Where is Chapman's Peak Drive located?
South Africa, africa
9 km
593 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising along South Africa's Atlantic Coast? You absolutely HAVE to experience Chapman's Peak Drive! This coastal gem, affectionately called "Chappies" by locals, is located on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, stretching between Hout Bay and Noordhoek.
Built into the side of Chapman's Peak mountain (you can even hike to the top!), this 9km toll road is a marvel of engineering with 114 curves carved into the near-vertical cliff face. Allow about 20-25 minutes to savor every twist and turn – trust me, you'll want to take your time!
"Chappies" isn't just a drive; it's an experience. With stunning 180º views of the Atlantic, you'll be gawking the whole time. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins playing in the waves below, and maybe even spot a baboon troop curiously watching you pass. There are plenty of picnic spots and vantage points to stop and soak it all in.
A word of caution: this beauty comes with a thrill! Expect sheer drops and a narrow, paved road, so take it slow (the speed limit is 40km/h) and be mindful of where you stop. Landslides can close the road sometimes too. "Chappies" is worth every bit of attention and a small toll fee. The views alone make this one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 593 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
extremeA demanding unpaved road to Tizi n'Oulaoun
🇲🇦 Morocco
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Tizi-n-Oulaoun, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled way up in central Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region! We're talking a lung-busting 2,789m (9,150ft) above sea level, making it one of Morocco's highest roads. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth tarmac – it's all unpaved, seriously narrow, and mind-blowingly steep. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? We're talking hundreds of meters down, with nothing but air between you and the bottom. Hairpin turns for days, a relentless climb, and definitely a test of your driving skills (and maybe your sanity!). 4x4 is a must! Not for the faint of heart – if you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe skip this one. The road winds its way to Amezri village, your starting point for conquering Irhil M'Goun from the south. Pro tip: check the weather before you go. This road can get hammered by avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and crazy high winds. But the views? Absolutely worth it.
hardLaitsoka Pass
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Laitsoka Pass in Lesotho's Leribè district. This baby climbs to a cool 2,644 meters (8,674 feet) above sea level. The road? It's paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. We're talking about the A25, the road that connects Lejone and Thaba-Tseka. Get ready for a serious workout for your steering wheel because this route throws a whopping 75 bends, corners, and curves at you. And did I mention it's steep? We're talking gradients hitting 1:5 in places. Hold on tight and enjoy the killer views!
moderateThe Curvy Road to Tizi n'Bab n'Ouyyad Is Not for the Sissies
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered the *most* epic road in Morocco: Tizi n'Bab n'Ouyyad. We're talking a whopping 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) above sea level! This beauty straddles the border of Béni Mellal and Drâa-Tafilalet provinces inside the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park. Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip! The road, which you'll find marked as N12-R317, climbs high into the High Atlas. Most of the 30.5 km (18.9 miles) route is paved, but be warned: there's a short unpaved section that is *intense*. Think crazy-steep drops and heart-pumping driving. This route links Ouaourioud to Imilchil, so buckle up for the ride of your life!
hardDriving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Way out in Morocco's Souss-Massa region, you'll find the Tizi n’Merekse, a super-high mountain pass topping out at 2,352m (7,716ft). It’s a quick detour, but the views of the Anti-Atlas mountains? Totally worth it, especially since you'll be far from the usual tourist crowds! Now, getting there is an adventure. You'll be tackling the Ait Qalla Track, a rough, unpaved mountain road that screams for a 4x4 with good clearance. Think classic Moroccan desert: loose gravel, red dust, and sharp rocks just waiting to mess with your tires. It's short, but seriously rugged, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. The climb starts from another high point, the Tizi n'Tmourhas, right off the already-challenging R112. The Ait Qalla Track is only about 1.9 km (1.18 miles) to the top, but don't let that fool you. Even though the road's fairly straight, there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a 7% gradient. And, at that altitude, the air gets thin, so your engine might struggle a bit. Plus, the loose surface means you'll definitely want 4WD to avoid spinning out. The Tizi n’Merekse is exposed and dry. In summer, expect intense heat and zero shade. Traffic is basically non-existent, so if you have car trouble, you might be waiting a while for help. Before heading up the Ait Qalla Track, make sure your ride's in top shape and you've got plenty of water. The reward? Epic panoramic views of the valleys below – a perspective of the Anti-Atlas most travelers never see. It's the perfect little add-on for overlanders already conquering the wild R112 and looking to bag another high-altitude pass!