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The Chapman’s Peak Drive offers scenic views, perfect for photography and driving. You can also stop at various viewpoints along the route to admire the coastline and surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails such as the Chapman's Peak Trail for outdoor enthusiasts, and the area is popular for picnics and enjoying the natural beauty.
Chapman's Drive, located on the Chapman's Peak section of Cape Town's M6 Highway, is 9 kilometers long and features approximately 114 curves. It's considered the most beautiful road in the world. With the ocean on one side and cliffs on the other, Chapman's Drive has been featured in promotional films for world-class brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It's a must-see for visitors to Cape Town.
Mediterranean climate
The toll booths on the road charge 28 rand (about 25 yuan) for each passing car.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a famous coastal road connecting Hout Bay to Noordhoek in Cape Town, South Africa. The drive is notable for its scenic beauty, carved into the cliffs of the mountains, and has been a vital route for travelers for over a century. It offers one of the most picturesque drives in the world, with views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky outcrops, and rugged terrain.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is located on the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, linking Hout Bay to Noordhoek. You can get there by car, taxi, or private tour. There are also bus tours that offer a scenic route along the drive. Walking along the road is not advised due to traffic, but there are walking trails in the surrounding areas.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is open daily, but it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for the best views and safety. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid traffic and crowds, especially during the peak summer months (December to February).
The entrance fee for Chapman’s Peak Drive is around 50 ZAR for a vehicle. Tickets can be purchased at the toll gate, and no online purchase is necessary for regular visitors. Discounts may apply for local residents and vehicles with fewer passengers.
No advance booking is required for visiting Chapman’s Peak Drive. Tickets are purchased on-site at the toll gate. However, booking is recommended for guided tours, especially during the busy tourist seasons.
A drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on stops at viewpoints. If you plan to hike or take a leisurely picnic, allocate 2-3 hours for a more relaxed experience.
The main highlight is the drive itself, which offers stunning views at every turn. Other must-see spots include the Chapman's Peak viewpoint, Hout Bay, and Noordhoek Beach. There are also several scenic stops along the way to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Guided tours are available, typically in English, offering insights into the history, wildlife, and geology of the area. Audio guides can also be rented for self-guided exploration, with multiple language options available for international visitors.
The best viewpoints include the Chapman’s Peak toll gate, the overlooks near the Noordhoek side, and the spot above Hout Bay with views over the bay. Each stop offers a panoramic view of the coastline, mountains, and ocean, perfect for photography.
Start from Hout Bay and drive towards Noordhoek, making stops at the various viewpoints along the way. After reaching Noordhoek, you can either return the same route or continue exploring the surrounding beaches and hiking trails.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Chapman’s Peak Drive. The road is open during daylight hours, and it is best visited in the morning or afternoon for optimal views and safety.
Chapman’s Peak Drive can get crowded during weekends and peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings on weekdays, especially outside the summer months (May to September).
There are rest areas with picnic spots along the drive, and toilets are available at the Chapman’s Peak toll gate. There are also small shops in the nearby towns of Hout Bay and Noordhoek where you can buy food, drinks, and souvenirs.
The drive itself is accessible for elderly and children in vehicles, and there are accessible viewpoints. However, the terrain and walking paths around some viewpoints may not be suitable for disabled visitors. It's best to use vehicles for the scenic drive and short walks to viewpoints.
Both cash and card payments are accepted at the toll gate. Mobile payments are also commonly accepted at shops and restaurants in the nearby towns.
There are restaurants and cafes in Hout Bay and Noordhoek, offering a variety of food and drink options. You can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional South African dishes, or international cuisine at these locations.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available at restaurants in Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Halal food options can be found in some restaurants or local eateries in the area.
There are several accommodations in Hout Bay and Noordhoek, including guesthouses, lodges, and boutique hotels. Some offer ocean views and easy access to Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Nearby attractions include the Hout Bay Harbour, Noordhoek Beach, the Constantia Wine Route, and the famous Table Mountain National Park. You can also visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or take a boat trip to Seal Island from Hout Bay.
Souvenir shops can be found in Hout Bay and Noordhoek, selling items like handmade crafts, jewelry, local art, postcards, and Cape-themed merchandise such as T-shirts and hats.
After visiting Chapman’s Peak Drive, you can continue to explore other parts of the Cape Peninsula by car, taxi, or guided tour. Public transport options like buses and minibus taxis are also available, but renting a car offers more flexibility for further exploration.
