Chapman's Peak Drive is a coastal road carved into the western flank of the Cape Peninsula, linking Hout Bay to Noordhoek via a striking 9 km route that hugs rock faces rising nearly vertically from the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed between 1915 and 1922 using convict labour and early engineering techniques, the drive features 114 bends and follows a geological unconformity between Cape Granite and Malmesbury sediments. Closed in the late 1990s due to rockfall risks, the road reopened in the early 2000s after extensive stabilization work—now protected by catch fences, canopies, and tunnels—making it both safer and a toll route that supports ongoing maintenance.
Beyond its engineering significance, Chapman's Peak Drive offers ecological and recreational appeal. Viewpoints perched up to 593 m above sea level provide sweeping panoramas of Hout Bay, The Sentinel and Noordhoek Beach, and from July to November visitors often spot southern right whales and dolphins in the waters below. The route forms part of major local events—such as the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Marathon—and provides picnic areas, hiking trails, and vantage spots ideal for sunrise or sunset photography. For travelers, it combines technical heritage, biodiversity—including endemic fynbos—and dramatic coastal scenery in a single, unforgettable drive.
A drive to rejuvenate your soul. Simple things in life don’t have to cost much. Hitting this route on a sunny day and ending with a sunset overlooking Houpt Bay is the best way to spend a day in the Cape. Spectacular views on the left and majestic glances on the right. This drive will make you appreciate Creation as a gift to mankind and baboon kind 😉
Blake Harris
5
Reviewed: 2025-06-07
The entire coastline here is absolutely stunning. Chapman’s Peak is the perfect spot to stop and catch the sunset — highly recommend making time for it.
Rick Rohan
5
Reviewed: 2025-06-03
This is one of my favourite hikes near Cape Town. The path is straightforward, not difficult but tough in terms of uphills. It's impossible to get lost and relatively safer than other trails but going alone is still not recommended. The top of Chapman's peak offers stunning 360° views. Every corner offers incredible views. There is limited parking at the start.
Annelise Shannon
5
Reviewed: 2025-04-07
Beautiful drive along the cliffs of South Africa. Definitely worth doing. Beautiful view with scenic stops along the way.
Riaana Riley
5
Reviewed: 2025-01-27
Obsessed with the views and scenery. Whether it's cloudy or clear skies, it's absolutely beautiful.
The drive itself is so much fun. There has been some road works but it's always managed very well amd efficiently.
There are lots of little stops and picnic tables along the way so it's definitely worth doing a little picnic sometime.
Jacob Nare 
Blake Harris 
Rick Rohan 
Annelise Shannon 
Riaana Riley 
