While summer is by no means completely over, the days are getting a little shorter and the nights a little longer. The Autumn equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, takes place on 20 March 2018 - this is the date that day and night are almost equal length all over the world.
Little Lions Head is a fantastic walk above Llundudno and we hear it is a beautiful autumn equinox sacred site. Chapman's Peak Hike is another worthy outing and one can never go wrong with a sunset picnic on #Chappies. Remember that 21 March is a public holiday: Human Rights Day is this year on Wednesday so equinox night is like a weekend! Sunset will be at 18:57 on the 20 March.
If you are joining us for sundowners, then please note the fixed hours for validity of the Free Day Pass which is strictly enforced. The Day Pass voucher, valid from the Hout Bay side only, allows for free use of designated picnic areas, viewing spots and mountain trails, before the Day Pass Control Point, within the designated hours. Remember to keep your Day Pass as proof of entry and then when you leave, return it to the toll collector before the closing time noted below.
Summer (Oct – Mar): 06:00 – 20:00
Winter (Apr – Sep): 07:00 – 18:30
Do note that we are currently in the summer time but the hours for the day pass will change at the end of the month to winter timings, closing at 18:30 so take advantage of the current 8pm time! This principle applies to all national parks and as Chapman's Peak Drive falls within SANParks jurisdiction, the day pass rule is applicable.
Autumn in Cape Town, which occurs between March and May, is one of its most beautiful seasonal periods. Tree leaves and shrubs turn a bright red, earthy brown, vibrant orange and yellow, while temperatures stay pleasant. Some say that autumn is the best time to visit Cape Town, and #Chappies sunsets seem to be more spectacular than ever.
There is also tons happening in the city.... March is festival time in the Cape!
- Cape Town and peninsula: Cape Town Cycle Tour: 11 March 2018. Make sure to be informed also about the road closures that weekend - #Chappies will be closed for 24 hours
- Cape Town, Maynardville: Community Chest Carnival. 13 - 16 March 2018. Join the fun at the annual international food festival with activities for the whole family.
- Cape Town, Greenpoint: Cape Town Carnival. 17 March 2018. Join the colourful event on the Fan Walk from 15h00 or book a ticket/seat for the evening parade in Green Point.
- Cape Town, CBD: Cape Town Festival. 21 March 2018. Annual Human Rights Day festival in Company Gardens. TBC.
- Cape Town CBD: South African Eco Film Festival 22 – 30 March 2018. Labia Theatre, Cape Town
- Cape Town CBD: Cape Town International Jazz Festival 23 – 24 March 2018. Cape Town International Convention Centre
- Cape Town and peninsula: Two Oceans Marathon 31 March 2018 See here for road closures on Chapman's Peak Drive
If you are commuting regularly between the south peninsula and Cape Town city for work or for events, we invite you to register as a frequent user and earn discount passage the more you travel, with our progressive monthly discount. #drivemoresavemore
Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Plaza Office Hours:
The Toll Plaza is open Monday - Friday from 08h00 - 16h30 for registration as a Frequent User.
Address: Toll Plaza, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Plaza Tel: 021 791 8220
