Chapmans Peak Drive

Chapmans Peak Drive is not only one of Cape Town's most popular attractions, but also one of the world’s most popular scenic drives.

It is of course also one of the highlights during the annual 110km long Cape Town cycle tour which takes place again on Sunday, 8 March 2020. This major event on the Cape Town event calendar in March attracts more than 35 000 visitors to the Mother City every year.

Cape Town's Best Scenic Drive

Chapman Peak Drive is a wonderful stretch of road and during the cycle race the cyclists have the road to themselves! Cyclists from all over the world are expected to join the race in Cape Town. The route is strenuous but very scenic and can be enjoyed also by amateur riders as the Capetonians are known to line the roads partying and cheering every rider on. Chapman's Peak, however, is one of the main highlights providing stunning views. Beware, that the scenic drive is closed to the usual traffic on the day of the race.

What to know about Chapman's Peak Drive

The picturesque mountain road is winding up and down along the Atlantic Coast with 114 curves and is 9 km in length. It stretches from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. The scenic drive is a toll road and a small fee is collected. You can however access the first part of the road from Hout Bay and take a picnic at one of the parking bays before reaching the toll gate. From there you also can enjoy the lovely sunset over the fishing village. There are many viewpoints along this road. Further up the road the views are even more marvellous. 

Gorgeous views

This coastal drive offers stunning views along the Atlantic coastline and the pictoresque fishing village of Hout Bay as well as the stunning long white beach at Noordhoek. The villages on both sides of the Chapman’s Peak Drive are well worth a visit too. The lively Hout Bay and laid-back relaxed Noordhoek.

Hout Bay has still a fishing village atmosphere and is home to many expats as there is an international school located in the town's centre. Hout Bay Beach is very popular at the weekends with families having a picnic at this safe beach or at one of the parking spots to Chapmans Peak Drive.

At the other end of Chapman's Peak Drive, there is the quaint village of Noordhoek. Noordhoek's Long Beach, one of my family's favorite beaches in Cape Town is also very popular with families and horse riding is possible on this beach. Should the scenic road be closed due to heavy storms or during race day, all the villages to the south of this scenic drive, such as Noordhoek and Kommetjie can be reached via Ou Kaapse Weg, another scenic drive around Cape Town.

Chapmans Peak Drive in the Cape Town Cycle Tour - formerly Cape Argus Cycle Tour

The cycle tour is one of the major events in Cape Town and be prepared for a busy and exciting weekend, especially if you are staying around the V&A Waterfront. Some international cycling pros as well as many international and local stars will be coming to town to entertain and celebrate the fun event and all over the Mother City cyclists are getting ready for the big day. It's such a great vibe, you just have to find a way into the city - the start line is at Hertzog Boulevard near the Artscape Centre- and cheer for the cyclists either along the route or welcome the finishers back in Greenpoint, the finish line is close to the Greenpoint stadium.

Chapmans Peak Drive will be reserved for cyclists and closed for the general traffic from Saturday 7 March 2020 at 18h00 until Sunday, 8 March, 17h00. Please check for other road closures in Cape Town due to the cycle race.

Find more info about the road closures closer to the event here.

If you want to know more about the Cape Town cycle tour and the route please click on this link to learn more about the cycle tour. 

If you plan to join the race, have a great day at the Cape's best cycle race and have a safe journey! And all the best to our big boys! 

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