Chapman's Peak Drive
South Africa, africa
9 km
593 m
moderate
October to April
Chapman's Peak Drive is a 9-kilometer toll road carved into the cliff face of Chapman's Peak on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Connecting Hout Bay with Noordhoek, the road features 114 curves along its route and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the white sands of Noordhoek Beach, and the Sentinel peak. Completed in 1922, the road was an engineering marvel of its time, requiring seven years of construction through hard Chapman's Peak granite.
The road was closed for several years due to rockfall danger and reopened in 2003 after an extensive safety upgrade that included catch fences, concrete canopies, and a sophisticated rockfall detection system. The upgrade cost over R155 million and introduced a toll system to fund ongoing maintenance. The road now features half-tunnels in the most exposed sections, protecting vehicles from falling rocks while preserving the spectacular ocean views through open sides.
Chapman's Peak Drive is a favorite among film crews and advertisers, having appeared in numerous car commercials and films due to its photogenic curves and dramatic setting. The road is also a key section of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the world's largest timed cycling event, and the Two Oceans Marathon. The drive offers several marked viewpoints and picnic areas, and the views at sunset are particularly spectacular. The road can close during severe storms or when the rockfall detection system is triggered, so checking conditions before driving is recommended.
Where is it?
Chapman's Peak Drive is located in Western Cape, South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -34.0833, 18.3667
Driving Tips
Toll road; bring cash or card. Drive south to north for ocean-side views. Visit at sunset for spectacular lighting. Check if open before driving; closes in storms. Popular with cyclists on weekends.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Region
- Western Cape
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 593 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- October to April
- Coordinates
- -34.0833, 18.3667
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