Chapman's Peak Drive

Planning ahead can make a trip to Chapman's Peak Drive even more rewarding. The road is open year-round, although occasional closures happen in bad weather or for maintenance. Most visitors arrive by car, but cycling and touring on foot are also popular with those chasing adventure. The drive is just under nine kilometers, but stopping along the way is essential for photos and picnics. It’s worth checking online for up-to-date road status before setting out, as the route can get busy— especially near sunset. There is a small toll fee, payable by cash or card.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon (for golden sunlight and quieter roads); spring and autumn bring milder temperatures and clear skies.
• How to get there: By car from Cape Town or Hout Bay. Public transport does not regularly service the drive. Guided tours are available from local operators.
• Accessibility: Suitable for families with children and seniors; main viewpoints have parking and gentle paths, but not all stops are wheelchair-friendly.
• Average visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, including stops for photos, snacks, and short walks.

Chapman’s Peak Drive weaves past rugged cliffs and hidden beaches, with several official lookout points offering plenty to explore and admire. Each stop reveals new angles— from sweeping bays dotted with seabirds to rock formations weathered by wind and waves. History buffs and nature lovers alike will find extra layers of interest in the commemorative plaques and indigenous flora. Although the drive itself is the main event, local markets, weekend food stalls, and beach walks add extra flavor to any visit.

• Key sights or features: Chapman’s Peak viewpoint (with an unmatched overlook of Hout Bay); Noordhoek beach stretch for wild, untouched sand.
• Unique experiences: Sunset picnic at one of the designated areas; spontaneous whale-spotting during migration season (July to November); cycling the full winding route for a fitness challenge.
• Photo-worthy locations: Panoramic Hout Bay outlook, the famous “Chappies” curve, and boulder-stacked cliffs catching the golden hour light.
• Cultural or historical facts: Originally constructed in the early 1920s; during the Cape Town Cycle Tour, thousands of cyclists tackle the drive; local fynbos vegetation, part of a World Heritage Site, flourishes along the route.