Considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must see when you are visiting Cape Town. This post covers things to know about this drive as well as pictures from the drive that I hope will inspire you to visit!
What is the Chapman’s Peak Drive?
The Chapman’s Peak Drive is located in South Africa’s Western Cape province and as mentioned is considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. The drive is cut into the rock façade that hangs at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.
How Long is the Drive?
Chapman’s Peak Drive is about 8 KM long. Although relatively short distance wise, the route has over 100 bends (114 to be exact) and therefore, you need to drive this route very slowly. With no traffic and stops, it takes around 12-15 minutes to drive this route from start to stop. However, it will definitely take you longer as you will want to get out at the lookout points.
How Much Does it Cost and How to Pay?
The cost of Chapman’s Peak Drive depends on the type of vehicle you are driving. for a standard car, it is around ZAR 61. There is only one pay station. If you are coming from Hout Bay, you pay the toll almost at the start of the drive. Hold on to your receipt as they will check at the Day Pass Control Unit (see below for more). If you are coming from the other side, you pay at the toll station closer to the end of the drive.
There is a Chapman’s Peak Day Pass or Picnic Voucher that allows you to visit the designated picnic areas, viewing spots and mountain trails for free. The Pass is valid from the Hout Bay entrance up to the Day Pass Control Unit or in other words for the first 2.7 KM past the toll plaza building to the Day Pass Control Unit.
The pass is valid for the following hours:
- Oct – Mar – 06:00 – 20:00
- Apr – Sep – 07:00 – 18:30
What are the Opening Hours for Chapman’s Peak Drive?
Chapman’s Peak is open unless there is bad weather or fallen rocks. Check out this site to see if the road is open or not. They update the site often.
Best time to Visit?
There is no bad time to do the Chapman’s Peak Drive. My first drive was during sunset and the second was during the day time. Watching the sunset from the cliff side views are truly spectacular but so were seeing the deep blue colors of the ocean during day time. Sunset is a little more crowded as it is a popular time.
North to South or South to North?
I drove both directions and I prefer going from South to North (so from Noordhoek to Hout Bay). The reason for this is because they drive on the left hand side in South Africa and if you drive from South to North the cliffs will also be on your left hand side. This makes for easy stopping and returning back to the road. This being said, if you want to take advantage of the Day Pass, then you have to go North to South.
What Else to Do?
There are so many wonderful things to do in and around this area. I have listed a few options below.
- Go Hiking – there is a 5KM out and back trail on Chapman’s Peak Drive. See more HERE
- Visit Hout Bay – have lunch, snorkel with seals or go on a boat ride
- Kalk Bay – little fishing village with sea food options
- Boulders Beach – turquoise waters and resident penguins
- Cape of Good Hope – rugged cliffside views over the Atlantic Ocean
Check out this post below for more on bullets 2-5!
Chapman’s Peak Drive in Pictures
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2 comments
Your photographs are superb – absolutely beautiful scenery.
Thank you so much!! Really appreciate it 🙂