Satellite map of Chapman's Peak Drive

Western Cape · South Africa

Chapman's Peak Drive

M6Hout Bay to Noordhoek

Distance5.9 mi9.5 km
Drive time13 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 7 of 10
Add to trip GPX

Nine kilometres carved into the near-vertical face of Chapman’s Peak, the Atlantic straight below and 114 bends between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The catch nets and rock canopy tell you exactly what kind of road this is.

This 9 km toll road links Hout Bay and Noordhoek, hugging the near-vertical face of Chapman’s Peak above the Atlantic. Cut into the mountain between 1915 and 1922, it winds through 114 bends, with catch nets, a 155-metre half-tunnel and a cantilevered rock canopy guarding against rockfall. Mind the falling rock, cyclists and weather closures.

Carved into the cliff face between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, the Atlantic falling away beside you and the bends hugging the rock so close you could almost touch it.

Why we picked it

Scenery

CoastMountain

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

Where it runs5.9 mi · point to point

Hout BayStart · Western Cape
NoordhoekEnd · Western Cape

Character

Corners114bends
Tightness7of 10
Max gradient13%≈ 1-in-8
Climb255 mtotal ascent
Summit183.5 mhighest point of the line · 602 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 1
1.53.04.5 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%17.3 – 183.5 m
summit · 183.5 m 50100150 m 0.03.05.9 mi

Points of interest3 stops

  • Chapman’s Peak View PointViewpoint
    3.2 mi in
  • Chapman’s PeakViewpoint
    3.8 mi in
  • Old manganese mineLandmark
    0.2 mi in

Hazards

  • Rockfall and slides
  • Cyclists and pedestrians
  • Toll gate and closures
  • Frequently closed at short notice for rockfall, wind or maintenance; check the official status before you go

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Chapman's Peak Drive: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Chapman's Peak Drive?
Chapman’s Peak Drive runs 5.9 miles (9.5 km) and takes about 13 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Chapman's Peak Drive to drive?
We rate it moderate: 114 corners, a maximum gradient of 13%, and a tightness of 7 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Chapman's Peak Drive?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.
Is there a toll on the Chapman's Peak Drive?
Toll gate and closures.

Nearby roads

The closest great drives to Chapman's Peak Drive.

All 9 roads in South Africa ›