Chapman’s Peak and Noordhoek

A view of Chapman’s Peak Drive from above

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay and is touted as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.

Chapman’s Peak is the 593m (1 945ft) high southerly extension of the Constantiaberg, and the 9km (5.6mi) long Chapman’s Peak Drive (when open) offers stunning 180-degree views over the Atlantic Ocean.

The route below the peak was initially constructed during World War I and traverses 114 curves along the rocky coastline. Starting in picturesque Hout Bay, the road winds steeply up to Chapman’s Peak point – revealing exquisite views of the sandy beaches and aquamarine ocean below – before heading down towards Noordhoek.

There are viewpoints en route which are ideal for picnics and sundowners, but keep an eye out for cheeky baboons! These appointed rest areas also offer the opportunity to take photographs of the sheer cliffs and breathtaking seascapes.

During whale season, you might be lucky enough see southern right whales in the ocean below.

Keen walkers will enjoy hiking up Chapman’s Peak and through Silvermine Nature Reserve and the Table Mountain National Park. The plant life is spectacular and includes Cape fynbos, including wild proteas, and indigenous trees.

Riders will enjoy Noordhoek’s Long Beach, renowned for horse-riding alongside the ocean. There are a number of riding schools in the area, and guided horse trails are on offer daily.

For watersports enthusiasts, Hout Bay is an excellent sailing venue, and Hout Bay harbour is a great place to hang out and enjoy the views of this gorgeous bay, while eating fish and chips. The Hout Bay beach is also a good swimming beach, though the water is a bit colder than at Muizenberg and Simon’s Town.

There are numerous restaurants in the villages of Noordhoek and Hout Bay, if you’d like to stop off for a snack or light lunch, and in both you’ll find quaint little shops where you can buy local arts and crafts, deli snacks and clothing.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is operated as a toll road and is sometimes closed to traffic for safety reasons (but may be open to walkers and cyclists, even if closed to motorised traffic), so it’s best to call the careline, +27 (0)21 791 8222, before attempting your journey.