drive began in the early 20th century and was completed in 1922. It's an engineering marvel, featuring numerous tunnels and cuttings that were carved into the mountainside, making it one of the most beautiful and impressive coastal drives in the world.
Famous
Movie Star
Chapman's Peak Drive has been a popular filming location for numerous movies and commercials, thanks to its dramatic natural beauty. It has appeared in films like "Blood Diamond" and has been featured in various advertisements and television shows, adding to its fame as a scenic backdrop in the entertainment industry.
Drive North to South or South to North?
No matter how many times you drive over Chapmans Peak, it's almost impossible to pick a route preference. We suggest that you do both so that you get double the beauty and photographs from two different perspectives. Start from Hout Bay in the North and drive South for spectacular views of Long Beach in Noordhoek, or drive from Noordhoek / Fish Hoek Valley in the South and wind your way down into gorgeous Hout Bay.
You can expect views like this when you drive Chapman's Peak
Click on an image of Chapman's Peak below to enlarge the photo.
Chapman's Peak
Chapman's Peak Drive is a toll road, with annual inflationary increases. Each category of vehicle pays a different tariff and the tariff is applicable in each direction. The Chapman's Peak Day Pass (or Picnic Voucher) allows the public to use part of Chapman's Peak Drive for free. It is valid for use of the designated picnic areas, viewing spots and mountain trails, before the Day Pass Control Point. Click on the button below to learn more about standard tariffs
