Things to do

Picnics: For tourists, visitors and families, picnic baskets are must-haves for the drive through Chapman’s Peak. Various viewpoints and picnic spots encourage people to make the most of their trip, as the views are spectacular. Find a peaceful spot, spread out your blanket and take pleasure in your snacks and drinks with a glorious view.

Photography: As one of the world’s most famous marine drives, Chapman’s Peak Drive offers ample opportunities for excellent photography. Viewpoints along the route enable road users to stop, enjoy the view and take pictures of the cliffs, seascapes and surrounding mountains. The villages of Hout Bay and Noordhoek, and the Cape Peninsula National Park also offer numerous opportunities for memorable photographs.

Hiking: Mountain hiking up Chapman's Peak and through Silvermine Nature Reserve and the Cape Peninsula National Park offers an accessible wilderness experience with spectacular views over the South Peninsula. The mountains have a number of plant species, including indigenous trees, Proteas, Ericas and reeds.

Running: Popular with Cape Town residents as a spectacular running and training route as the hills and slopes require fitness and effort. The route can be very busy particularly on weekend mornings. The annual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon includes Chapman’s Peak Drive as part of the route. Motorists are advised that Chapman’s Peak Drive is closed to the public on race day.

Cycling: As with road runner’s, Chapman’s Peak Drive is well utilised by cyclists living or visiting the area due to the hill training as part of a longer cycle route. The remarkable scenery makes the route an amazing experience for cyclists.

Whale Watching: Chapman’s Peak Drive and the surrounding coastal areas offer excellent whale watching spots during the annual whale season in Cape Town as a land based whale watching spot. The whales migrate in winter with the peak period from mid August- mid November.

Horse Riding: Noordhoek’s Long Beach with its 8km of pristine white sand, is a popular destination for beach horse riding.

Fishing: Hout Bay boasts one of the most active fishing harbours in South Africa. Housed within the harbour are the yacht and power-boat marinas - both popular and convenient stopovers for craft from all parts of the globe. Deep sea fishing charters leave from Hout Bay Harbour.

Water Sports: Hout Bay itself is probably one of the safest sailing venues anywhere in the world, and is also ideal for sea kayaking, surfing and scuba diving depending on the weather and wind conditions.

Shopping and Sightseeing: The villages of Noordhoek and Hout Bay offer quaint shops in which to browse and active weekend markets.

Eating Out: Numerous restaurants in Hout Bay and Noordhoek serve a perfect blend of local and international cuisine. Dining-out in both towns or on the Cape Point Route offers diversity in cuisine from relaxed waterside eateries to fine dining restaurants.

Events: Every March the largest timed cycle race in the world, the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, takes place around Cape Town which includes the highest section on the route at 169m over Chapman’s Peak Drive. On the Easter Weekend every year, the world’s most beautiful ultra marathon, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, takes place in Cape Town and part of the route includes Chapman’s Peak Drive. Please note that any additional events will have to be arranged with the operators.