Chapman's Peak Drive: Cape Town's Most Scenic Road

Drive the legendary Chapman's Peak — 114 curves carved into the cliff between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Route tips, tolls, best time and top tours.

Few roads anywhere in the world deliver the kind of raw, jaw-dropping beauty that Chapman's Peak Drive does. Carved into the near-vertical cliff face between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, this nine-kilometre toll road twists through 114 curves with nothing but the deep blue ocean below and the rugged mountain above. It is consistently ranked among the planet's most scenic coastal drives — and once you have done it, you will understand why. This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip along Chappies, plus the best scenic drives and tours from Cape Town.

Key Takeaways

Where: Between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on the Cape Peninsula, about 20 minutes from central Cape Town
Length: 9 km of toll road with 114 curves blasted from the cliff face
Cost: Around R62 per car (2025 toll) — cash or card accepted
Best time: Late afternoon for golden light, or early morning for fewer cars and clear skies
Tip: Combine with a Cape Peninsula loop — Hout Bay, Cape Point, Boulders Beach and back through the Winelands

Why Chapman's Peak Drive Is Legendary

Construction began in 1915 and took seven years of blasting, chiselling and engineering through layers of granite and sandstone. The result is a road that follows the natural contours of the mountain so faithfully it feels as though the mountain itself is guiding you. From the Hout Bay side, the route climbs steeply and then undulates along the cliff with the Atlantic far below. On a clear day the views stretch all the way to Cape Point and the mountains of the Hottentots Holland range across False Bay.

The winding coastal road of Chapmans Peak Drive carved into the cliff above the Atlantic Ocean — The winding road of Chapman's Peak Drive, carved into the cliff high above the Atlantic

There are several signposted viewpoints where you can pull over, and every single one is worth stopping at. Photographers love the stretch roughly halfway along the drive where the road curves back on itself and you can see the ribbon of tarmac snaking along the cliff face — an image that has featured in car adverts, travel magazines and Hollywood films.

Best Scenic Drives from Cape Town

Chapman's Peak Drive is the crown jewel, but the Cape Peninsula is packed with spectacular roads. Here are the routes every visitor should know:

Route	Distance	Highlights
Chapman's Peak Drive	9 km	114 curves, sheer cliff drops, Hout Bay to Noordhoek
Cape Peninsula Loop	~110 km round trip	Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Kalk Bay
Clarence Drive (R44)	~20 km	Gordon's Bay to Rooi-Els, coastal cliffs, whale watching in season
Victoria Road (Camps Bay)	~8 km	Sea Point to Camps Bay along the Atlantic Seaboard, Twelve Apostles views
Franschhoek Pass (R45)	~15 km	Mountain pass over the Drakenstein range into the Franschhoek Valley

Planning Your Chapman's Peak Drive Trip

The road is open daily from around 06:00 to 19:00 (hours may vary seasonally). It occasionally closes during heavy rain due to rockfall risk — you can check the status at the toll plaza or online before setting out. The toll is around R62 per car in 2025, payable by card or cash. Motorcycles are around R30. There is no charge for cyclists, who regularly use the route for training rides, especially at weekends.

Chapmans Peak mountain rising above the Atlantic coast seen from a distance — Chapman's Peak rising above the Atlantic coast — one of the Cape's most dramatic profiles

For the best photos and softest light, drive the route from the Hout Bay side (north to south) in the late afternoon when the sun is low over the Atlantic. Morning drives are also excellent — fewer cars, and the mountain face catches the early light beautifully.

What to Do Along the Way

Hout Bay: Start or finish with fresh fish and chips at the harbour, or take a boat trip to see the Cape fur seal colony on Duiker Island. The craft market at the harbour is worth a browse.

Noordhoek Beach: At the southern end of the drive, Noordhoek's Long Beach stretches for over six kilometres of pristine white sand backed by wetlands. Perfect for a walk, horse ride, or a coffee at The Foodbarn.

Combine with Cape Point: Most visitors pair Chapman's Peak Drive with the full Cape Peninsula circuit — continuing south to Kommetjie, Scarborough, Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, and then up through Simon's Town, Boulders Beach and Fish Hoek. It is one of the greatest day trips in the world.

Aerial view of Chapmans Peak Drive winding along the coast — The dramatic cliff-hugging curves of Chapman's Peak from above

The Twelve Apostles mountain range along the Atlantic coastline near Camps Bay — The Twelve Apostles and Atlantic Seaboard drive near Camps Bay

Chapmans Peak Drive road carved into the mountainside above the ocean — Chapman's Peak Drive carved into the mountainside

The lighthouse at Cape Point above dramatic sea cliffs — Cape Point lighthouse — continue south for the full Peninsula loop

African penguins on the rocks at Boulders Beach near Simons Town — Boulders Beach penguins — a highlight on the return leg via False Bay

Best Cape Peninsula Tours from Cape Town

If you want a guide who knows every viewpoint, every shortcut and every story behind the scenery, a guided tour is the way to go. Here are some of the best options that include Chapman's Peak Drive:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chapman's Peak Drive safe to drive?

Yes. The road has been upgraded with catch-fences and netting to protect against rockfall. It closes temporarily during extreme weather for safety. The speed limit is 40 km/h on most of the route, and there are regular pull-off bays. Drive slowly, keep left, and enjoy the views.

How long does it take to drive Chapman's Peak?

The nine-kilometre toll section takes about 15 to 20 minutes non-stop, but most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour stopping at viewpoints for photos. Budget extra time if you plan to explore Hout Bay or Noordhoek at either end.

Can you cycle Chapman's Peak Drive?

Absolutely. The road is popular with cyclists, especially on weekend mornings. There is no toll for bikes. The climb from the Hout Bay side is steep but manageable, and the descent into Noordhoek is thrilling. Beware of traffic — ride single file and wear bright kit.

What is the best time of year to drive Chapman's Peak?

October to April (spring and summer) offers the longest daylight hours, warmest weather and calmest seas. Winter (June to August) can be dramatic with big swells and moody skies, but the road may close during heavy rain. Late afternoon light from the west is spectacular year-round.

Can I combine Chapman's Peak with a Cape Point day trip?

Yes — this is the classic full-day Cape Peninsula loop and one of the most popular day trips in South Africa. Drive south from the city via Camps Bay and Hout Bay, traverse Chapman's Peak, continue to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, then return via Boulders Beach and Kalk Bay. Or let a guide do the driving with a Cape Peninsula Private Tour.