Chapman's Peak Drive & Hout Bay: The Complete Scenic Drive Guide

Chapman's Peak Drive is about 9 km of road carved into the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with 114 curves and the Atlantic far below. Add the coast road from Camps Bay, the harbour at Hout Bay and a sunset stop, and you have one of the most beautiful half-days in Cape Town. This guide covers the route, the timing and the practical bits.

Who this drive is for

• Anyone with half a day who wants big views without a long trip.
• Photographers and sunset lovers: the light on the cliffs in the late afternoon is spectacular.
• Travellers who don't want to hike but still want the "top of the world" feeling.
• Couples: sunset on Chapman's, then dinner in Hout Bay or Camps Bay.

Best time to go

Late afternoon is the classic choice, as the sun sets over the Atlantic and lights up the cliffs. Morning is quieter and often less windy. The drive is lovely all year, but in winter, storms and heavy rain can close it, and in summer the south-easter wind can be very strong at the viewpoints.

On a weekend, combine it with the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, open on Fridays (into the evening) and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Check the market's own website for current times.

Sample half-day itinerary (with approximate drive times)

1. 13:30 Pick-up in the City Bowl, Sea Point or the V&A Waterfront.
2. approx. 20 min Along the coast through Clifton and Camps Bay, with the Twelve Apostles above you.
3. approx. 15 min Past Llandudno and over Suikerbossie into Hout Bay.
4. 14:15 Hout Bay harbour: walk the harbour, see the fishing boats, and if you want, take a short boat trip out to Duiker Island to see Cape fur seals (about 40 minutes to an hour).
5. 15:30 Fish and chips at the harbour, or the Bay Harbour Market if it's open.
6. approx. 20 to 30 min Chapman's Peak Drive towards Noordhoek, stopping at the viewpoints and picnic spots along the way.
7. Optional Coffee at Noordhoek Farm Village or a walk on Noordhoek Beach.
8. Sunset Drive back over Chapman's for golden hour, then return to town via Hout Bay and Camps Bay (approx. 40 min).

Times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. This also works as the last leg of a full Cape Point day.

What to check or book ahead

• Road status: Chapman's Peak Drive can close at short notice for rockfall risk, wind or rain. Check the official Chapman's Peak Drive website or social pages on the day.
• Toll: Chapman's Peak Drive is a toll road, with the toll plaza on the Hout Bay side.
• Seal boat trips: several boats leave Hout Bay harbour daily; on busy days, book a time in advance. Trips depend on the sea.
• Sunset dinner: book a table in Camps Bay or Hout Bay in summer, when the best sea-view spots fill up.

Local tips

• Driving direction: from Hout Bay towards Noordhoek, the sea is on the outside of the road, so passengers get the drop and the view. Coming back, the driver has it.
• Use the official stopping bays to take photos; never stop on a bend.
• Hold on to your hat. The wind at the viewpoints can be strong even when Camps Bay is calm.
• Keep valuables out of sight when you leave the car at viewpoints.
• Seals: don't feed or touch the seals at Hout Bay harbour; they are wild animals.
• Cyclists: Chapman's is popular with cyclists, especially at weekends, so give them space on the bends.

Why a private driver works well here

Chapman's Peak is a road of tight bends and sheer drops, where the best views are exactly where the driver needs to concentrate. With a private driver, everyone in the car enjoys the views, the stops are timed for the light, and nobody is circling Hout Bay harbour looking for parking.

Combine it with

Make it a full day with our Cape Point and Boulders penguins day trip, or see where it fits in 3 days in Cape Town.

Frequently asked questions

Opening hours, fees and road status change. Always check the official site of each attraction before you go. This guide is written by a local private driver service; we are not affiliated with any of the attractions mentioned.