Top 10 reasons to use Chapman's Peak Drive

#Chappies as we are fondly known as, is more often than not in the list of Top 10 Reasons to Visit Cape Town or Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town and even in the Top 10 Drives in South Africa. Mostly #Chappies is described as a spectacular scenic route and a must do activity in Cape Town.  There is more to Chapman's Peak Drive than meets the eye!  

For some people driving on Chapman's Peak Drive is a once in a lifetime experience, but if you are lucky enough to live in Cape Town or visit regularly, you could experience this piece of paradise on a regular basis. (Hint: Register as a Frequent User for savings - the  more you drive the cheaper it gets) 

Here are our top 10 reasons to use #Chappies

1. Views, views and views

   It's pretty much all about the views on, arguably one of the world's best coastal drives. There are very few more spectacular drives in the world, particularly on a late afternoon cruise.  Views of the sea, the mountains, the beaches and the coastal towns of the Cape.  Samuel Johnson once said "If you are tired of London, you are tired of life". We think the quite should read: "If you are tired of #Chappies, you are tired of life"

2. Photography

   This is photographic heaven!  The route with its numerous vantage points and pull-over sections offers vistas and views, horizons, clouds, colours & light, sunsets, wildlife, flora, fauna, birds, rock formations,  people, romantics, families, cars and motorbikes.  Whatever your photographic niche, you are almost guaranteed to get a good photo!  (See Cape Town's Top 10 Selfie spots)

3. Picnics

   #Chappies has some 60 picnic tables on the 9km route, each with a mountain and sea view.  Stop at a local deli and stock up on picnic items - you may want to stick around for awhile with uninterrupted views and surrounded by nature.  (See Perfect Picnics on Chapman's Peak Drive)

4. Sunsets

   We do sunsets and we do them well - admittedly with some help from Mother Nature.  We do have the added benefit of completely uninterrupted views across the oceans where the African sun sets in the west.  You'll probably have the sunset and the view to yourself!  (See Join us for a sunset cruise)

5. Whale Watching

   Whales migrate to Cape Town's shores between May - November with the peak period being mid-August to end-September. #Chappies is one of the best land based viewing sites in Cape Town for whale watching.

6. Fitness

   Whether you walk, hike, run or cycle,  #Chappies is extremely popular with outdoor enthusiasts who train for major events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Two Oceans Marathon which take place on #Chappies every year. Some people just love getting some exercise in the fresh air with incredible views and Chapmans Peak Drive fits the bill for your outdoor exercise routine.

7. Access route:  Commuters and Tourism

   Not only is this drive one of the most spectacular scenic drives, it is also a commuter route, providing access between the south peninsula of Cape Town (Noordhoek & Kommetjie and Hout Bay to the city centre.  Many  Frequent users can register with the concessionaire to received progressive discounts with monthly usage.  It is also one of the major routes from the city centre to access the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park - one of Cape Town's most visited attractions.

8. Table Mountain National Park

   Due to it's location on the slopes of the Table Mountain Chain, #Chappies is intricately linked with Table Mountain National Park, which is a global biodiversity hotspot - with particular emphasis on the floral kingdom and the unique fynbos.  Take a hike up Chapman's Peak.

9. Day Pass

   You can use it for free!  As in life, a few terms and conditions apply but the Chapman's Peak Day Pass enables any visitor to access the drive from the Hout Bay side to the Day Pass Control Point for free during daylight hours.  Get your Day Pass aka #ChappiesforFree (See Fixed Hours for Chappies Day Pass)

10. Fascinating engineering

    Take a moment to appreciate the original engineering to carve the road out of the mountain and the subsequent facelift to prevent dangerous rock falls, using cantilevered bridges, catchment fences and half-tunnels.  

#DriveTime #Top10ReasonsToUseChapmansPeakDrive

Have you got anything to add to our list! We'd love to hear from you and your suggestions or tag us

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