The first time I drove Chapman’s Peak, I understood immediately why car manufacturers choose this road for television commercials. The 9-kilometre route clings to near-vertical cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in Cape Town, with 114 curves carved into the mountainside. It’s affectionately known as “Chappies” by locals, and it’s one of those drives where you genuinely need to keep reminding yourself to watch the road instead of the Atlantic Ocean crashing hundreds of metres below.
Quick overview
Chapman’s Peak Drive charges a R66 toll for light motor vehicles, payable in both directions. Motorcycles pay R43. The road is open 24/7 when weather permits, though it closes during heavy rain and high winds — common during winter months (May to September). No advance booking is required. Simply pay at the toll plaza on the Hout Bay end. Keep your receipt if returning the same day to avoid paying twice.
At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | R66 per car; R43 motorcycles; R20 minibus taxis |
| Opening hours | 24/7 when weather permits; closes during heavy rain/wind |
| Address | Toll plaza near Chapman’s Peak Hotel, Hout Bay |
| Free for | Nobody—all vehicles pay tolls |
| Last entry | Subject to weather conditions |
How much does Chapman’s Peak Drive cost?
The toll applies in both directions, so budget accordingly if you’re planning a return journey. Cash and card payments are accepted, excluding American Express and Diners Club.
| Vehicle type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | R43.00 | Motorcycles, tricycles, quadbikes |
| Light motor vehicles | R66.00 | Cars, minibuses, utilities |
| Registered minibus taxis | R20.00 | Valid operating licence required |
| 2-axle heavy vehicles | R267.00 | Small delivery vehicles, buses |
| 3-4 axle heavy vehicles | R668.00 | Large buses, heavy motor vehicles |
Frequent users can register for discounted rates starting from the third journey per month. Wild Card holders (South African National Parks and CapeNature) qualify for additional discounts if pre-registered with Entilini Concession. All prices include 15% VAT.
Is Chapman’s Peak Drive free to enter?
No. Every vehicle pays a toll in each direction. There are no free days, no twilight discounts, and no exemptions except for emergency vehicles. The toll road model funds the extensive maintenance required to keep this route safe — rockfall nets, catch fences, and constant monitoring cost millions annually. If you’re determined to experience the views without paying, you can hike Chapman’s Peak itself, though that’s a strenuous climb taking several hours.
5 great Cape Town experiences to book
- ⛰️ Combine the region’s natural highlights on a Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape Point day tour.
- 🚌 Take the genuinely useful hop-on, hop-off city tour, with an optional harbour cruise.
- 🏛️ Go on a hassle-free Robben Island tour, with pre-booked tickets and transfers.
- 🦁 See the Big Five at the Aquila Game Reserve on a day trip including lunch.
- 🧗 Go ziplining at the foot of Table Mountain.
What time does Chapman’s Peak Drive open?
When weather permits, the road is open 24 hours. This is the critical caveat — the road closes frequently during winter months (May through September) when rain and high winds increase rockfall risk. A 2015 fire destroyed much of the vegetation stabilising the mountainside, making weather-related closures more common.
Check the road status before setting out — follow the Chapman’s Peak Drive Facebook page for real-time updates. Registered frequent users receive SMS notifications when the road closes. The alternative route is Ou Kaapse Weg.
And, if it’s just Cape Town’s natural side you’re after, you can always head to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or combine the Boulders Beach penguins with the Cape of Good Hope.
Do I need to book Chapman’s Peak Drive tickets in advance?
No. Turn up and pay at the toll plaza on the Hout Bay end. There’s no ticketing system, no capacity limits, and no queues except occasionally during peak summer weekends. Take your time driving — the 114 curves and narrow sections require concentration. Budget 25-40 minutes one way, longer if you’re stopping at viewpoints.
History
Construction began in 1915 under Sir Nicolas Fredrick de Waal, first administrator of the Cape Province, who’d successfully championed the De Waal Drive linking Cape Town with southern suburbs. Two routes were considered: one over the low neck between peaks, another along the vertical sea cliffs.
The cliff route was deemed nearly impossible — surveying parties crawled on hands and knees investigating the perpendicular terrain. De Waal ordered the cliff route anyway. The road opened in 1922, a remarkable engineering achievement for the era.
Chapman’s Peak itself is named after John Chapman, pilot of the English ship Consent, becalmed in Hout Bay in 1607.
