Chapman's Peak Drive
South Africa, africa
9 km
593 m
moderate
October to April
# Chapman's Peak Drive
Picture this: a jaw-dropping 9-kilometer coastal road hugging the cliffs of Chapman's Peak on South Africa's Cape Peninsula, snaking its way from Hout Bay to Noordhoek with a wild 114 curves that'll keep you on your toes. Completed way back in 1922, this engineering feat took seven years to carve through some seriously stubborn granite—pretty impressive for the time.
The drive is basically a love letter to dramatic scenery. You've got the Atlantic Ocean sprawling beneath you, pristine Noordhoek Beach's white sands, and the iconic Sentinel peak punctuating the landscape. It's no wonder film crews and advertisers can't get enough of this place—those curves and coastal views have starred in countless car commercials and movies.
Now, here's the real talk: the road had a rough patch. Rockfall was a serious problem, so it shut down for several years before reopening in 2003 after a major safety overhaul that cost over R155 million. These days, you'll find protective half-tunnels in the hairiest sections, catch fences, concrete canopies, and a high-tech rockfall detection system keeping things secure. A toll system helps fund the ongoing maintenance.
Whether you're a cyclist tackling the Cape Town Cycle Tour (the world's largest timed cycling event) or a road-tripper hunting for that perfect sunset photo, Chapman's Peak delivers. Just check the weather and road conditions before heading out—severe storms or rockfall alerts can trigger closures. There are plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots to soak it all in when you need a breather.
Where is it?
Chapman's Peak Drive is located in Western Cape, South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -34.0833, 18.3667
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips
Heads up—you'll need either cash or a card for tolls on this route, so make sure you've got one handy before you head out.
If you want the best views, drive from south to north and you'll have the ocean right there beside you. Seriously, it's gorgeous.
Sunset is *the* time to visit if you can swing it. The lighting is absolutely spectacular and makes for some incredible photos.
Before you make the drive, double-check that the road is actually open. It tends to close during storms, so you don't want to show up and find it shut down.
One last thing—weekend crowds tend to pick up because cyclists love this route. Just keep that in mind if you're trying to avoid traffic or want a more peaceful drive.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Region
- Western Cape
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 593 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- October to April
- Coordinates
- -34.0833, 18.3667
Related Roads in africa
hardAzrou n'Thor
🌍 Algeria
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Azrou n'Thor! This epic mountain peak soars to 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) in the Tizi Ouzou Province of northern Algeria. Your starting point? The legendary Col de Tirourda. From there, prepare for a wild ride on the Avrid n Wezru n Thur – a notorious gravel road that leads straight to the summit. This isn't your average Sunday drive; you'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast! Keep in mind, winter brings heavy snowfall, and even a little rain can turn this road into a serious challenge. Be ready for a steep climb – it's about 5.2km of pure adrenaline with views that'll knock your socks off.
moderateB90 is a High Mountain Road from Dodola to Dinsho
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Ethiopia's Oromia Region, you HAVE to check out the B90 from Dodola to Dinsho. Seriously, it's one of the highest paved roads in ALL of Africa! We're talking nestled-in-the-Bale-Mountains kind of views (they're also called the Urgoma Mountains, FYI), in the southeastern part of the country. Get ready for your head to be in the clouds, because you'll climb to a whopping 3,622 meters (that's nearly 12,000 feet!) above sea level. The whole shebang is inside Bale Mountains National Park, so expect some seriously stunning scenery. The B90 is fully paved and stretches for about 85 km (53 miles) linking Dodola, with Dinsho. Get your camera ready!
hardWhere is Wolkefit Pass?
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Wolkefit Pass! Nestled way up in Ethiopia's Amhara Region, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 2,905m (9,530ft). We're talking Semien Gondar Zone, deep in the northern part of the country. Locals might call it Uolchefit or Wilkifit, but whatever you call it, know that it's the highest point you'll hit in the Semien Mountains, those dramatic peaks of the Ethiopian Highlands. The road itself? A real throwback, built by the Italians back in the 30s. Don’t expect smooth sailing though, this entire stretch is unpaved. It winds for 38.4 km (almost 24 miles) from Debark up to Zarima, cutting right through the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. "Challenging" doesn't even begin to cover it. You're looking at a serious climb—about 2000 meters of elevation gain. Think hairpin turns, endless curves, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Some say it's the most dramatic road in Africa, and honestly, it feels like riding a rollercoaster straight to the top of the world!
hardHow to Reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by Motorcycle? An Altitude Record in Africa
🇹🇿 Tanzania
Picture this: Africa's majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, its peak reaching a staggering 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). And get this - back in '74, a group of adventurous souls from Moto Club Igualada actually rode a Bultaco Sherpa T 250cc motorcycle to the very top! This wasn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about navigating through Kilimanjaro National Park, adjusting to the altitude, and tackling unforgiving terrain of snow and ice. Along the way, they crossed volcanic rock scree without assistance. Their journey started in Igualada, Spain, drove to Algeciras by road, then embarked to Tangier and crossed Africa from north to south, covering a massive 20,000 kilometers, crossing the Algerian Sahara on the way back. The route took them through multiple countries, before finally arriving at the mountain, starting at the Marangu Hotel. The team reached Gilman’s Point at 5,820 meters, eventually making their way to Uhuru Peak. While not necessarily paved, it's a road with a view - one that few have ever experienced from the seat of a motorcycle!