The Chapman’s Peak Drive is a scenic drive along the rocky shoreline of Chapman’s Peak, a must-see on your journey through South Africa. Also known as the “Chappies” among locals, it is one of the most famous sites in the Cape Town area. The route is only 9 km long, but consists of no less than 114 bends. Every turn you are treated to a different beautiful view of the Atlantic coast and the surrounding mountains and nature. A visit to Cape Town is really not complete without driving this special scenic drive. Discover all about the fantastic ‘Chappies’ route in this blog.
Sights
Only driving this car route is already awsome and it is definitely not called one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world for nothing. But there are also several sights along Chapman’s Peak Drive that are well worth a stop.
There are several viewpoints on the route where you have a wide view of the green mountains of Chapman’s Peak (593m high), the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent Hout Bay. Or look for the Bronze Leopard with its special story, take a look at the old cannons of East Fort or take one of the many walks through the surrounding mountains.
There are also several picnic points along the way where you can absolutely have lunch with a view. And what view! So don’t forget to bring some treats on the go.
Where is the start of the Chapman’s Peak Drive?
The breathtaking coastal route starts 22km south of Cape Town in Hout Bay, South Africa. And takes you via the highest point at Chapman’s Point to the more southern Noordhoek.
Tip: combine Chapman’s Peak Drive with a visit to the Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope!
The route is only 9 km long and is therefore ideal as a day trip from Cape Town. Without stopping, it takes about 20 minutes to drive the route. But I can assure you. There is plenty to see along the way and you will definitely want to stop regularly to enjoy the beautiful views. And so you will be on the road for a few hours longer before you know it.
You can easily rent a car via Sunny Cars or Rentalcars.com.
Toll road
Chapman’s Peak Drive is a toll road. If you want to drive the entire route, you have to pay a toll at the toll gate. The standard toll amount starts at R 52.00 incl 15% VAT (€ 2,70). Do you have a Wild Card? Then you will also receive some discount.
Don’t feel like paying a toll? A part of the route can also be visited for free with the Chapman’s Peak Day Pass. This allows you to make free use of the picnic areas, viewpoints and hiking trails which are located before the toll gate.
Please note: the day pass is only valid from Hout Bay and at certain times.
Best travel time
Tip: During sunset it is also highly recommended to drive the route, as the setting sun provides special lighting for the surrounding mountains.
Travel to Cape Town: how do you get there?
With KLM you fly directly to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in about 11.5 hours. You can also fly from Brussels or Düsseldorf, but then the flight duration is about 15 to 18 hours and you will also make a stopover on the way. However, the tickets with a change of planes are often somewhat cheaper.
Book your flight ticket to Cape Town
From Cape Town you can drive there in just under 30 minutes by following the signs for ‘Chapman’s Peak Drive’.
Rent a car in South Africa
If you want to see more of South Africa, it is definitely recommended to rent a car. We always rent via Sunny Cars. With them you can rent an all-inclusive car without any worries and hidden surcharges. When making the booking you immediately know what you the total costs are and all insurances are already included. Super convenient and you know for sure that everything is well organized when you pick up your rental car!
Another option is to arrange your rental car via, for example Rentalcars.com. But do check the conditions carefully to ensure that all necessary insurances are included and that you will not be faced with surprises at the counter.
Reserve your rental car in South Africa
Where to stay near the Chapman’s Peak Drive?
Looking for a nice hotel to stay near Chapman’s Peak Drive? Cape Town, Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Kommetjie are all around the corner from the Chappies and are wonderful places to stay before or after your visit. And ideal as a base to discover the rest of the Cape Peninsula.
Find a hotel at the Chapman’s Peak Drive
Good to know
- The maximum speed is 40 km per hour
- You cannot stop at the yellow line
- Buses are only allowed to travel from Hout Bay to Noordhoek and not the other way around
Have you already explored the Chapman’s Peak Drive?