Fatal rockfalls in 1999 and 2000 forced lengthy closures. The road reopened as a toll road in 2005 after major engineering works including cantilevered sections, massive steel catch nets, and shotcrete reinforcement of unstable rock faces. It closed again from June 2008 to October 2009 for further upgrades.
BMW famously filmed their “Beat the Bends” commercial here in the 1990s, competing with a Mercedes-Benz advertisement.
What to see and do
Chapman’s Peak Drive is fundamentally about the scenery and the driving experience. Multiple viewpoints allow safe pull-offs to photograph the Atlantic coastline, Hout Bay’s crescent beach, The Sentinel peak, and Noordhoek’s Long Beach stretching towards Kommetjie.
From vantage points up to 593 metres above sea level, you’ll often spot whales and dolphins in the waters below, particularly during whale season (June to November). Baboon troops inhabit the mountainsides—don’t feed them under any circumstances.
The Bronze Leopard statue near the first sharp bend commemorates the road’s history. At Noordhoek’s southern end, you can access Long Beach for walking, or visit Noordhoek Farm Village for shops and restaurants. Hout Bay offers seal-watching boat trips, fish and chips at the harbour, and the weekend Bay Harbour Market.
What’s included with your toll?
- One-way passage along the 9km scenic drive
- Access to multiple designated viewpoints and pull-off areas
- Use of the engineered roadway including cantilevered sections
- Safe passage protected by rockfall nets and catch systems
- Emergency services coverage during operating hours
Things to do near Chapman’s Peak Drive
Hout Bay Seal Snorkelling (Hout Bay harbour, northern end of drive) – Swim with Cape fur seals in their natural environment. Guided tours provide wetsuits and equipment. The seals are playful and curious. Allow 2-3 hours including preparation.
Duiker Island Seal Cruise (Hout Bay harbour, northern end of drive) – Boat trips to view thousands of Cape fur seals on Duiker Island, plus occasional dolphin and whale sightings. Various operators depart from Hout Bay harbour.
Noordhoek Beach Horse Riding (Noordhoek, southern end of drive) – Hour-long rides along one of the Cape Peninsula’s most pristine beaches, through wetlands and lagoons. Several stables offer experiences for all abilities.
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary (Valley Road, Hout Bay, 3km from northern end) – Africa’s largest bird park with over 3,000 birds and small animals in walk-through aviaries. The monkey jungle is particularly popular with children.
Noordhoek Farm Village (Village Lane, Noordhoek, southern end) – Historic farm converted into artisan shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Aegir Project taproom serves craft beer, whilst various eateries offer lunch options. Free entry. Allow 1-2 hours for browsing and eating.
Other Cape Town attractions include the Heart of Cape Town Museum, exploring the story of the world’s first heart transplant.
Practical tips
- Check road status before travelling.
- Drive slowly — 114 curves require concentration, and viewpoints are numerous
- Keep your toll receipt if returning the same day
- Bring cash as backup — card machines occasionally fail due to signal issues
- The road is narrow with no centre line in places — give oncoming traffic space
- Tour buses and long vehicles may only travel north to south (Hout Bay to Noordhoek)
- Baboons are common — never feed them or leave food visible in your car
- Best photography in early morning or late afternoon for lighting
- Avoid May to September if possible — winter closures are frequent
- No fuel stations along the route — fill up beforehand
Frequently asked questions
Why does Chapman’s Peak Drive close so often?
A 2015 fire destroyed vegetation that stabilised the mountainside. The road now closes during any significant rain or high winds to prevent rockfall incidents. Winter months (May-September) see frequent closures.
Can I walk or cycle Chapman’s Peak Drive?
Yes, though you’ll pay the R43 motorcycle toll. Cycling is popular but challenging given the narrow road, sharp curves, and vehicle traffic. Walking the road is legal but inadvisable due to traffic. Hiking Chapman’s Peak mountain itself is a better pedestrian option.
Which direction should I drive?
Either works, though many prefer Hout Bay to Noordhoek (north to south) as you’re on the seaward side, making pull-offs easier. Tour buses must travel this direction. If combining with other Peninsula attractions, consider your route accordingly.
What if the road is closed?
Use Ou Kaapse Weg as the alternative route between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It’s longer and less scenic but reliable in all weather.
